Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR DX AF-S Nikkor Review Round-Up

If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below. Get information and user reviews for this lens at Amazon: Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR Nikkor Wide Angle Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Photo Zone

Despite some shortcomings the Nikkor AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR DX is probably still the best DX standard zoom lens in Nikon mount to date. It is very sharp throughout the range although there could be a little less field curvature (curved focus field) at 16mm. The level of distortions and lateral CAs is comparatively moderate for such a lens (still a bit high in absolute terms). Vignetting is generally well-controlled except at 16mm @ f/3.5. The rather slow max. aperture may be a bit unfortunate because the achievable bokeh is rather underdeveloped in conventional scenes. … The build quality is on a good level but don’t expect professional grade quality here. All-in-all an obvious choice but not flawless … which is why I had to agonize a while about the optical rating but I believe that the lens is somewhat more desirable than the AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8G ED although it’s a bit like comparing apples and oranges here. READ FULL REVIEW

Other Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR DX AF-S Nikkor Reviews

SLR Gear

The 16-85mm Æ’/3.5-5.6 is an admirable lens; excellent sharpness and chromatic aberration results, marred only by some distortion and vignetting issues. However, I’m happy to see Nikon engineers giving sharpness the top priority, as this is the one factor that you can’t really correct for in post-processing. The lens is a definite improvement over its predecessor, the 24-120mm, a lens which provided an excellent platform for a wide range of photographic styles. With the release of the 16-85mm Æ’/3.5-5.6, the bar has been raised. READ FULL REVIEW

Pop Photo

If you’re an ambitious amateur calling for more optical oomph from your everyday zoom, but you’re not ready to take on the physical and financial burden of high-speed pro glass, Nikon has heard you. READ FULL REVIEW

CNET

A tough, full-featured, well-built medium zoom lens, the Nikon AF-S DX 16-85mm f3.5-5.6 G ED VR’s relatively high price tag may nevertheless make you want to consider other options. READ FULL REVIEW

Ken Rockwell

Performance is excellent. It’s sharp, zooms and handles well, and VR works great. It never gets in the way of a great photo. My only reservation about this lens is what I could buy instead with the same money. READ FULL REVIEW