Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Viltrox AF 15mm F1.7 E 15mm
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
Viltrox AF 15mm F1.7 E 15mm
This Viltrox lens range receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its exceptional value, sharpness, and fast apertures. Users consistently praise the image quality and build, noting it punches far above its price point. A minority report issues with chromatic aberration, noisy autofocus in video, firmware updates, and occasional defective units, but the general sentiment is that these are excellent budget primes.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Fast aperture (f/1.2, f/1.7, f/1.8)
- Great value for money
- Solid build quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
Cons
- Chromatic aberration in high contrast scenes
- Noisy autofocus in video
- Aperture ring moves too easily
- Firmware update process is cumbersome
- Occasional defective units
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Viltrox AF 15mm F1.7 E 15mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 15 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 15 mm |
| Elements | — | 12 |
| Groups | — | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | splash-resistance and anti-fouling coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.7 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.18 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 230 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.1x★ |
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
Viltrox AF 15mm F1.7 E 15mm
- Strong build (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong optical (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong stabilization (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
- Below average macro (35th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 3 of 9 usage categories and 2 of 22 specs.