Is the Nikon 16-85 much of an improvement over the 105 kit lens?

[wonderer]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-AF-S-...1XDE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363192154&sr=8-1

This one. I have the 18-105 kit lens and want to upgrade to another mid zoom lens. I can't afford the top end glass so need to settle for something around the 400-500 mark tops price wise. I'm looking for an improvement in IQ primarily so would this lens be much of an upgrade?

If you know of another zoom in the same range that scores tops for image quality feel free to give it a shout out

 

[derekG]

I have the 16-85, and it stays on the camera most of the time, its not too wide at 16 nor do i find it soft at the long end i very rarely use it under f8 anyway, compared to the kit lens it was a welcome upgrade, try MPB who advertise on here they may have a secondhand one in stock.

 

[einaroh]

I wouldn't recommend the upgrade since you would only be getting slightly better IQ on the longer end and roughly the same IQ from 16/18-70. See here: http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Lenses/Compare-Camera-Lenses/Compare-lenses/(lens1)/172/(brand)/Nikkor/(camera1)/440/(lens2)/205/(brand2)/Nikkor/(camera2)/440

if you know what focal length your using most of the time I would rather take a prime lens.

 

[davek]

No.