What is everyones thoughts on a:
Nikon AF-S DX 18-70mm for $200.00 or Nikon AF-S 16-85mm VR for $630.00?
It will be used on a D300 with a Nikon AF-S DX 35mm lens and a Nikon AF-S 70-300mm VR lens.
Nikon AF-S DX 18-70mm vs. Nikon AF-S 16-85mm VR
(7 posts) (7 voices)-
Posted 3 years ago #
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I've been very pleased with the 16-85. I like the ability to go wider and longer, vr works and it's very sharp. If you can afford it, I think you'll like it. It pairs well with the 70-300 vrII, same filter size, reasonable overlap on zoom range, same ergonomics and feel.
Posted 3 years ago # -
18-70mm for $350 at B&H is not bad. 16-85mm is better tho, but if you don't have the budget for it, then get the 18-70mm.
Posted 3 years ago # -
if You don't have a budget, go for d60 and 16-85, there's no reasonable reason to buy a semi pro camera and cheap lens for - if You don't have money for both, go for it the lens
Posted 3 years ago # -
I have the 16-85 and just love it !!! It is worth the extra money, and the VR is cherry on the cake. It is sharp and a pleasure to use, thanks to the extra wide angle. It's on my D300 all the time now and I only remove it to fit the 10-24 when I want some really madly wide angle :o)
However, I had to change this 16-85 once, and get the second one repaired by Nikon France before I got a good one. Thailand quality standards seems to be getting lower and lower. The first one used to make strange noises, even with the camera switched off, and especially when removing the memory card still with the camera off. I never undertood this one and the shop changed it straight away. The second one worked fine for a week, and then it started to do the same kind of noise. I took it to Nikon who replaced the entire VR mechanism within two days (Thanks Nikon !), and it's been working perfectly ever since.
While I mention the problems I had with this lens, I must say that my D300 gave me, occasionally, series of black pictures when using my 70-200 and Continuous High, and the shutter speed stuck at 1/8000 without making any selection in priority S. The only way out was to switch off the camera which went back to normal after a few attempts. VERY ANNOYING !… So I took it to Nikon in Paris who said they cleaned everything and declared it serviceable. My next attempt gave the same problem. So, back to Nikon in Paris, and this time they said they cleaned the internal contacts - whatever they are - because the camera was not recognizing the lens fitted to it and automatically went to the highest shutter speed.
Well, I used it many times since and the problem never re-occured. Fingers crossed !… :o)
Posted 3 years ago # -
The 16-85 VR is probably a better choice if you can afford it. On a tight budget the 18-70 lens is still a good choice, but you need to buy a used copy rather than new. It's around $175 from places like http://www.keh.com . Image quality on both of these lenses is very good with a slight edge to the 16-85. Plus VR can be nice for those low light situations or special effects.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Nikon AF-S DX 18-70mm for $200 is a steal price but I doubt it is not an actual stolen good if it is not a second hand. If you have a budget go for 16-85, it is the best Nikon currently has to offer for midrange DX zoom.
Posted 3 years ago #
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