Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
IRIX Firefly IL-15FF-EF 15mm
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
IRIX Firefly IL-15FF-EF 15mm
Overall, the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 lens is well-regarded by hobbyist and astrophotography users for its value and image quality, though some report softness and chromatic issues. Verified buyers praise its sharpness for stars and solid build, especially with Canon R6 and BMPCC 6K cameras. However, a long-term user warns it is not suitable for professional work due to intentional softness. The Q&A indicates compatibility concerns with certain Canon and Sony models, but general satisfaction remains high among non-professionals.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Sharp stars for astrophotography
- Solid build quality
- Great for landscape and astro
- Fast aperture f/2.8
Cons
- Softness in some copies
- Some chromatic aberration reported
- Blurry stars in astro shots
- Not suitable for professional work
- Compatibility issues with some Canon/Sony bodies
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | IRIX Firefly IL-15FF-EF 15mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 15 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 15 mm |
| Elements | — | 15 |
| Groups | — | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 5★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Neutrino coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.60 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 95 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Manual Focus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 280 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
IRIX Firefly IL-15FF-EF 15mm
- Strong optical (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong macro (72nd percentile)
- Strong social proof (66th percentile)
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 21 specs.