Meike 3.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye 4mm
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
What Buyers Say
Meike 3.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye 4mm
This compact 220-degree circular fisheye lens has impressed users with its solid all-metal build, sharp optics, and excellent value for the price. Despite its tiny size that fits in a pocket, it delivers dramatic perspectives ideal for creative and night-sky photography. Some minor drawbacks include a tight mount on Micro Four Thirds bodies and a front cap that could be better, but overall it is praised as a fun and affordable super fisheye.
Pros
- All-metal build
- Sharp optics
- Compact and pocketable
- Excellent value for price
- Creates dramatic perspectives
Cons
- Tight fit on camera body
- Mediocre front lens cap
- No firm grip surface for mounting
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
| Meike 3.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye 4mm | Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | fisheye | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 4 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 4 mm | 85 mm |
| Elements | 10 | — |
| Groups | 7 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 3★ |
| ED Elements | — | 2★ |
| Coating | multi-layer nano-coating | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon F |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weight | 0.19 kg★ | 0.48 kg |
| Filter Thread | 61 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | manual focus only | AF-S |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 95 mm★ | 380 mm |
Pros & Cons
Meike 3.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye 4mm
- Strong macro (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong bokeh (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
Pricing
Meike 3.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye 4mm offers 1.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 20 specs.
