Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 35mm
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
Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 35mm
The Yongnuo 35mm f/2 EF lens is widely praised for its incredible value and decent image quality, especially for the price. Many users find it a great budget option for photography and filmmaking, though some report autofocus issues and a cheap build quality. Overall, it's a solid choice for those on a tight budget who don't need professional-grade performance.
Pros
- Incredible value for money
- Decent image quality
- Lightweight and portable
- Great for budget filmmaking
- Good for small spaces
Cons
- Autofocus issues
- Cheap build quality
- Not very sharp
- Potential aperture failure
- Slow autofocus in low light
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | — | 7 |
| Groups | — | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2★ | — |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Multi-Coated |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.15 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 250 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:4.35★ |
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
Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 35mm
- Strong build (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong macro (77th percentile)
- Strong social proof (74th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (16th percentile)16th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
