Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Meike Neo Series 5514-E 55mm
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
Meike Neo Series 5514-E 55mm
The Meike 55mm f/1.4 lens delivers impressive sharpness, pleasing bokeh, and fast autofocus for Fuji APS-C cameras at a budget-friendly price. Users consistently praise its metal build and aperture ring, but note that firmware updates may require a specific USB-C to USB-A cable and a Windows computer to unlock full autofocus performance. Overall, it is considered an exceptional value, particularly for portrait and street photography.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness at f/1.4
- Pleasing bokeh and background separation
- Fast and reliable autofocus after firmware update
- Premium metal build with aperture ring
- Lightweight and compact design
Cons
- Firmware update requires specific USB-C to USB-A cable
- No firmware update support for Mac computers initially
- Plastic lens hood feels less premium
- Autofocus can hunt before firmware update
- Some chromatic aberration at wide apertures
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Meike Neo Series 5514-E 55mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 55 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 55 mm |
| Elements | — | 11 |
| Groups | — | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | multilayered coatings |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon Z |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.29 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 610 mm |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
Meike Neo Series 5514-E 55mm
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong social proof (78th percentile)
- Strong build (75th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.
