Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Sigma Contemporary 30mm f/1.4 DC DN 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
Sigma Contemporary 30mm f/1.4 DC DN 30mm
The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, fast f/1.4 aperture, and beautiful bokeh, making it a favorite for low-light and portrait photography on APS-C cameras. Users consistently highlight its solid build quality and excellent value for money. However, some reviewers report inconsistent autofocus, particularly at longer distances, and occasional chromatic aberration or vignetting wide open. A few copies have exhibited noisy or unreliable AF motors, especially in video mode.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Fast f/1.4 aperture
- Beautiful bokeh
- Solid build quality
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Inconsistent autofocus at distance
- Chromatic aberration wide open
- Vignetting wide open
- Noisy AF motor in some copies
- Soft corners at f/1.4
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Sigma Contemporary 30mm f/1.4 DC DN 30mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 30 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 30 mm |
| Elements | — | 9 |
| Groups | — | 7 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 5★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.27 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | HSM |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 300 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:7.14★ |
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
Sigma Contemporary 30mm f/1.4 DC DN 30mm
- Strong aperture (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong bokeh (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong build (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 1.4x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 2 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
