Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D 12mm
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
Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D 12mm
The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D lens is widely praised for its sharpness, minimal distortion, and lightweight build, making it a favorite for real estate, architecture, and astrophotography. Users appreciate the manual focus and solid construction, though some note the lack of electronic contacts (no EXIF data) and occasional soft corners. Overall, it delivers excellent value for its price, especially for specialized wide-angle work.
Pros
- Sharp images
- Minimal distortion (Zero-D)
- Lightweight and compact
- Solid build quality
- Excellent for real estate and architecture
Cons
- No electronic contacts (no EXIF data)
- Manual focus only
- Occasional soft corners
- Lens flare could be cleaner
- No weather sealing
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D 12mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 12 mm |
| Elements | — | 16 |
| Groups | — | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Frog Eye Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.61 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 72 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 180 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:5★ |
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
Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D 12mm
- Strong optical (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong macro (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong social proof (77th percentile)
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 3.9x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
