Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
Sony G Master SEL1635GM2 16-35mm
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
This Nikon 18-300mm lens is widely praised for its versatility, sharpness, and value. Users love the all-in-one zoom range that replaces multiple lenses, especially for travel, events, and photographing kids. A few note the autofocus can be slow or imprecise, and some received the wrong item initially, but overall satisfaction is very high.
Pros
- Versatile all-in-one zoom range
- Sharp images across zoom range
- Great value for money
- Lightweight and compact
- Effective vibration reduction
Cons
- Autofocus can be slow or imprecise
- Some units shipped with wrong lens
- Not sharp at full zoom (past 150mm)
- Plastic build feels cheap
- Autofocus not silent
Sony G Master SEL1635GM2 16-35mm
The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM lens earns strong praise for its exceptional sharpness, beautiful rendering, and versatile focal range, making it a favorite for landscape, astro, and event photography. Users consistently highlight the excellent build quality and fast autofocus, though many note the high price. A minority of owners report autofocus failures or hot pixel issues, and some feel the premium over competitors is not fully justified. Overall, it is widely regarded as a top-tier wide-angle zoom that delivers prime-like image quality.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness corner to corner
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Excellent build quality
- Versatile 16-35mm range with f/2.8
- Beautiful rendering and bokeh
Cons
- Very expensive
- Autofocus failure issues reported
- Some hot pixel problems
- Heavy and front-heavy on camera
- Minor distortion and vignette at 16mm
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR | Sony G Master SEL1635GM2 16-35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 80 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 17 | 15 |
| Groups | 13 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 5★ |
| ED Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| Coating | Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 2.8-4 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 11★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.50 kg★ | 0.68 kg |
| Filter Thread | 72 mm | 82 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | XD Linear Motors★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 350 mm | 280 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.22x | 0.32x★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
- Strong optical (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong versatility (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
Sony G Master SEL1635GM2 16-35mm
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong optical (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong versatility (75th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR offers 2.9x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 85 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
