Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Viltrox AF 28/4.5 Z 28mm
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
Viltrox AF 28/4.5 Z 28mm
The Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 pancake lens is widely praised for its ultra-compact size, lightweight design, and excellent value, making it a favorite for street photography and travel. Users note it turns a full-frame camera into a highly portable setup, though the fixed f/4.5 aperture and lack of manual focus ring are limiting for some. Image quality is considered good for the price, but low-light performance and autofocus in dim conditions are common drawbacks. A few users reported a stuck rear lens cap or battery drain on certain Sony models, but overall sentiment is positive for its intended casual use.
Pros
- Ultra-compact and lightweight design
- Excellent value for the price
- Great for street photography and travel
- Sharp image quality for its class
- Built-in lens cover
Cons
- Fixed f/4.5 aperture
- No manual focus ring
- Poor low-light autofocus
- Battery drain on Sony A5100
- Stuck rear lens cap issue
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Viltrox AF 28/4.5 Z 28mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 28 mm |
| Elements | — | 6 |
| Groups | — | 6 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | multilayer nanocoating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/4.5 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/4.5 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | 6 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.06 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | — |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 350 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:10★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
Viltrox AF 28/4.5 Z 28mm
- Strong build (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong social proof (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong macro (66th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (16th percentile)16th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Pricing
Viltrox AF 28/4.5 Z 28mm offers 3.0x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
