Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
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 EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is widely praised for its excellent image quality, fast constant aperture, and effective image stabilization, making it a favorite walk-around lens for APS-C shooters. However, many users report significant dust intrusion, lens creep, and a build quality that feels below its premium price point. While optical performance rivals L-series glass, the lack of weather sealing and occasional autofocus or IS failures over time are common frustrations. Overall, it is a top performer optically but has notable durability concerns.
Pros
- Excellent image sharpness and contrast
- Fast constant f/2.8 aperture
- Effective image stabilization (3 stops)
- Versatile 17-55mm focal range for APS-C
- Fast and quiet USM autofocus
Cons
- Significant dust intrusion inside lens
- Lens creep over time
- No weather sealing
- Plastic build quality feels cheap for price
- Expensive for an EF-S lens
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 17 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 55 mm |
| Elements | — | 19 |
| Groups | — | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Super Spectra coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF-S |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.64 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | USM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | 3 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 350 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.17x★ |
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 EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
- Strong optical (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong versatility (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average macro (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
No current pricing available
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 2 of 22 specs.
