Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Rokinon AF 50mm f/1.4 50mm
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 AF 50mm f/1.4 50mm
The Rokinon 50mm f/1.4 lens receives generally positive feedback for its excellent value, sharp optics, and solid build quality, especially for astrophotography and low-light use. However, many users note that the autofocus can be inconsistent and unreliable for fast-moving subjects, and some copies have decentering issues. The lens is fully manual on certain mounts, which is a key consideration for buyers.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Sharp optics for the price
- Solid all-metal build quality
- Great for astrophotography
- Good low-light performance at f/1.4
Cons
- Inconsistent autofocus performance
- Autofocus unreliable for fast-moving subjects
- Some copies have decentering issues
- Soft corners at f/1.4
- Fully manual on certain mounts
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Rokinon AF 50mm f/1.4 50mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | — | 9 |
| Groups | — | 6 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Ultra Multi-Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 8★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.42 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 450 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:6.25★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
Rokinon AF 50mm f/1.4 50mm
- Strong aperture (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong bokeh (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Below average af (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 84 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.