Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Sigma Contemporary 15mm f/1.4 DC 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
Sigma Contemporary 15mm f/1.4 DC 15mm
The Sigma 15mm f/1.4 Fisheye DG DN Art Lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from verified buyers, who praise its exceptional image quality, fast autofocus, and stellar performance for astrophotography. Users note it is heavy and large, but consider the trade-off worthwhile for the unique fisheye perspective. A few practical concerns include limited bag compatibility and the lack of filter options.
Pros
- Exceptional image quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Excellent for astrophotography
- Unique fisheye perspective
- Great build quality
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Limited bag compatibility
- No front filter thread
- Expensive
- Not for everyone
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Sigma Contemporary 15mm f/1.4 DC 15mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | fisheye |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 15 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 15 mm |
| Elements | — | 13 |
| Groups | — | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 4★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Front Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.22 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | stepping motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 385 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:7.9★ |
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
Sigma Contemporary 15mm f/1.4 DC 15mm
- Strong aperture (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong bokeh (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong optical (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Below average social proof (30th percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
No current pricing available
Sigma Contemporary 15mm f/1.4 DC 15mm
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 1 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
