Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Tamron Di VC USD AFA034N700 70-210mm
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 VC USD AFA034N700 70-210mm
The Tamron 70-200mm f/4 lens is widely praised for its sharpness, light weight, and excellent value for money. Users highlight its versatility for sports, studio, and travel photography, though some note softness at f/4 and a plastic build that scratches easily. Overall, it is seen as a great alternative to heavier f/2.8 lenses for non-professionals.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Lightweight and portable
- Excellent value for money
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Versatile for sports and travel
Cons
- Softness at f/4 aperture
- Plastic body scratches easily
- Heavy for some users
- No f/2.8 background blur
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Tamron Di VC USD AFA034N700 70-210mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 70 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 210 mm |
| Elements | — | 20 |
| Groups | — | 14 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.85 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | — |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) ring-type ultrasonic motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 950 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:3.1★ |
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
Tamron Di VC USD AFA034N700 70-210mm
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong optical (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong versatility (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Below average build (19th percentile)19th %ile
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Tamron Di VC USD AFA034N700 70-210mm
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 5 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
