Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
XuanLens ORF 32mm
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
XuanLens ORF 32mm
This lens is a quirky, low-cost alternative to expensive film simulation cameras, delivering nostalgic, disposable-camera-style images. Many users love the fun, lightweight design and the vintage look it produces in good light, but a significant number report it simply doesn't work on their camera or produces blurry, unusable photos. The main frustration is that it requires enabling "release shutter without lens" in the camera menu, and even then, some cameras are incompatible. Overall, it's a hit-or-miss novelty: great for those who get it working, but a waste of money for those who don't.
Pros
- Lightweight and pocketable design
- Fun, nostalgic disposable camera look
- Very affordable price
- Easy to use with no focus or aperture adjustments
- Works well in direct sunlight or well-lit scenes
Cons
- Does not work on some cameras
- Requires enabling shutter without lens in menu
- Blurry or unusable photos for some users
- Poor performance in low light or indoors
- Fixed focus and fixed aperture (F10) limitations
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | XuanLens ORF 32mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 32 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 32 mm |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2★ | — |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/10 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/10 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon RF |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.04 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | — |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 32 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
XuanLens ORF 32mm
- Strong build (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong macro (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Strong social proof (74th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (4th percentile)4th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average optical (18th percentile)18th %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
No current pricing available
XuanLens ORF 32mm
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 18 specs.