Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Rokinon SP RK3512-FX 35mm
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
The Nikon 16-85mm VR is widely praised as an excellent all-around zoom for DX cameras, delivering sharp images across the focal range with effective VR. Users note it outperforms kit lenses like the 18-105mm and even rivals the pricier 17-55mm in sharpness, though it is heavy and somewhat slow (f/3.5-5.6). Build quality is solid with a metal barrel, and the 16mm wide end is a key advantage for landscapes. Some caution about vignetting with thick filters and barrel distortion at 16mm, but overall it is considered a worthy investment for enthusiasts.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness across focal range
- Effective VR II image stabilization
- Solid build with metal barrel
- Useful 16-85mm zoom range
- Great for landscapes and travel
Cons
- Heavy weight (3.1 lb with D90)
- Slow aperture (f/3.5-5.6)
- Expensive for an f/3.5-5.6 lens
- Barrel distortion at 16mm
- Vignetting with thick filters at 16mm
Rokinon SP RK3512-FX 35mm
User experiences with this lens are mixed. One reviewer praised it for being sharp and joyful on a Fujifilm camera, noting only minor chromatic aberration issues. Another found it a great value, while a third user was disappointed enough by the build quality to return it. Compatibility questions confirm it works with Sony E mount but not with Canon EF/EF-S DSLR cameras like the 60D.
Pros
- Sharp from f/1.4 onward
- Joyful to use
- Great value for the price
- Compatible with Sony E mount
Cons
- Chromatic aberration on backlit subjects
- Softer at f/1.2 compared to f/1.4
- Poor build quality reported
- Not compatible with Canon EF/EF-S DSLRs
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Rokinon SP RK3512-FX 35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | — | 9 |
| Groups | — | 7 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Ultra Multi-Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.2 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.42 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 62 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 340 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:5.9★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
Rokinon SP RK3512-FX 35mm
- Strong macro (65th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (4th percentile)4th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.