TTArtisan APS-C 40mm f/2.8 Macro 40mm
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
What Buyers Say
TTArtisan APS-C 40mm f/2.8 Macro 40mm
The TTArtisan 40mm f/2.8 Macro lens is widely praised as an excellent value, delivering sharp 1:1 macro images and surprising portrait quality for its low price. Users appreciate the solid build and manual controls, though some note limited depth of field and a heavy weight. A few reviewers found image quality lacking compared to premium lenses, but most agree it punches above its class.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Sharp 1:1 macro images
- Surprising portrait quality
- Solid build quality
- Good for digitizing negatives
Cons
- Limited depth of field
- Heavy weight
- Manual focus only
- Image quality not premium-level
- Must be very close to subject
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
Scores
Specifications
| TTArtisan APS-C 40mm f/2.8 Macro 40mm | Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | macro | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 40 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 40 mm | 85 mm |
| Elements | 8 | — |
| Groups | 7 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | — | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/16 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 11★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Fujifilm X | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.37 kg★ | 0.48 kg |
| Filter Thread | 52 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | manual focus only | AF-S |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 170 mm★ | 380 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:1★ | — |
Pros & Cons
TTArtisan APS-C 40mm f/2.8 Macro 40mm
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong macro (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Strong build (65th percentile)
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
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
Pricing
TTArtisan APS-C 40mm f/2.8 Macro 40mm offers 2.0x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 21 specs.
