Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Nikon
89 Overall Score
vs
Zeiss ZM 1407-218-L 50mm
Zeiss
48 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
88 out of 100 low confidence 8 reviews
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
Image quality 7
Build quality 5
Vibration reduction 5
Weight 4
Value for money 4
Focal range 4
Zeiss ZM 1407-218-L 50mm
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Budget
Portrait
Street
Macro
Travel
Video Cinema
Landscape
Professional
Wildlife Sports
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Zeiss ZM 1407-218-L 50mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | — | 6 |
| Groups | — | 4 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2★ | — |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | T* |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/1.5 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.5 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 10★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Leica M |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.25 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 46 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 900 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.0520833333★ |
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
Zeiss ZM 1407-218-L 50mm
- Strong bokeh (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong aperture (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong build (79th percentile)
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average optical (18th percentile)18th %ile
- Below average macro (24th percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm0.203score per dollar
vs
Zeiss ZM 1407-218-L 50mm0.030score per dollar
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 6.8x better value for money
Verdict
Winner: Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.
