Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Panasonic LUMIX S S-S85 85mm
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
Panasonic LUMIX S S-S85 85mm
The Panasonic Lumix 85mm f/1.8 lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and compact lightweight design, particularly for portraits and low-light photography. Users praise its fast and quiet autofocus, good build quality, and excellent value for money, though a few mention plastic construction and occasional autofocus hunting. It works well on Lumix S series bodies and is recommended for both photo and video work.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Beautiful bokeh
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Compact and lightweight design
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Plastic build feels cheap
- Occasional autofocus hunting
- No built-in image stabilization
- Tight fit on camera mount
- Autofocus not fastest for action
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Panasonic LUMIX S S-S85 85mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 85 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Elements | — | 9 |
| Groups | — | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 0 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/1.8 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | L-Mount |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.45 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Linear AF Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 800 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.13x★ |
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
Panasonic LUMIX S S-S85 85mm
- Strong bokeh (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong aperture (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (76th percentile)
- Below average macro (28th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 1.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 84 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
