Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical review

According provided by lens Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical huge thanks to the store www.fotika.com.uawhere you can find a huge number of different used photographic equipment, including similar lenses.

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Nikon Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical (abbreviated as Nikon 16-85 / 3.5-5.6G) is a good versatile lens for Nikon DX cameras. First of all, the lens is interesting in that it can use a wide angle of 16 mm focal length. In terms of EGF will be 24 mm. From 2008 to 2015, it was the only universal lens in the Nikon Nikkor DX series that was able to 'expand' to 16mm focal length. Only in July 2015, another lens with a similar focal length came out - Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-80mm 1: 2.8-4E N ED VR.

A complete list of all-all Nikon DX lenses (for cropped cameras) can be viewed here.

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Main technical characteristics of Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical:

Review Instance Name Nikon Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical Ø67 Made in Thailand 22151536
Basic properties
Front Filter Diameter 67 mm, plastic thread for filters
Focal length 16-85 mm EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 24-127.5 mm
Zoom ratio 5.32 X (usually rounded to 5)
Designed by for digital cameras Nikon DX
Number of aperture blades 7 rounded petals
Tags focusing distance in meters and feet, focal lengths for 16, 24, 35, 50, 70, 85 mm, bayonet mount and hood mounts
Diaphragm 16 mm from F / 3.5 to F / 22. 85 mm from F / 5.6 to F / 36. The lens is deprived of the aperture control ring, control is via the camera menu (G - lens type)
MDF 0.38 m over the entire range of focal lengths, maximum magnification ratio 1: 4.6
The weight 485 g
Optical design 17 elements in 11 groups, 3 aspherical elements (aspherical elements are shown in blue in the optical diagram) and 2 ED elements (in yellow in the optical diagram). The stabilization system block is highlighted in red. The image is clickable.Optical design Nikon 16-85
Lens hood Nikon HB-39 uses the same lens hood Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-300mm 1: 3.5-6.3G ED SWM VR IF Aspherical
Manufacturer country MADE IN Thailand
Period From January 2008 to the present
Instructions View ->
Price

Nikon 16-85 / 3.5-5.6G is considered a more advanced lens than the series 18 - 55, 18 - 105, 18 - 135, 18 - 140 and is at about the same level as the series 18 - 200, 18-300 and 18 - 70... The only two more 'fancy' native universal lenses are Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-80mm 1: 2.8-4E N ED VR and Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 17-55mm 1: 2.8G ED SWM IF.

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Assembly

A copy of this review was made in Thailand. To the touch Nikon 16-85 / 3.5-5.6G is pleasant and weighty, its weight is about 500 grams. The lens uses common filters with a diameter of 67 mm. When handling the lens does not add up any negative feelings.

Please note that the Nikon 16-85 / 3.5-5.6G on the bayonet side has a special rubber gasket, which is a sign that the lens has dust and moisture protection. Unfortunately, the exact level of protection of the lens from environmental influences is not specified anywhere on official sources.

The focus ring is plastic, and the zoom lens is rubberized. Nikon 16-85 / 3.5-5.6G has metal bayonet mount. The retractable lens barrel consists of two sections, to the touch they are quite durable, without any backlash.

With frequent use, the lens may begin to suffer from spontaneous lengthening of the frame (trunk of the lens) under its own weight.

There is a bayonet mount mark and a mark on the case for quick installation of the hood. The lens uses a plastic hood HB-39, which is fixed in special grooves located near the front lens of the lens. The hood can be installed in the opposite direction for transportation. In this position, access to the zoom ring is lost.

The Nikon 16-85 / 3.5-5.6G comes with a soft case CL-1015, and the lens itself comes in a small cardboard box with a characteristic Nikon coloring.

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Diaphragm

Diaphragm lens consists of 7 rounded petalswhich form a fairly even hole. Diaphragm closes to F / 22 by 16 mm and to F / 36 by 85 mm of focal length.

Unfortunately, Nikon 16-85 / 3.5-5.6G cannot boast of good aperture.

