Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM 35mm
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
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM 35mm
The Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, fast and silent autofocus, and beautiful rendering. Users highlight its versatility for portraits, landscapes, street photography, and even astrophotography, with minimal chromatic aberration and distortion when corrections are applied. A few note the reliance on digital corrections for distortion and vignetting, and some find the price steep, but the overwhelming sentiment is that it delivers outstanding image quality in a lighter, well-balanced package.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness wide open
- Fast and silent autofocus
- Beautiful bokeh and rendering
- Minimal chromatic aberration
- Versatile for multiple genres
Cons
- Relies on digital corrections for distortion
- High price point
- Noticeable vignetting without correction
- Some coma in extreme corners for astro
- No image stabilization
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM 35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | — | 14 |
| Groups | — | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Air Sphere (ASC) Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 11★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon RF |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.56 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Nano USM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 7 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 280 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.21x★ |
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
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM 35mm
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong optical (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
