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Review Summary
2018-05-30T16:23:18
Recommended by Photography Life online. I couldn’t be more pleased!
MICHAEL M.
2017-09-07T14:10:12
Is a very good fit for my Nikon 800E and the type of photography that I do. Church events and weddings.
Albert T.
2017-06-14T09:17:12
Fantastic lens, I've been using this as my main walk-around for about 4 years. No complaints. The newer version is a little faster which would be nice, but I can't really complain on this one.
NATHANIEL R.
2017-05-26T13:28:55
For the short time that I have used the lens I am very impressed with the quality of the photos that I am getting. It's going to be one of my most use lenses.
Frederick R.
2017-02-18T19:00:00
Just got this lens for the wide angle capability but also for portraits. In Texas we have some wide open landscapes and big skies with big sunsets. First time out i did just that. It won me over and I am telling all my Nikon friends. They love what I have done so far. Holding the lens for the first time, I knew it was well made and great glass. Cant wait to do more. Buy it if your looking for landscape and travel photography.
ZivaGato
2016-09-01T20:00:00
I purchased this lens about a year ago and immediately started using it as my primary lens for my D5200, good size and weight, versatile focal range, I recommend this lens as a primary lens for the dx cameras, a little wider and a little longer than the standard, 18-55 kit lens
D5200shooter
2016-08-15T21:12:21
I bought this for portraits and it worked well and than along comes my 18-300 lens that about does it all, still love and use it though.
CHARLES S.
2016-01-03T19:00:00
This lens has been out for quite a while now but is still a great performer even on 24MP cameras like my Nikon d3200. I had tried the 18-200mm VR II as I had read so many positive reviews but sold it within several months as it produced soft images and I rarely needed anything beyond 85mm (and for those occasions, I will buy the Nikon 70-300mm VR later this year). The 16-85mm VR offers superior image quality and sharpness compared to the 18-200 - do not listen to all of the reviews that tell the two lenses are virtually indistinguishable in IQ. I am not a professional (nowhere near it) and I can see a noticeable difference in even good light from JPEGs (never mind if you are a pixel peeper viewing RAW files). Also, there is a nice benefit to 16mm at the wide end vs. the ubiquitous 18mm on all the kit lenses...24mm really is wider vs. almost 28mm. I also find the VR works better on the 16-85mm and it is a quieter lens as well. Focus speed is about the same for both lenses and the 16-85 is no speed demon (which doesn't bother me for my style of photography). I have attached some images taken on a tripod in Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal. This lens will be my walking around lens and daytime travel lens. I love my 35mm 1.8G for night shots and indoors.
AK
2015-08-30T21:00:00
I purchased this to photograph my churches 100 yr. anniversary book, It hade the perfect range for groups, portraits, and family pictures.
Catherine I.
2015-01-30T19:00:00
This might just be the most overlooked lens in Nikon's DX line-up. When shopping around, I saw a lot of criticism online for the lack of zoom range and high price. This lens is not about the numbers, but all about image quality while offering a zoom range that covers 90% of what most of us actually need. It's also weather sealed, well built, and focuses fast. True, it won't do shallow DOF and it is a bit heavy, but get yourself a prime to satisfy those needs and you'll have a great setup. The attached images are screenshots showing comparisons between the output of this lens vs my two favorite primes. These are at a 100% crop at the corner of RAW images straight out of my D7000 with all auto-corrections disabled. Judge for yourself, but I find the resolution and lack of CAs to be beyond my expectations for a zoom of this type.
JOSEPH N.
2015-01-07T19:00:00
I find myself shooting with this lens about 80~90% of the time.Lightweight and practical.
JOHN G.
2014-11-10T19:00:00
it would be nice with a wider aperture, it would also cost more and surely be heavier than I want to carry. The VR handles the low light, so in actuality, depth of field might be the lone disadvantage .
skier45
2014-08-04T21:00:00
I am an amateur photographer and use this lens about once or twice a week. I am very happy with the results that I get, Clear, sharp pictures with outstanding color. Has a solid Nikon feel to it.
John G.
2014-06-02T21:00:00
Use for landscapes,group photos. Photos are sharp and clear. The lens is heavier than the 18-55mm kit lens but in my opinion the photo quality is worth carrying the extra weight. My lens is mounted on a D7000 and I am enjoying the quality photos I'm able to create.
DAVE H.
2014-03-10T21:00:00
Easy to use. One lens travel solution with my D90.
DG
2013-10-18T20:00:00
This is my "goto" for general photography. Whenever I'm out and about I never know what I'm going to run into. So I usually bring this lens along and my 40mm macro just in case something catches my eye. This lens is sharp from 16 to 85mm. The VR works wonderful and its very well made. The 16-85mm VR uses allot of metal in its construction which makes for a solid feeling lens in the hand. The zoom ring is nicely dampened so you don't have to worry about lens creep. The focus ring also feels smooth when using manual focus. This lens is equipped with Nikon's ring type SWM motor. Its AF speed is almost as fast as my Nikkor 70-300mm VR. So I hardly miss any shots with this lens. The 16-85mm focal range is very useful to me. I can get a nice wide angle shot, though not the same effect as a true wide angle lens. The wide 16mm focal length with this lens allows you to fit everything into the frame. But this lens doesn't have the distortion associated with wide angle lenses. The 85mm focal length is a good enough reach for me. I really have no use for mega zoom lenses since I'd rather photograph whats around me instead of wasting time with distant objects. I use this lens on my D3100 and D7000's. Its sharp and contrasty on all my bodies. If your looking for a lens that built better then your kit lens, offers better VR, faster AF speed and a more useful focal range as well as sharper images then this lens might be your ticket.
