Viltrox Air AF 9mm F2.8 E 9mm
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
What Buyers Say
Viltrox Air AF 9mm F2.8 E 9mm
The Viltrox lenses receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional value, sharp image quality, and solid build. Users praise the fast apertures and autofocus performance, though some note issues with chromatic aberration in high-contrast scenes and noisy autofocus on certain models. Overall, these lenses are seen as a budget-friendly alternative that punches above their price point.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Sharp image quality wide open
- Solid metal construction
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Pleasing bokeh
Cons
- Chromatic aberration in high contrast
- Noisy autofocus in video
- Slow autofocus in low light
- No weather sealing
- Front-heavy on small bodies
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
Scores
Specifications
| Viltrox Air AF 9mm F2.8 E 9mm | Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | prime | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 9 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 9 mm | 85 mm |
| Elements | 13 | — |
| Groups | 11 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| Coating | HD multilayer nano coating | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/16 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | — |
| Weight | 0.17 kg★ | 0.48 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | STM★ | AF-S |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 130 mm★ | 380 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:6.66★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Viltrox Air AF 9mm F2.8 E 9mm
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong macro (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong build (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average bokeh (30th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
Pricing
Viltrox Air AF 9mm F2.8 E 9mm
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 5 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
