Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
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
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
The Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens is highly praised for its versatility, image stabilization, and image quality. Users appreciate it as an excellent all-purpose lens for beginners and enthusiasts, though some note the lens extends under its own weight and one experienced a failure after three years. Overall, it delivers great value and performance for its price.
Pros
- Excellent image stabilization
- Versatile zoom range
- Good image quality
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Macro mode for close-ups
Cons
- Lens extends under its own weight
- Autofocus failure after 3 years (one case)
- Not a true macro lens
- IS not recommended on tripod
- Image quality not L-series level
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 135 mm |
| Elements | — | 16 |
| Groups | — | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2★ | — |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/28 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.54 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 72 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | USM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 508 mm |
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
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong versatility (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong user sentiment (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average aperture (8th percentile)8th %ile
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 1.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 20 specs.
