Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
AstrHori Macro Probe A25B-E 18mm
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
AstrHori Macro Probe A25B-E 18mm
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its exceptional sharpness, fast autofocus, and low-light performance. Users highlight its suitability for both photography and video, with many noting a significant upgrade from previous lenses. A few Q&A entries address concerns about internal movement when powered off, which is confirmed as normal stabilizer behavior. Overall, it is praised as a professional-grade zoom that delivers outstanding results.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Fast and snappy autofocus
- Great low-light performance
- Excellent for video
- Internal zoom mechanism
Cons
- Internal movement when powered off
- Not parfocal
- Focus-by-wire system
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | AstrHori Macro Probe A25B-E 18mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | macro |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 18 mm |
| Elements | — | 23 |
| Groups | — | 17 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2★ | — |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/28 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 1.78 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | — |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 488 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 2:1★ |
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
AstrHori Macro Probe A25B-E 18mm
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong optical (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong macro (77th percentile)
- Below average build (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average bokeh (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average aperture (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
AstrHori Macro Probe A25B-E 18mm
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 21 specs.