There are marks with a focal length on the zoom ring, the following is a list with the minimum numbers F available for these marks:

  • 16 mm - F / 3.5
  • 24 mm - F / 4
  • 35 mm - F / 4.5
  • 50 mm - F / 5
  • 70 mm - F / 5.6
  • 85 mm - F / 5.6
Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Stabilizer

Nikon 16-85 / 3.5-5.6G has a second generation VR stabilizer that can compensate 3.5 stops by shutter speed. In values excerpts this means that you can shoot at shutter speeds 10-12 times longer than what the lens without a stabilizer requires.

The instructions for the Nikon 16-85 / 3.5-5.6G lens indicate 4 stops (measurements by Nikon), and on the official website 3.5 feet (measured by CIPA). In any case, the stabilizer works well.

To enable / disable the stabilizer on the lens there 'VR ON / OFF' button. There is a 'Normal / Active' switch to select a mode. The stabilizer can operate in two modes: 'Normal' and 'Active'.

  • 'Normal' mode designed for most scenes and avoids movement when camera shake. 'Normal' mode can still track camera movement to create panoramas.
  • Active Mode most suitable for shooting when the camera can not only shake, but also move in different directions. Most often, it is advised to use this mode when shooting in motion.

The stabilizer itself works well. I was able to take pictures without grease and hard work at 85 mm focal length and 1/20 second. I always use the stabilizer in 'Active' mode.

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Focusing

Nikon 16-85 / 3.5-5.6G focuses quite quietly thanks to 'SWM'-motor (Silent Wbird Motor - quiet wave motor) and refers to the lens'AF S'type (with built-in motor focusing), and therefore it will automatically focus on any Nikon digital SLR camera.

Auto Focus Speed ​​- medium closer to high. On cameras D700 и Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro the lens focuses tenaciously and does not release objects from the field of sharpness.

During focusing, the front and rear lenses remain stationary, as the lens uses internal focusthat is indicated on the case by the letters'IF'-'Iinternal Focus' - 'Inner Focus'. The front lens does not rotate while zooming. It is possible to use any filters without problems.

The minimum focusing distance is only 38 cm, while you can shoot Macro with 1: 4.6 magnification. Nikon Nikon 16-85 / 3.5-5.6G has a window with a scale of distances in meters and feet. There is no IPIG scale as well as labels for working in the infrared spectrum. In manual focus mode, the ring rotates about 120 degrees, when it reaches the extreme positions it does not rest, but continues to slide, without affecting the focus. Manual focus is easy.

On the lens housing you can find focus switch 'M / A - M'. In the 'M / A' position, auto focus works with constant manual focus priority. The 'M / A' mode is very convenient and useful - for manual focusing or focus correction, you do not need to additionally switch the lens to the 'M' mode. You can turn on the 'M / A' mode and forget about this switch forever.

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Compatibility and Features

Nikon 16-85 / 3.5-5.6G, although designed for Nikon DX cameras, but will work correctly with all Nikon digital SLR cameras (full list here).

When using the lens on Nikon FX full-format cameras with the image area 'FX format (36x24)' at all focal lengths, all focusing distances and all values aperture Strong vignetting or completely black edges of the image will be noticeable. Minimum vignetting available at 85 mm focal length, focus at infinity, and f / 5.6 aperture. Using a lens hood only enhances vignetting. Work in the 'Format FX (36x24)' mode is undocumented and I write about it purely for educational purposes.

If on Nikon FX cameras select 'Image area' -> 'Auto. DX Crop '->' On ', then after attaching a Nikon DX lens to such a camera, the camera will automatically use' DX Format (24x16) '.

Also, note that while changing the focal length, the rear lens moves in the middle of the lens body like a pump - it draws in and pushes out air. This behavior of the rear lens is called 'effect' of a vacuum cleaner, which can increase the amount of dust that accumulates in the camera.

Analogue for Nikon 16-85 / 3.5-5.6G for full-length cameras Nikon FX acts Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm 1: 3.5-5.6G SWM VR IF Aspherical.

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Image quality

Nikon 16-85 / 3.5-5.6G creates a sharp image in the center of the frame, even on open apertures. The corners and edges of the frame are slightly worse. The lens suffers from noticeable distortion at 16 mm focal length. The strongest vignetting is noticeable at 16 mm focal length and F / 3.5. Chromatic aberrations well fixed. The lens behaves well in backlight and creates a contrast image. Image quality is up to standard.

