Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Rokinon Reflex 300M-M-BK 300mm
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
Rokinon Reflex 300M-M-BK 300mm
The Rokinon 300mm f/6.3 mirror lens is a mixed bag: users praise its compact size, lightweight build, and low price, noting that it can produce sharp images when focus is nailed. However, many struggle with manual focusing, the very thin depth of field, the need for high shutter speeds or a tripod, and the characteristic donut bokeh. It's best suited for patient photographers who understand the limitations of a mirror lens.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Low price
- Good value for money
- Solid build quality
- Acceptable sharpness when focused correctly
Cons
- Difficult manual focus
- Very shallow depth of field
- Donut bokeh (out-of-focus highlights)
- No image stabilization
- Requires tripod or high shutter speed
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Rokinon Reflex 300M-M-BK 300mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 300 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | — | 9 |
| Groups | — | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 0 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | UMC (Ultra Multi Coated) |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/6.3 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/6.3 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Fujifilm X |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.34 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 900 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | Not specified by |
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
Rokinon Reflex 300M-M-BK 300mm
- Strong build (68th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (9th percentile)9th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 2.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.
