Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Sony E SEL30M35 30mm
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
Sony E SEL30M35 30mm
This Sony 30mm macro lens is widely praised for its sharpness, compact size, and excellent value, especially for beginners and hobbyists. Users love its macro capabilities and versatility as a standard prime, but many note the short working distance and slow autofocus as drawbacks. Overall, it's a great budget-friendly option for Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Compact and lightweight
- Great value for money
- True 1:1 macro magnification
- Versatile as standard prime
Cons
- Short working distance
- Slow autofocus
- Soft corners
- No image stabilization
- Lens hood incompatible with filters
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Sony E SEL30M35 30mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | macro |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 30 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 30 mm |
| Elements | — | 7 |
| Groups | — | 6 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Multi-Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/3.5 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.14 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 49 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 95 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:1★ |
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
Sony E SEL30M35 30mm
- Strong macro (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 1.9x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 21 specs.
