Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Panasonic LUMIX S S-S50 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
Panasonic LUMIX S S-S50 50mm
The Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 lens is widely praised for its sharpness, lightweight design, and excellent value for money. Users highlight its fast and reliable autofocus, smooth bokeh, and good low-light performance, making it a versatile choice for both photography and video. Some note minor drawbacks like a stiff focus ring or slower autofocus in certain conditions, but overall it is considered a solid, professional-grade lens at an affordable price.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Lightweight and compact design
- Fast and reliable autofocus
- Smooth bokeh
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Stiff focus ring
- Autofocus hunts occasionally
- Slow autofocus in some conditions
- Plastic build quality
- Tight fit when mounting on camera
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Panasonic LUMIX S S-S50 50mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | — | 9 |
| Groups | — | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | L-Mount |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.30 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Linear AF Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 451 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:7★ |
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
Panasonic LUMIX S S-S50 50mm
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong build (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Panasonic LUMIX S S-S50 50mm
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
