Is the glass on Nikon 16-85 VR of higher quality than the 18-70?

miurasv · 24 Sep 2009

Asking as thinking about getting the 16-85 VR to replace my 18-70. Is the 16-85 a higher quality and better built lens or is the extra cost for the extra range and VR? Thanks in advance.

mick m · 24 Sep 2009

Have a look at this review
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/377-nikkor_1685_3556vr

The author describes the lens as the best DX standard zoom in Nikon mount to date.
I have one and they are good lens, but expensive.

Mick

bemcsa · 24 Sep 2009

... or here where he says
The 16-85 positions itself as a successor of the 18-70 Nikkor. It provides better image quality, adds a useful extension of range, and there is VR too for those in need of such devices

I have one as well and I like it

sdb123 · 24 Sep 2009

Do you need VR? Do you not require faster glass (i.e. f/2.8)?

miurasv · 24 Sep 2009

sdb123 said:
Do you need VR? Do you not require faster glass (i.e. f/2.8)?

Which would be better to have? F2.8 or VR?

sdb123 · 24 Sep 2009

miurasv said:
Which would be better to have? F2.8 or VR?

Depends on your requirements.

VR is no replacement for f/2.8 IMO.

Ben Hur · 25 Sep 2009

Same discussion taking place at the NikonCafe http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=245001

miurasv · 25 Sep 2009

Ben Hur said:
Same discussion taking place at the NikonCafe http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=245001

Thanks for your replies. 16-85 VR sounds like it's a good 'un as is the 18-70. Now what about a 17-55 f2.8 DX? Is this much better and worth the extra dosh?

Dogfish_magnet · 25 Sep 2009

miurasv said:
Thanks for your replies. 16-85 VR sounds like it's a good 'un as is the 18-70. Now what about a 17-55 f2.8 DX? Is this much better and worth the extra dosh?

i had the 16-85 and its a cracking lens and you would be hard pushed to sree any IQ differences between them.....but f2.8 will give you the ability to isolate subjects better.

Strobe · 25 Sep 2009

If you can live with the more restricted zoom range, might be worth hanging on for the new Tamron 17-50 F2.8 VC - I am in a similar buying decision to you; albeit considering the upgrade from the 18-105 Vr kit lens to the 16-85.