Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
TTArtisan APS-C 50mm f/1.2 50mm
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
TTArtisan APS-C 50mm f/1.2 50mm
The TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 lens is overwhelmingly praised for its exceptional build quality, all-metal construction, and superb value for money. Users consistently highlight the beautiful bokeh, vibrant colors, and solid feel, though many note it is noticeably heavy for its size. A few minor complaints include the fiddly screw-on metal lens cap and slight softness at the edges when shooting wide open at f/1.2.
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- All-metal construction
- Great value for money
- Beautiful bokeh
- Vibrant colors and contrast
Cons
- Heavy for its size
- Screw-on metal lens cap is fiddly
- Soft corners wide open at f/1.2
- No lens hood included
- Manual focus only
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | TTArtisan APS-C 50mm f/1.2 50mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | — | 7 |
| Groups | — | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2★ | — |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Sonnar Optical Concept |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.2 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 10★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | L-Mount |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.34 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 500 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.5x★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
TTArtisan APS-C 50mm f/1.2 50mm
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong build (70th percentile)
- Below average af (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
TTArtisan APS-C 50mm f/1.2 50mm offers 1.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.
