Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2.0 25mm
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
Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2.0 25mm
The Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 and 135mm f/2.8 lenses are overwhelmingly praised for their stunning image quality, sharpness, beautiful color rendition, and fast, accurate autofocus. Users frequently highlight the excellent build quality and compact, lightweight design, making them ideal for travel, street, and portrait photography. Common concerns include minor issues with close-focus performance in low light, some chromatic aberration, and a higher price point, though most agree the optical performance justifies the cost.
Pros
- Stunning image sharpness
- Beautiful color rendition and contrast
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Excellent build quality
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Higher price point
- Close focus issues in low light
- Some chromatic aberration
- OLED display not useful for professionals
- Focus ring lacks grooves
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2.0 25mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 25 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 25 mm |
| Elements | — | 10 |
| Groups | — | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 2★ | — |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.34 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | linear motors★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 200 mm★ |
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
Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2.0 25mm
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong social proof (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong bokeh (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong aperture (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2.0 25mm
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 3 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 21 specs.
