Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II 1:1 Macro 60mm
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
Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II 1:1 Macro 60mm
This Tamron 60mm f/2 macro lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its sharpness, excellent bokeh, and versatile use for both macro and portrait photography. Users appreciate the good working distance, solid build, and value for money, though some note the autofocus can be slow and noisy, and one verified reviewer reported a severe front-focusing issue that could not be fully corrected. Overall, it is highly recommended for APS-C DSLR users seeking a capable macro and portrait lens.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Great bokeh
- Versatile for macro and portrait
- Good working distance
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Slow autofocus speed
- Noisy autofocus motor
- Front-focusing issues on some copies
- Autofocus hunts in low contrast
- Lens hood interferes at close range
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II 1:1 Macro 60mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | macro |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 60 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 60 mm |
| Elements | — | 14 |
| Groups | — | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 0 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Broad-Band Anti-Reflective Coating |
| 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 | Sony A |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.39 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 55 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 231 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:1★ |
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
Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II 1:1 Macro 60mm
- Strong macro (78th percentile)
- Strong optical (73rd percentile)
- Strong social proof (69th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 2.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
