Nikon AF-S DX 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 G ED VR Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Nikon and the lens was released 2008.
The lens belongs to the category
standard zoom lenses, a normal lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.
Product description from Nikon
At launch 2008 Nikon wrote this regarding Nikon AF-S DX 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 G ED VR:
"5.3x zoom lens covering a wide focal range of 16 to 85mm (picture angle is equivalent to focal length of 24 to 127.5mm in the 35mm format)
Vibration Reduction II enables sharper pictures while shooting at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than would otherwise be possible
Optical design optimized for superior performance with Nikon digital SLRs
ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements minimize chromatic aberration while providing higher resolution and superior contrast
Three aspherical lens elements minimize various types of lens aberration
High-performance Nikon Super Integrated Coating achieves superior color reproduction while substantially reducing ghosting and flare
Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, quiet autofocus operation
Rounded seven-blade diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural
0.38 m/1.3 ft. closest focus distance throughout the entire zoom range
Accepts 67 mm filter attachments"
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
This lens is designed and meant for Nikon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.
The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.
The lens has a focal length of 16-85 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 24-128 mm on your Nikon camera.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Nikon AF-S DX 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 G ED VR
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/3,5-5,6.
This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.
One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 16 mm the lens brightness is f/3,5 and at 85 mm the brightness is f/5,6. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.
Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.
- Read more about the aperture and lens brightness
- Read more about changing brightness at different focal lengths
- Read more about how an image stabilizer works
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 67 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.
If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "HB-39".
Images of Nikon AF-S DX 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 G ED VR
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- A versatile lens for those who own their first DSLR camera
- Has a built-in image stabilizer
- Has a built-in autofocus motor
- A lens hood is included
- Light weight (485 gr)
- Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
- Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
- A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Nikon AF-S DX 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 G ED VR.
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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