Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
OM System M.ZUIKO DIGITAL V335930BW000 150-600mm
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
OM System M.ZUIKO DIGITAL V335930BW000 150-600mm
This super-telephoto zoom lens is praised for its exceptional sharpness and background blur, rivaling even prime lenses like the 300mm f4. Users love it for wildlife photography, noting it delivers impressive bokeh at 600mm and great value for its reach. However, the lens is heavy, bulky, and poorly balanced on modern M4/3 bodies, with an awkward I/S switch that can accidentally turn off. Despite these ergonomic drawbacks, most reviewers consider it a top all-around choice for wildlife, especially at its price point.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Great background blur/bokeh
- Excellent for wildlife
- Good value for reach
- Impressive at 600mm
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Poor balance on M4/3 bodies
- Awkward I/S switch placement
- Too long at short end (300mm equiv)
- Requires high shutter speed
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | OM System M.ZUIKO DIGITAL V335930BW000 150-600mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 150 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 600 mm |
| Elements | — | 25 |
| Groups | — | 15 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 0 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 6★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/6.3 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 5.0-6.3 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | APS-C★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 2.06 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 95 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 7 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 560 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.7x★ |
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
OM System M.ZUIKO DIGITAL V335930BW000 150-600mm
- Strong stabilization (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong optical (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong versatility (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong social proof (68th percentile)
- Below average build (11th percentile)11th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 12.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
