Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Sony G SELP28135G.SYX 28-135mm
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 G SELP28135G.SYX 28-135mm
The Sony FE PZ 28-135mm F4 G OSS lens is highly praised for its image quality, versatility, and robust build, making it a favorite for both video and still photography. Users appreciate the smooth power zoom, silent operation, and useful aperture ring, though some note the zoom speed is too fast for cinematic work and the lens is quite heavy. The included lens cap is widely criticized as cheap, but overall sentiment is very positive, with many calling it a great value for the price.
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Versatile for video and stills
- Smooth power zoom
- Silent operation
- Useful aperture ring
Cons
- Zoom speed too fast for cinematic use
- Heavy and bulky
- Cheap plastic lens cap
- Non-mechanical zoom prevents snap zooms
- No macro function
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Sony G SELP28135G.SYX 28-135mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 135 mm |
| Elements | — | 18 |
| Groups | — | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Nano AR Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.42 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 95 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | SSM |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 400 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.15x★ |
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 G SELP28135G.SYX 28-135mm
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong versatility (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong optical (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Below average macro (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 12.0x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 1 of 9 usage categories and 2 of 22 specs.
