AstrHori Macro Probe Lens Set 18mm f/8 Macro Probe 18mm
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
What Buyers Say
AstrHori Macro Probe Lens Set 18mm f/8 Macro Probe 18mm
This product is a versatile lens that users find excellent for macro and probe photography, offering great value for its price. Many reviewers praise its sharpness and ability to capture unique footage, especially for close-ups and video work. However, some note limitations like vignetting on full-frame sensors and a fixed aperture of f/8. Overall, it's a solid choice for those exploring shift or probe lenses without a high investment.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Sharp image quality
- Excellent for macro and probe photography
- Unique footage capabilities
- Good for close-ups and video
Cons
- Vignetting on full-frame sensors
- Fixed aperture at f/8
- Limited shift effect
- Manual focus only
- Internal movement noise when off
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
| AstrHori Macro Probe Lens Set 18mm f/8 Macro Probe 18mm | Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | macro | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 18 mm | 85 mm |
| Elements | 23 | — |
| Groups | 17 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 3★ |
| ED Elements | — | 2★ |
| Coating | 1034 | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/28 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/8 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 1.77 kg | 0.48 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | manual focus only | AF-S |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 474 mm | 380 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 2:1★ | — |
Pros & Cons
AstrHori Macro Probe Lens Set 18mm f/8 Macro Probe 18mm
- Strong social proof (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong optical (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong macro (78th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average aperture (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average build (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
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
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 5.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.