Examples on Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro:

You can download RAW source files at this link (28 files in the '.RAF' format, 370 MB). All photos are on-camera JPEG. All photos were shot on Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro using a hood.

Examples on Nikon D80:

Examples on Nikon D700:

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

My experience

At one time, I really liked the Nikon 16-85 / 3.5-5.6G, but after a while, my love for this lens faded. I find it too overrated in terms of both features and price. At one time, Nikon 16-85 / 3.5-5.6G was the only native alternative to expensive professional Nikon 17-55 / 2.8G.

I do not recommend changing models 18 - 105, 18 - 140, 18 - 200, and 18-300 on this lens. But if you have any of 18 - 70, 18 - 55, 18 - 135, then Nikon 16-85 / 3.5-5.6G will be a worthy replacement.

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Prices for Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

Actual lens prices are available see here, or in the price block below:

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment.

Sizes of Nikon ED AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6D and Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

dimensions Nikon ED AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6D and Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

An accurate list of all Nikon DX Nikkor lenses

  1. 10.5 mm/ 2.8G AF Fisheye [gold ring]
  2. 35 mm/1.8G AF-S
  3. 40 mm/2.8G AF-S Microphone
  4. 85 mm/3.5G AF-S VR Microphone
  5. 10-20mm/4.5-5.6G AF-P VR
  6. 10-24mm/3.5-4.5G AF-S
  7. 12-24mm/4G AF-S [gold ring]
  8. 16-80mm/ 2.8-4IN AF S VR [gold ring]
  9. 16-85mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR
  10. 17-55mm/2.8G AF-S [gold ring]
  11. 18-55mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S [black / silver]
  12. 18-55mm/3.5-5.6GII AF-S [black / silver]
  13. 18-55mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR
  14. 18-55mm/3.5-5.6GII AF-S VR
  15. 18-55mm/3.5-5.6G AF-P
  16. 18-55mm/3.5-5.6G AF-P VR
  17. 18-70mm/3.5-4.5G AF-S
  18. 18-105mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR [Thailand / China]
  19. 18-135mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S
  20. 18-140mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR [Thailand / China]
  21. 18-200mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR [Japan / China]
  22. 18-200mm/3.5-5.6GII AF-S VR
  23. 18-300mm/3.5-5.6G VR
  24. 18-300mm/3.5-6.3G VR
  25. 55-200mm/4-5.6G AF-S [black / silver, Japan / China]
  26. 55-200mm/4-5.6G AF-S VR
  27. 55-200mm/4-5.6GII ED VR
  28. 55-300mm/4.5-5.6G AF-S VR
  29. 70-300mm/4.5-6.3G AF-P
  30. 70-300mm/4.5-6.3G AF-P VR

Results

The Nikon 16-85 / 3.5-5.6G is a good versatile lens, giving you the widest angle of view of any Nikon Nikkor versatile lens. Of the shortcomings, I would like to highlight the inflated cost.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval.

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Comments: 301, on the topic: Review of Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical

  • Alexander

    I have been using it for six months. happy with everything. sharpness, convenience. Focus is fast. Carcass 5300
    But there is always a fixed aperture 35, just in case

  • Alexander

    the photo in the previous koment did not load))))

  • an256

    I bought such a lens for 4K UAH. in perfect condition, the lens was hardly used. I liked the lens, it is sharp with good color rendering, I shoot with D3200, I don't know why someone wrote here that this lens would be bad with a 24MP camera. for D3200 it is quite good. The lens is definitely better than the 18-55 or 18-105, and if it is not expensive to find it on the secondary in good condition, then it is definitely worth taking instead of 18-55 or 18-105, but I don't see any reason to buy a new one or for an expensive one instead of the whale ones.

  • lk27

    And on Nikon DX AF-S 16-80 1: 2,8-4 is it worth changing this lens, is there a big difference between them?

  • pkuutn

    For about the same money, Sigma 17-50 2.8 EX HSM is sold on the secondary
    It is not so versatile, but I think it's better ...

