Sunday, February 24, 2008

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

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 16-85 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF VR (2008 Release)

FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length : This is a DX format lens, so you can use this on only APS-C crop factor D-SLRs. (Also can be used with D3 at "crop mode only for 5 megapixels) Picture angle is equivalent to focal length of 24 to 127.5mm in the 35mm format.
Aperture: f/3.8 at 16mm , 5.6 at 85mm. Seven-bladed rounded diaphragm stopping down to f/22 at 16mm and f/36 at 85mm.
Optics: 17 elements in 11 groups. That includes two ED glass elements (shown in yellow) and three aspherical elements shown in blue.
Closest Focus: 38 cm(0r 1.3 feet)
Macro Ratio: 1:4.6
Filter size: 67 mm (no rotation)
Accesories: Lens rear/front caps, Petal-shapedHB-39 Bayonet Lens Hood . CL-1015 Flexiable Lens pouch
Dimensions: 72 mm(28.3 inches) diameter. Extension from lens flange (length excluding rear mount extension) is 85 mm (33.5 inches).
Weight: 485 grams (17.1 oz)

MY REVIEW ABOUT THIS LENS
Not a surprise, this lens has the new VR II as all new Nikkor lenses. With ED and Aspherical elements, its resolution is respectfully high.

This new lens covers the ultra wide angle need and portrait angle need for the 18-35 , 18-55 and 18-70mm kit lens owners. For those who seek for a a little bit more, this lens provides a much more for a little bit bucks.

There is a M/A switch on the body for who do not like to look for the body switch every time.

Actually, i was questioning all these times, why Nikon engineers do not reply to Canon's 16-xx series lenses, and here they are. Congrulations.

Now i am seeking for a Nikon Zoom DX 16-35 mm f/4 ED VR something... C'mon Nikon engineers...

PAY ATTENTION :
- The people who are used to 18-200mm VR may feel the lack of +85 mm. But the optic quality of this lens is better then 17-55mm DX f/2.8G and 18-200mm DX f/4-5.6G VR.

VERDICT : It will be the new "tourist lens" of the new Nikon DX owners who are looking for a budget. Optic quality is very high and +2mm wide angle comes more handy together with VR. Recommended (8/10)

BEST FOR :
Nikon D3100, Nikon D5000, Nikon D90, Nikon D7000, Nikon D300s

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

An eager public would like to hear how this lens performs, especially in areas of vignetting and barrel distortion!

Oytun PINAR said...

I have seen sample shots of this lens at widest aperture at 16mm and i can say that vignetting is not so field relevant... But in extreme borders, the resolution is low as expected...
I could not see significant signs of barrel distortions at 16mm but my eyes are not microscope :), i have to wait for IMAtest results for few weeks more...
It is not a cheap lens to invest, still some questions marks on my mind for investing on 18-200 VR too...

Anonymous said...

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