ClassicDigital
2013-08-19T21:00:00
This is a great everyday lens and has been on my camera since I purchased it. The 16mm on the wide end gives you just that little bit extra. The only reason I wouldn't give this five stars is that nothing is really perfect but this lens is close for that knock around lens that you can shoot just about anything with.
DEAN T.
2013-07-22T21:00:00
This lens is very sharp and covers the range I needed for my work. But the only thing is Adorama Done a very Sorry job in the way they package and sent this expensive lens. Very poor job.
JACKIE R.
2013-07-01T21:00:00
A great lens, a solid upgrade from the standard 18-55. The lens is noticeably wider, has much sturdier build quality, and zooms and focuses great! Its sharp for all the uses I have for it. Certainly not professional, but professionals will buy a faster piece of glass anyway. A great fit on the D7000-they go great together! A fantastic walk around lens.
Nate
2013-05-29T20:00:00
I bought this over a year ago in preference to the 18-55 kit lens, here's why: It has a metal mount which way more robust than the kit lens, it has a useful improvement in the wide angle end of the focal range for indoor work and architectural shots and makes a great portrait lens too. Some say it is a great "walking around lens", which it is, but that term implies that it is average at everything. It's not. It's better. If you only had one lens to choose, pick this one first. Sure, there are wider range zoom lenses available for the DX family, but this lens is commendably light and shoots well indoors too. I use it with a D5100.
Gspguy
2013-05-28T21:00:00
I first purchased the 18-105 VR and wasn't very impressed with the quality. I returned it and got this and am very happy with the quality for the price. The build & image quality is better than the 18-105mm. On my D5200 the quality rivals my Canon 5D Mark II with 24-105 L lens. For the price this is a superb lens!
E_W_Photo
2013-04-01T21:00:00
Have used 18-200 Nikon DX lens for a number of years on the D300. The 16-85 is definitely sharper and greater contrast - very noticable difference. Compared with a friend's much more expensive 24-70, it is at least as sharp and perhaps better. Highly recommended!
ROBERT L.
2013-03-28T20:00:00
Produces very sharp images on a D7000. However I would have traded some focal length on the long end for another f-stop; a sharp 16-60 f/2.8-4 would have been preferable but none exists. (VR not helpful for moving subjects.)
Hoosierdaddy
2013-03-25T21:00:00
The perfect only lens for Nikon D7000.
LEN W.
2013-03-25T21:00:00
I wanted to get something better than a kit lens to put on my new D 7100. While I'm not a pro photographer and I would love to to have some of Nikon's pro glass. I just couldn't justify the money. What I got for one third of the money is a lens that will hold it's own against Nikon's 24-70. The only thing missing is the 24-70 is a faster lens. When it comes to image quality This lens is sharp, sharp, sharp. I bought this lens in kit ( lens kit )and am also very pleased with the accessories Adorama included in the kit. While it's checked at 4 stars above it really gets 4 1/2 stars.
ALBERT F.
2013-03-18T21:00:00
Great lens so far, great as all around everday lens...I like it better then i thought. I have fisheye for wide angle dont like distortion of UWA 24mm wide enough for me. Being able to zoom out to 120ish helps alot too. I use it on D7000 im not a "pixel peeper" I just like making good images. You wont be disappointed with this len. I used to carry 35dx and 85 1.8g but now i use those for specific purposes, and leave tbem home and carry this lens just to be light. I recommend it....
COREY C.
2013-03-11T21:00:00
Consumer lenses are always a trade off, for less money, you get less lens. What I look for in a consumer lens, is a lens that is capable of producing professional results when used correctly. This is one of those lenses, In sufficient light, the sharpness, color, and contrast can match the output of much more expensive lenses. I am using this lens on a D7000 body, this combination balances well, focuses quickly and accurately and produces very good results.
Bruce S.
2013-03-06T19:00:00
I hesitated between this lens, the Sigma 17 70, and the Nikon 18 55 VR. All of the lenses had things gong for them. I chose the Nikon 16 85 VR after using my friend's Nikon 16-85 VR one day. Great choice. Definitely worth the price.
RICHARD M.
2013-03-06T19:00:00
I use it as my walk around lens. It's on my body all the time. I traded my 18-105 lens that came with the body for this and it gives me the coverage I need. I also have a 70-300.
STEVE B.
2012-12-16T19:00:00
The only reason I give this 4 stars is because this is my first wide angle lens and I'm still getting used to what can or cannot do, what situations it's best for/not best for.
Kay
A must have general purpose lens.
By ClassicDigital
This is my "goto" for general photography. Whenever I'm out and about I never know what I'm going to run into. So I usually bring this lens along and my 40mm macro just in case something catches my eye. This lens is sharp from 16 to 85mm. The VR works wonderful and its very well made. The 16-85mm VR uses allot of metal in its construction which makes for a solid feeling lens in the hand. The zoom ring is nicely dampened so you don't have to worry about lens creep. The focus ring also feels s...
View full Review
Excellent Optical Performance - Great VR
By Photo-Guy
I have been using Nikon cameras and lenses for over 50 years, since I was a teenager using an S2 rangefinder. My new 16-85mm VR has really impressed me with both its excellent optical performance and the ability of the latest VR technology. I always test a new lens in my studio with an optical test chart and camera (in this case, a D300) mounted on tripod. The 16-85mm VR performed superbly, even wide open, with only the very corners at 85mm showing the slightest softening, visible only with ...
View full Review
The Compact, 5.3x wide-angle-to-medium telephoto zoom lens is ideal for a broad range of shooting situations from interiors and landscapes to beautiful portraits. Optical design optimized for use with Nikon DX-format digital SLRs for superior performance. Vibration Reduction (VRII) Image Stabilization minimizes the effects of camera shake, allowing handheld shooting at up to 4 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper images. Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements offer superior sharpness and color correction by effectively minimizing chromatic aberration.
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