  • Marat, Sevastopol

    I took it on the D3200 after the regular 18-55. Heaven and earth! The bokeh is more ... “smooth” or something, and at the same time, on an open hole, it is clearly pronounced, objects that are out of focus, close to the focus soap more, and far away ones do not twist. Those. to summarize, the object in focus is more pronounced than at 18-55

    16 mm. really feels like 85 together 55. Sharpness is really higher. In general, I think that for the D3200 this is certainly overkill, like a trouser, because the price is higher than the price of the carcass itself, however, using it, understanding why you are taking it, is quite reasonable. For older D5xxx, and even more so 7xxx, it would be a good option for the "staff".

    Of the minuses: blind, as for a "staff" for ~ 500 bucks. There is understandably 16-80, but it is twice as expensive, tk. even for D7xxx cameras it is too expensive a kit, for my D3200 - well, in general, it is clear that taking a 16-80 should be very clear about why you need it.

    • Victor

      The Lord is with you, the 12 thousand lens is in perfect condition.

      An ordinary staff with slightly more convenient focal lengths than in the 18-55 and a slightly thicker picture (at the level of very small nuances).
      There are not enough stars from the sky, and yes, at d320 just right.

    • Oleg

      When the price of glass is higher than the price of a carcass, this is normal. Not overkill.

    • B. R. P.

      And sho you say for 17-55 2,8 then? Shtatnik only for D500?)))

      • Jury

        lathers around the edges, disappointed

      • Jury

        17-55 2,8 nikor, soap around the edges, I'm looking for 16-85

  • Oleg

    Was like this, not for long. Yes, from the technical point of view it is good, but in the “artistic” aspect, of course, nothing, as they say.

  • an256

    For the d3200, the 16-85 is not very good, there is not enough resolution for the 24MP camera. I bought a Nikon AF-S DX VR Nikkor 3200-16mm f / 85-16E ED lens instead of a 80-2,8 on my d4 and have never regretted the huge difference in resolution and stabilizer.

  • Vladimir

    Give advice please.
    I am an aspiring photographer.
    I want to sell the lens nikkor 16-85 3.5-5.6G and replace it with nikkor 50 1.8G
    Should I get rid of nikkor 16-85 3.5-5.6G or leave it just in case ...?
    It is interesting to read your opinions ...

    • Oleg

      Don't just buy half a tintk

  • Dmitriy

    Good day !

    Yuzayu D5100.
    Bribed 16-85.
    The lens is not sharp compared to the existing 55-200.
    In the reviews they write that 16-85 is like a razor, but that's not how it is with me.
    Front and tank focus no.
    Stab and sharpness are frankly weak.
    Visually, the lens is in perfect condition.
    The firmware on the camera is the latest from Nikon.
    Fotal in every possible way, the result is not particularly impressive.
    Can this be a feature of the lens and the D5100?
    16-55 was much sharper.

    I phoned SC NIKONA, they say send it, we'll see, let's say what's wrong with him.

    • B. R. P.

      Did you check it through live view?

      • Dmitriy

        in every possible way

    • Victor

      What's 16-55? 18-55?

      And so exactly the same story, while I put it on the shelf, until better times, externally also ideally, and the sharpness is very weak.

      It can be seen that there is a scatter of quality.

      • Dmitriy

        16-85 Years, 18-55 Years
        the lenses
        add 18-55 VR

        • Victor

          Write down later what the SC answered, and how much you charged for the repair (if you agreed to fix the defect)

          • Dmitriy

            events are developing - the tushka and the lens went to the office. SC in PETER.

            • Dmitriy

              The photo and the lens came from the SC.
              The setting was done for both devices.
              Price for services - 5200 r.
              The result is in the photo.

              SC Pitersky - “Photo ON”.
              St. Petersburg
              Bolshaya Monetnaya, 16
              +7 (812) 324-33-09

              Recommend.

