Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Pentax DA 22177 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
Pentax DA 22177 50mm
This Pentax DA 50mm f/1.8 lens is widely praised for its outstanding optical quality, sharpness, and beautiful bokeh at an affordable price. Users note the all-plastic build feels solid despite being lightweight, though it lacks weather resistance, quick-shift focus, and a lens hood. The screw-drive autofocus is noisy and can hunt in low light, but the image quality and value make it a highly recommended prime lens for Pentax shooters.
Pros
- Outstanding optical quality and sharpness
- Beautiful bokeh
- Excellent value for money
- Lightweight and compact
- Solid build despite plastic construction
Cons
- No weather resistance
- No quick-shift focus
- No lens hood or case included
- Noisy screw-drive autofocus
- Autofocus hunts in low light
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Pentax DA 22177 50mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | — | 6 |
| Groups | — | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2★ | — |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | SP Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Pentax K |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.12 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 451 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:6.67★ |
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
Pentax DA 22177 50mm
- Strong build (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average optical (31st percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.