Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Yongnuo 50F1.8S DF 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
Yongnuo 50F1.8S DF 50mm
This 50mm f/1.8 lens is widely praised as an excellent value-for-money prime lens for beginners and hobbyists. Users highlight its sharp foreground focus and pleasing bokeh, making it ideal for portraits and product shots. The build quality feels cheap and the autofocus is noisy and slow, but most agree the optical performance far exceeds the low price. A few issues with durability and incompatibility with newer lens hoods were noted.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Sharp foreground focus
- Pleasing bokeh effect
- Great for portraits
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- Noisy autofocus
- Slow autofocus
- Cheap build quality
- Durability concerns
- Incompatible with newer lens hoods
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Yongnuo 50F1.8S DF 50mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | — | 10 |
| Groups | — | 6 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Nano-multilayer Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.27 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Digital stepping motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 450 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.13x★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
Yongnuo 50F1.8S DF 50mm
- Strong build (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong stabilization (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Below average social proof (25th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
- Below average macro (31st percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
No current pricing available
Yongnuo 50F1.8S DF 50mm
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