  • Dima

    What is better optically 18-70 or 16-85? There are both on the secondary at a similar price.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      16 - 85

      • Dima

        Thank you

      • ba3lur

        it is clear that 16-85 is more attractive in all respects, and if the price tag is similar to 18-70, then the first one is better, alas, I only own the 2nd and the 1st is already in mind ... together with Nikon 300s for 15000r, but here is a recommendation that if you have 18-105 then you shouldn’t change it to 16-85, and if 18-70 it’s doubtful ... many pros don’t respect 18-105 (although it’s not bad for me), but 18-70 is an authoritatively worthy lens, I would say the best whale of all times and peoples ! (in its class of course)

    • Victor

      These lenses should not be at a similar price, the difference between them is 2-3 times.
      In your case, either 16-85 is already a corpse, or you will overpay for 18-70.
      16-85 is good, but 18-70 is also not bad. Optically they don't have much difference, but 16-85 is much newer, mechanically more reliable and has a stabilizer (which can be useful)

      • Dima

        Here is such a flea market) Mileage at 16-85 is 17. 000-18 is a little cheaper. I won’t name prices in white rubles anyway, you won’t understand) I’ll probably look at 70-16 all the same, 85 mm at a wide angle is very beckoning.

        • YavnoB. R.P.

          Lens mileage? You can take 10 frames and screw up the lens, you can take 10 - and at least henna.

          • Dima

            So you can stub any thing)

            • B. R. P.

              )

  • Dmitriy

    Everyone. Hello. Advise, on d7100 take 16 85 for 12 in z. condition, or 18 55 afp, for 4500

    • Dmitriy

      In good condition I would say)))

    • B. R. P.

      The lenses are very different, but the difference in price is much more than the difference in the picture, IMHO. Prices in what currency?

      • Dmitriy

        Rubles

        • B. R. P.

          Expensive for a whale, even for a new one. For 16-85 they always break, but it's not worth it. For ~$250 you can already look for used Sigma 17-50 2,8.

          • Dmitriy

            Thank you)

  • Sergiy

    And where is 16 80, it seems that the review was but removed, and a comparison with 16 85.

  • Andrei

    I noticed some “feature” of my (or not only) lens, when the active stub is turned on, the sharpness begins to fall and the shake effect appears. externally in excellent condition

    • B. R. P.

      The specifics of working with a stub.

  • Yura

    You have, Arcade, a description/look at the NIKON 16-80MM F/2.8-4E ED VR AF-S DX NIKKOR, because you don’t know🤷🏼‍♂️.?

    Why aren’t you doing anything anymore?

    • Yura

      *you don’t do this kind of stuff anymore,” ed🙈😅

      • Arkady Shapoval

        like this?

  • Valery

    Good afternoon everyone.
    I'm surprised at 16-85, 18-140 and 18-200.
    Which is better than a standard, universal lens? On every day, so to speak. Mainly nature, children, architecture.
    Camera Nikon D7200.
    Thanks for your attention.

    • юрій

      In my case as a staff member on the d7100, all the norms are expected, having bought a new one for $100

    • юрій

      Ale, I think 18-140 would be better than three rubles of focal length, it’s not enough

  • Michael

    Greetings to all! I found one in an ad for only $50. I went and looked - it was very worn in appearance, only the back cover was included. But there are no obvious signs of falling, dents, or cracks, the glass is in acceptable condition, there is not a lot of dust inside, the screw slots are not touched, the elastic band of the ring and the skirt are in order. Autofocus and stabilizer work fine. There are no strong backlashes or extraneous sounds. There are no complaints about the picture either. In short, there is nothing to complain about other than a very worn body and the absence of a lens hood with a front cover. According to the owner, the lens was used very actively but carefully. The owner bombed along the way. But the very low price is alarming; he even agrees to discount it a little more. Now I’m thinking whether to take it or not. Dear forum participants, share your thoughts. What do you think about this?

  • Nicholas

    Good day everyone! I bought 16-85 after I had been stuck with 70-210. And you know, I was satisfied, although I liked the 70-210 better... I took it for trips and used it for everyday use. Sometimes he, the lens, could not decide on sharpness when shooting a saturated frame, what to focus on as much as possible, but this was rare, mostly satisfied... Although 70-210 remained my ideal for life...

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Copyright © Radojuva.com. Blog author - Photographer Arkady Shapoval. 2009-2024

English-version of this article https://radojuva.com/en/2013/03/obzor-nikon-dx-af-s-nikkor-16-85mm-13-5-5-6g-ed-vr-swm- if-aspherical /

Versión en español de este artículo https://radojuva.com/es/2013/03/obzor-nikon-dx-af-s-nikkor-16-85mm-13-5-5-6g-ed-vr-swm- if-aspherical/