Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
7Artisans 122.8ZBII 12mm
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
7Artisans 122.8ZBII 12mm
This manual 12mm f/2.8 lens receives mostly positive reviews for its solid metal build and good image quality at a low price point. While many users love it for product videos and astrophotography, some report sharpness issues, severe flare when pointed near light sources, and the lack of camera recognition on certain bodies. It's best considered a budget specialty lens rather than an everyday general-purpose optic.
Pros
- Solid all-metal build
- Good image quality for the price
- Great value for money
- Smooth focusing rings
- Excellent for astrophotography
Cons
- Not sharp in corners
- Horrible flare near light sources
- Camera may not recognize lens
- Manual focus only
- Short focusing range
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | 7Artisans 122.8ZBII 12mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 12 mm |
| Elements | — | 12 |
| Groups | — | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2★ | — |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon Z |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.30 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 150 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.15m★ |
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
7Artisans 122.8ZBII 12mm
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Strong build (74th percentile)
- Strong social proof (66th percentile)
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (32nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Pricing
7Artisans 122.8ZBII 12mm offers 2.0x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 21 specs.
