Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Canon RF EF 50mm f/1.2L USM 50mm
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 EF 50mm f/1.2L USM 50mm
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a lens that divides opinion. Many users adore its dreamy, characterful rendering, creamy bokeh, and beautiful color, especially for portraits and low-light work. However, a significant number report issues with slow and unreliable autofocus, softness wide open, and a high price tag that doesn't always match the optical performance. It's a lens that rewards skill and patience but can frustrate those seeking clinical sharpness and fast, consistent AF.
Pros
- Beautiful creamy bokeh
- Dreamy, characterful rendering
- Excellent color and contrast
- Solid build quality
- Great for portraits and low light
Cons
- Slow and unreliable autofocus
- Soft wide open at f/1.2
- Very expensive
- Heavy and bulky
- Noticeable chromatic aberration
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Canon RF EF 50mm f/1.2L USM 50mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | — | 8 |
| Groups | — | 6 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Super Spectra Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.2 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 8★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.95 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 72 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | USM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 450 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.19x★ |
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 EF 50mm f/1.2L USM 50mm
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
- Below average macro (33rd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.