Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
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
Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 lens is highly praised for its sharpness, fast autofocus, and lightweight design, making it a versatile and affordable alternative to Sony's GM lenses. Users appreciate its performance in portraits and low light, though some note the plastic build and lack of weather sealing as drawbacks. Overall, it is considered an excellent value for both enthusiasts and professionals.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Lightweight design
- Versatile focal range
- Good value for money
Cons
- Plastic build quality
- No weather sealing
- Zoom ring reversed from focus ring
- Slightly long for discrete use
- Colors slightly duller than GM lenses
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 75 mm |
| Elements | — | 17 |
| Groups | — | 15 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.54 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | VXD linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 180 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:2.7★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong bokeh (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong optical (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong macro (86th percentile)86th %ile
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 22 specs.