Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Sigma APO DG OS HSM 737101 150-500mm
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 APO DG OS HSM 737101 150-500mm
Users are overwhelmingly positive about this Sigma 150-500mm lens, praising its excellent image quality, sharpness, and value for money compared to expensive Nikon alternatives. The optical stabilization is highly effective, and the build quality feels solid and professional. However, the lens is noted to be very heavy, and its slow aperture (f/5-6.3) makes it challenging for indoor or low-light sports photography. Some users also reported autofocus issues after extended use or in low light.
Pros
- Excellent image quality and sharpness
- Great value for money
- Effective optical stabilization
- Solid and professional build quality
- Smooth zoom and focus rings
Cons
- Very heavy and bulky
- Slow aperture for low light
- Autofocus issues after extended use
- Autofocus unreliable in low light
- Lens cap feels flimsy
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Sigma APO DG OS HSM 737101 150-500mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 150 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 500 mm |
| Elements | — | 21 |
| Groups | — | 15 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | super multilayer lens coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 1.78 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 86 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | HSM |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 2.20 m |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:5.2★ |
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
Sigma APO DG OS HSM 737101 150-500mm
- Strong optical (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong versatility (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong social proof (71st percentile)
- Below average build (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
- Below average macro (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 21 specs.
