Nikon AF-S DX 16-85mm f3.5-5.6 G ED VR lens
Starting at: $699.99
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Matthew Fitzgerald
- Released on:
- Reviewed on:
The good: Solidly built; Vibration Reduction image stabilization; strong manual focus capabilities.
The bad: On the heavy side; price on the heavy side as well.
The bottom line: 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.
For those looking to go beyond what a kit lens has to offer their Nikon dSLR, there's Nikon's AF-S DX 16-85mm f3.5-5.6 G ED VR. Compatible with all Nikon DX digital SLRs including the D300, D60, and
| AF-S | Autofocus |
| DX | Designed and optimized for Nikon's digital SLRs, which use the DX-aspect CCD |
| G | No aperture ring |
| ED | Extra-low dispersion glass for improved contrast and reduced chromatic aberration |
| VR | Vibration Reduction. Optical stabilizer to minimize blur from camera shake. |
Providing the 35mm-equivalent angle of view ... Expand full review
For those looking to go beyond what a kit lens has to offer their Nikon dSLR, there's Nikon's AF-S DX 16-85mm f3.5-5.6 G ED VR. Compatible with all Nikon DX digital SLRs including the D300, D60, and
| AF-S | Autofocus |
| DX | Designed and optimized for Nikon's digital SLRs, which use the DX-aspect CCD |
| G | No aperture ring |
| ED | Extra-low dispersion glass for improved contrast and reduced chromatic aberration |
| VR | Vibration Reduction. Optical stabilizer to minimize blur from camera shake. |
Providing the 35mm-equivalent angle of view of a 24-127.5mm lens, it delivers a useful zoom range, and its features make it a great everyday lens capable of scenics as well as portraits. Given that it has a rather narrow maximum aperture of f3.5, though, its near-$600 price tag seems relatively hefty.
Design
Solid construction with a quality feel to it, including a black crinkle finish with a metal lens mount and base for added durability.
Weighs 17.2 ounces, measures 3.3 inches long with a 2.8 inch diameter, and accepts 67mm screw-on filters. The filter does not rotate while focusing.
Knurled wide rubber zoom ring at the front of the lens, with a smaller but very useable manual focus ring toward the base of the lens.
Large, easy-to-read zoom markings at 16mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, and 85mm. Distance scale window that reads in meters and feet, good to have when setting focus manually.
Features
Working focal length of 24mm to 127.5mm on a Nikon DX-based body (1.5x magnification factor)
Variable maximum aperture from f3.5 to f5.6 and a variable minimum aperture from f22 to f36
Vibration Reduction optical stabilization system for sharper handheld photos at slow shutter speeds, especially in low light. The VR compensates in real-time for shake and vibration with no degradation to the image. Besides the normal setting, it has an active mode that is useful if the photographer is moving.
Nikon's exclusive M/A (manual/auto) mode provides full-time autofocus with instant manual-focus override by just turning the focus ring. Also has a full-time manual-focus mode.
Nicely accessorized with a lens hood (HB-39) and a lens pouch (CL-1015) for safekeeping.
Compare to other lenses
Compare selected
Matthew Fitzgerald, a CNET associate editor, has been involved with digital camera technology and the photo industry for more than 15 years. His background includes work as a professional photographer, a technical representative, and a repair technician.
User Reviews
See all user reviewsRating Breakdown
Most recent user reviews
Showing 3 of 5 reviews
"Sharpmonger!" By jrhurren
Pros: Quite sharp, nice range (especially on the wide side), fast AF
Cons: Could be priced more competitively
Summary: I love this lens for an everyday walkaround. Many people have compared it to the 18-200 but without the range. I have to say that, trying both, I like the 16-85 better. It's wider end makes a noticeable difference and the long end provides good reach. I would say ... Expand full review
"A great consumer-oriented lens--sharp and contrasty" By davidgarth
Pros: Slightly sharper and much lighter weight than the 17-55mm pro zoom I own. A great travel or "carry around" lens. The VR almost makes up for the slower maximum aperture. The AFS is fast focusing, color rendition is excellent and the zoom is smooth.
Cons: The mostly plastic construction doesn't appear to be a rugged as a pro-oriented lens. In telephoto it extends to an obscene degree and looks especially vulnerable to knocks and bumps. I always retract to wide angle before I carry it around.
Summary: I'm a part-time pro who's getting long in the tooth and tired of carrying around lots of heavy gear, so I've been trying to find lighter lenses that still provide excellent image quality. This is now my favorite lens for its versatility, handling and sharpness. 16 to ... Expand full review
Specifications
See full specsQuick Specs
- Product Description: Nikon Zoom-Nikkor Zoom lens - 16 mm - 85 mm
- Weight: 17.1 oz
- Lens aperture: F/3.5-5.6