Nikon 16-85 VR

[Monkey]

Anyone using this, or used one?

Would appreciate comments as my 17-50 wasnt long enough so ive sold it on.

Really fancy this lens as its the perfect range for 95% of my use.

The main thing is it needs to be sharp and fairly minimal on distortion.

[puddleduck]

I've used one - superb lens but its over-priced, and its pretty slow @ f/5.6 on the long end.

I now use a Nikkor 18-70 DX and don't miss the 16-85 VR at all.

[Monkey]

Is the 18-70 as sharp?

[puddleduck]

I tested briefly - at 70mm when both are wide open (f/4.5 vs f/5.6) the 16-85 VR is a tiny bit shaper. Stop the 18-70 DX down to f/5.6 and the 18-70 DX is sharper. A Sigma 17-70 beats both.

Wide both the Nikkor's are excellent, the 16-85mm really is excellent at 16mm very sharp, it probably beats the 18-70 DX wide.