Sample Images

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window). Please note that the originals are FULL SIZE samples (=several megabytes) thus requiring a significant amount of bandwidth so please take care of the limited resources here.

Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D200 ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 38.0mm Exposure Data: f/8.0 @ 1/400s Size 3898x2613	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D200 ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 16.0mm Exposure Data: f/8.0 @ 1/320s Size 3898x2613
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D200 ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 85.0mm Exposure Data: f/5.6 @ 1/100s Size 3898x2613	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D200 ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 85.0mm Exposure Data: f/5.6 @ 1/160s Size 2613x3898
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D200 ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 85.0mm Exposure Data: f/5.6 @ 1/500s Size 2613x3898	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D200 ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 16.0mm Exposure Data: f/9.0 @ 1/180s Size 3898x2613
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D200 ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 56.0mm Exposure Data: f/5.3 @ 1/160s Size 3898x2613	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D200 ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 85.0mm Exposure Data: f/5.6 @ 1/250s Size 3898x2613
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D200 ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 85.0mm Exposure Data: f/5.6 @ 1/250s Size 2613x3898	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D200 ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 16.0mm Exposure Data: f/8.0 @ 1/125s Size 3898x2613
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D200 ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 34.0mm Exposure Data: f/8.0 @ 1/100s Size 2613x3898	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D200 ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 16.0mm Exposure Data: f/9.0 @ 1/180s Size 3898x2613
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D200 ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 22.0mm Exposure Data: f/9.0 @ 1/125s Size 2613x3898	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D200 ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 24.0mm Exposure Data: f/9.0 @ 1/60s Size 3898x2613

Verdict

Despite some shortcomings the Nikkor AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR DX is probably still the best DX standard zoom lens in Nikon mount to date. It is very sharp throughout the range although there could be a little less field curvature (curved focus field) at 16mm. The level of distortions and lateral CAs is comparatively moderate for such a lens (still a bit high in absolute terms). Vignetting is generally well controlled except at 16mm @ f/3.5. The rather slow max. aperture may be a bit unfortunate because the achievable bokeh is rather underdeveloped in conventional scenes. If you're after a (relatively) shallow depth-of-field you should also stick to the 85mm setting - the bokeh is rather harsh at 50mm f/5. The VR II (Vibration Reduction) can help to safe the day in low light situations (at cost of shutter speed) with a "gain" of ~3 f-stops in field conditions. The build quality is on a good level but don't expect professional grade quality here. All-in-all an obvious choice but not flawless ... which is why I had to agonize a while about the optical rating but I believe that the lens is somewhat more desirable than the AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8G ED although it's a bit like comparing apples and oranges here. Optical Quality:     Mechanical Quality: Price/Performance:             What does this mean ?