Canon EF RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM 85mm
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
What Buyers Say
Canon EF RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM 85mm
This manual lens is praised for its excellent image quality and value for money, especially for portrait and outdoor photography. However, a significant compatibility issue exists where the lens does not click into place on some listed camera models. Most users find it easy to use and well-packaged, but the lack of autofocus and potential fit problems are notable drawbacks.
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Great value for money
- Easy to use manual focus
- Well-packaged and protected
- Perfect for portraits and outdoor photography
Cons
- Compatibility issues with some camera models
- No autofocus
- Potential fit problems (does not click in)
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
Scores
Specifications
| Canon EF RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM 85mm | Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | macro | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 85 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | Super Spectra coating | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/85 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/2 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF | Nikon F |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.14 kg★ | 0.48 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | STM★ | AF-S |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 350 mm★ | 380 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Canon EF RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM 85mm
- Strong build (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average aperture (1st percentile)1st %ile
- Below average bokeh (1st percentile)1st %ile
- Below average social proof (21st percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
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
Pricing
Canon EF RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM 85mm offers 1.4x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 2 of 20 specs.
