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

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

I've been shooting with this lens for 4+ years now (on D100 and D300S). Here is why I think it's the best for wide-to-normal zoom for a Nikon DX body:- tad bit sharper than 18-105- way better construction than 18-105- way less barrel distortion at wide than 18-200- less pincushion at tele than 18-105- low chromatic aberration (much less than 18-105)- the VR is a very consistent 3-4 stop advantage- no zoom creep like with 18-200- you manual focus by grabbing the ring, which overrides the AF (or you can flick the switch)- has an "active" mode for VR- the 18-55 is great in its own right; it's playing the same sport, but it's not in this ballpark.So, it's well-built, low distortion, sharp, reasonably fast focus... but it's not all roses...Noticible vignette wide open (16mm f/3.5), but that completely goes away if you zoom in a little or stop-down the aperture. Easily fixed in post (I use LR3).Its internal focus and non-rotating outer element makes it CPL filter-friendly, however the body does extend with zoom.Otherwise, its moderate size and weight, and superior optical performance makes it a top pick over the 18-105 and 18-200 (despite less tele-zoom range). Its price makes it a pick over the 17-55/2.8 (tho if I had the money, I'd have that f/2.8 just for the fixed f/2.8, despite the increased barrel distortion over the 16-85mm)... instead I chose to spend my $$$ on the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR-II because the 55-200mm, 70-300mm, etc. couldn't come close.

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

I got this one for my d7000. It is not soft at all, very "Nikon", better than 18-105 a lot.
It is just a perfect lens time.

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

Great lens, still experimenting

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

I am another who just made the transition from SLR 35mm film to DSLR photography. I bought both my Nikon D7000 (body only) and the 16-85mm zoom lens from B&H. Since my 55 year old Pentax SV was totally manual, I have had an interesting learning curve with the AF and auto aperture functions of the camera/lens. My poor Luna Pro light meter just sits in the old camera bag now.

The results are beautiful. The Nikon lens photo quality is far better than any of my Pentax Super Takumar prime lenses. I agree with another reviewer who stated buy your lenses separately. The kit lens was not as good as this one, as demonstrated by a friend who bought the D7000 kit.

Suggestion to novices: Use B&H's technical support services. They provided excellent help and I ended up buying the camera/lens combination that I love.

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

I have taken this lens out for 3 shoots so far ranging from artificial light to full sun, to overcast and it has preformed well in all conditions. I have tested the VR feature and it works well.

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

The versatile 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR AF-S Nikkor is a workhorse wide to short telephoto zoom with tack-sharp optics in a relatively small package. The vibration reduction system enables hand-held shooting under challenging lighting conditions without flash. I have used it for hand-held environmental portraits in dark interiors with shutter speeds as low as 1/10th second and captured incredible detail. On a DX format DSLR the effective focal length is 24-128mm and this is a very convenient range for most subjects where a long zoom is not needed.

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

I use this lens for just about everything; portraits, nature, landscapes. I love the VR it makes this lens more flexible in lower light and it's all but eliminated the need for a tripod.

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

I have used this lens for several months now on my D7000 and find it to be an overall well built, very sharp, and with a zoom range that suits most of my needs. Focusing is fast and the image quality of pictures is very high, even at very slow shutter speeds with the VR on. The most difficult buying decision was whether to spend this much money on such a slow lens. At 35mm, it is already at only f/4.5, so I don't find it particularly effective for low-light or portrait work. But for general use, it is outstanding. This lens along with the 35mm f/1.8 and the 70-300mm, make a terrific 3 lens combination for the non-professional.

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

Lens is well built hence it has some weight but very sturdy hand holding and VR technology is excellent. Takes great pictures. I use this as my general purpose lens for scenic, Fall leaves, Landscape, Architecture.

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

The auto-focus is quick and the image sharpness exceeded my expectations. I am extremely happy with this lens.

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

I got rid of my 17/55 pro/style Nikon because it was just to heavy to spontaneously pick up and Carry. This 16-85 is nearly as useful; not a 5 star, but soon to be the lens on my d80 in the day time. It takes remarkable images of flowers, including a Blurry-background close up of an orchid that will be an 11x14 on my wall this week. I took it to the 49'ers game; disappointed by the under-exposed frame when set on Program with 320 ASA set. viewfinder on a very bright day was reading 1/1000 to 1/1600, @ 6.3-11.
However, adjusted shots, all at 85mm setting were crisp edge to edge.

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

I`m an old school photographer. 35mm film to be specific. With formal pro training. And if one thing I`ve learned about lenses in particular zoom lenses is THE FACT that any zoom lens has a specific flaw. At no particular range a zoom lens is as sharp as a prime lens in a certain focal point. But the comparison should be made against other zoom lenses. So utilizing this intro I will explain the 16-85 nikon lens against other zoom lenses. Since the mechanics of achieving a certain zoom range involves glass,mechanical parts & movement within the lens,it`s therfore impossible for a zoom lens even from the same company to give you sharpness,contrast...performance if it has a greater zoom range than the 16-85. Case in point...the 105. To avoid further explanation, I`ll simply recomend the 16-85 within it`s price range for shots in this particular focal range. SHARP! CONTRAST,GHOAST FLARING unbeatable price vs performance. More range? Nikon 70-300. NEVER buy a "package" that includes camera & lenses. Pick camera first & good lenses after,acording to your photographic needs. The 16-85 is a VERY GOOD starting choice.

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

The lens is excellent! Very sharp and the focusing is very fast.. As a professional Photgrapher these are the qualities I look for in the equipment I use. I use it for all kinds of work: weddings, portraits, studio work, events, etc.

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

This is currently my first lens (opted to get this instead of the stock 18-105). It's great! Really sharp almost at the entire range. The only downside is that it only extends to 85mm. I sometimes find myself needing more.. beyond that, great lens!

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

Things that are great about it

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

Landscapes, travel and indoor portraits.

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

I guess I'm on one of the few who does not think this lens is overpriced. For a few hundred more than the DX 18-105 you are getting a moderately better build quality and better optics. The 16 on the 16-85 has less distortion than the 18 on the 18-105. You'd pay this and maybe more for a decently built 24-135 zoom in the film era. This kind of lens is a perfect walk around and the VR really does make up for the lack of speed. A perfect match for a D90. Taking great pictures...

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

I use for landscapes, some portraiture and travel

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

Compared to the kit lens that came with the D90, the tightness of the focusing ring is very reassuring and precise. Not loose. The brightness and clarity of the image are noticable to even my old and faulty eyes. I love it. It is my new "walk around" lens.

Comments about Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

Extreme contrast situations, low light etc.