Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Rokinon IO2470AFZ 70mm
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
Rokinon IO2470AFZ 70mm
This lens has received overwhelmingly negative feedback due to severe build quality issues. Multiple verified buyers report that the lens mount breaks off within days or months, often due to tiny screws stripping plastic threads. Users also criticize Rokinon's poor customer support, with some unable to get replacements or repairs. A few Q&A responses note decent optical quality, but the structural failures make this lens unreliable.
Pros
- Decent optical quality
- Good value for money initially
Cons
- Lens mount breaks easily
- Poor build quality with plastic threads
- Terrible customer support
- Screws strip and fall out
- Lens falls off camera
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Rokinon IO2470AFZ 70mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 24 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 70 mm |
| Elements | — | 17 |
| Groups | — | 14 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | UMC Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 1.10 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 82 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | LSM (Linear Sonic Motor) |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 350 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:3.7★ |
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
Rokinon IO2470AFZ 70mm
- Strong optical (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong versatility (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average user sentiment (0th percentile)0th %ile
- Below average social proof (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Rokinon IO2470AFZ 70mm
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
