Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Viltrox 40mm f/2.5 FE 40mm
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
Viltrox 40mm f/2.5 FE 40mm
The Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 lens is widely praised as an exceptional value, delivering sharp images, good color rendition, and solid autofocus at a fraction of the cost of Sony alternatives. Users highlight its lightweight, compact design, making it ideal for travel and everyday carry. While some note it lacks weather sealing and the maximum aperture is f/2.5 rather than f/2, most find the optical quality and performance far exceed expectations for the price. A few mention it may require some post-processing, but overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Sharp image quality
- Lightweight and compact
- Good autofocus performance
- Pleasant color rendition
Cons
- No weather sealing
- Maximum aperture f/2.5 (not f/2)
- Plastic build (except mount)
- May require post-processing
- Manual focus not linear
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Viltrox 40mm f/2.5 FE 40mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 40 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 40 mm |
| Elements | — | 10 |
| Groups | — | 6 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | high-definition nano multi-layer coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2.5 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.5 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.17 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 | 340 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.34m-∞★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
Viltrox 40mm f/2.5 FE 40mm
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong aperture (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong build (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Viltrox 40mm f/2.5 FE 40mm offers 1.7x better value for money
Verdict
Both products are closely matched - Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm wins 3 specs while Viltrox 40mm f/2.5 FE 40mm wins 5.
