Nikkor AF-S DX 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR - Review / Test Report - Sample Shots & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (APS-C)
Article Index
Introduction
Analysis
Sample Shots & Verdict

Page 3 of 3

Sample Shots

The following sample shots were taken with a D7000 and RAW-converted via Capture One.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).

Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 16.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 31.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 31.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/640s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 32.0mm
Aperture: f/6.3
Exposure 1/500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 42.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/640s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 16.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 40.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 78.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 72.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 26.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/640s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 25.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 42.0mm
Aperture: f/4.8
Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/640s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 62.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 38.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/640s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 38.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 32.0mm
Aperture: f/4.5
Exposure 1/800s

Verdict

Despite some shortcomings the Nikkor AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR DX is still one of the best standard zooms available for Nikon crop cameras. It is very sharp throughout the range although there could be a little less field curvature (curved focus field) at 16mm. The level of distortion 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.

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. Thanks to AF-S the autfocus is quite fast and virtually silent.

All-in-all a very good lens but not flawless.

Optical Quality:    
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:
      
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