Nikon AF-S DX 16-85mm f3.5-5.6 G ED VR lens

Pros: Gives Nikon digital users well-priced 16mm option

Cons: Could stand to be a bit faster than f3.5

Summary: I've had this lens (with a D300) for about a month and it's proven to be an excellent choice as a general lens. The distortion referred to in the CNET review is not beyond what one might expect in a mid-range lens. What's more, I've found the auto-focus speed to be very quick in just about every situation. Like the review, I would love it if it were faster than f3.5, but given the "film speed" range of the Nikon DX camera line, it's not been a particularly serious hardship.

The key for me, after considering the DX VR 18-200 IF-ED Nikor option, was the additional 2mm on the wide angle end. In my film shooting days, a 24mm prime was always part of my kit, so a DX general zoom that goes only as far as 18mm felt inadequate. I bought this lens, along with Nikon's VR 70-300mm and have been extremely pleased with the range the two lenses provide in concert.

I'd like to see the CNET reviewer reconsider the uniquely wider angle of this lens in an update; to have not focused on it in the original review feels like a serious oversight.