Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Sirui Sniper 33mm f/1.2 33mm
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
Sirui Sniper 33mm f/1.2 33mm
The Sirui Sniper 23mm F1.2 lens is widely praised for its excellent value, sharp image quality, and fast autofocus, making it a strong choice for video and stills on APS-C cameras. Users highlight its lightweight build, beautiful bokeh, and solid performance in low light, though some note occasional autofocus inconsistencies and noticeable chromatic aberration. Overall, it delivers premium features at a budget-friendly price, with a few minor trade-offs in corner sharpness and contrast.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Sharp image quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Lightweight and portable
- Beautiful bokeh
Cons
- Occasional autofocus inconsistency
- Noticeable chromatic aberration
- Softness at wide apertures
- Lower contrast than premium lenses
- Heavier than kit lens
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Sirui Sniper 33mm f/1.2 33mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 33 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 33 mm |
| Elements | — | 11 |
| Groups | — | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.2 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 11★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.40 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★ | 400 mm |
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
Sirui Sniper 33mm f/1.2 33mm
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong build (77th percentile)
- Strong social proof (74th percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Sirui Sniper 33mm f/1.2 33mm offers 1.4x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.
