AF-S DX NIKKOR
16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
This compact and highly versatile 5.3x zoom includes Nikon's VR image stabilzation technology and delivers incredible optical performance.
$699.95*SRPSRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Close
Supplied Accessories
- LC-67 67mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap
- LF-1 Rear Lens Cap
- HB-39 Bayonet Hood
- CL-1015 Flexible Lens Pouch
*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.
AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
68
68
This product has everything i need.
This 16-85MM lens on my D90 is the lens i make sure i carry all the time. I can capture family pictures, landscapes and it is also great for closeup pictures of flowers and bugs. It takes crisp clear and very sharp pictures any time i have had the occasion to use it. The VR. is a plus. the auto focus is fast and dead on and the manual focus is simple to use. I have a number of Nikon lenses but this is the one i use most of the time.
August 1, 2010
You get what you pay for.
I just got the lens but the difference between a cheaper lens and this one definitely is obvious. I am anxious to use it for what it was intended. Very sharp images works well with sb-600 I am using it on a D3000 but hope to get a D90 for it soon.
July 31, 2010
Great all around lens
I bought this lens tto replace an 18-105 zoom that I had gotten with my D80. In hindsight I wish I had spent a little more and bought this lens with the camera in the first place.
This has become my standard lens. It's sharp, focuses quickly, has VR, and the same filter size as my 80-300 zoom (to which it makes a good companion). It also has a metal mounting flange and feels like a more solid lens than the 18-105.
All in all, a great performing lenms and very worthwhile purchase. I have no hesitation about recommending this lens.
July 31, 2010
everything I expected when I selected it!
when I decided to purchase a D-300, this was the only choice I could make. I wanted the 24mm equivalent of 16mm from my film days(all the way back to the "F")...the 127.5mm equivalent of 85mm falls on the high end of in between 105 & 135 in film focal lengths. "PERFECT". I already had a 70
`300 AF 4~5.6D ED, taking me out to 450mm in film equivalent.
July 31, 2010
A very versitile lens
I use this lens in Wedding and portrait photography it is a great lens for both giving me the ability to get up close and personal. Very Clear photography and with the VR allows me to stop down for better lighting with out the use of a flash. love the lens and Love Nikon products they have never failed me.
July 31, 2010
My general purpose lens
With this lens on my D90, I feel ready for any situation. The images are sharp throughout the zoom range and focusing is quick. From landscapes to kids' faces, this lens will deliver. VR technology is a bonus. If there was only one lens, this would be the one I choose.
July 30, 2010
Walk around goodness
Compact and a very useful range. High quality optics, fast focus. Its also good for close ups with a short extension tube which renders a decent background bokeh. This replaced the good18-55 vr kit lens and I would recommend this lens to anyone.
July 30, 2010
Excellant Every Day Lens
I am very pleased and satisfied with this lens. I use it on a D90. It is sharp, great colors, a very versatile zoom range and I love the VR feature. This is really the only lens you need for every day use. Add the 70-300 VR lens if you need a telephoto lens. I had the 18-200 lens for a while but prefer the 16-85. I think you will love it too.
July 30, 2010
Excellent general purpose lens.
This is an excellent, general purpose zoom lens,
especially for travel. It is reasonably light and versatile, providing very good optical contrast and sharpness throughout the focal length range. Used with the D300, it has good physical and ergonomic balance.
July 30, 2010
Very sharp lens
I have this lens on my D300s at least 50% of the time. It's very well built, extremely sharp for a DX zoom lens. The wider end (16mm) makes a difference compared to the other 18mm lenses. It is sharper than the economy 18-55 and the 18-105. It's a bit heavy for the size, but the built quality is excellent, and the mount is made of metal, not plastic like the 18-105. It can be used for almost anything, from portrait photography to landscape and travel.
July 30, 2010
Excellent performance
I use this lens for about 6 months,and every picture that i've taken has exceptional quality.Great for general and outdoor use.
July 30, 2010
If I could pick only one lens this would be it.
Great all around lens. Can not be beat for available light. Leave the flash in the bag and take natural looking pictures without a tripod.
July 30, 2010
A most worthy constant photographic companion ...
This lens features remarkable photographic flexibility combined with outstanding optics and excellent mechanics.
My photographic activities involve travel, family gatherings, nature shots and mundane pursuits such as product photography and documenting building & grounds problems for my condo association. This lens fits my needs to a "T" much of the time. Consequently, it's on my camera much of the time - essentially a constant companion.
At the wide end, 16mm vs. the typical 18mm offered in this lens category makes more of a difference than I ever anticipated - such as capturing a memory from a roomful of friends and family. Opens up more opportunities for travel shots, too. Also, 85mm at the tele-end nicely accommodates most of my everyday needs in that realm, including portraiture.
This is my first DX lens with VR. From my Nikon F days I have accumulated an assortment of AI lenses that I've been using digitally since the D200 came out (first to permit practical use of these old lenses on a Nikon DSLR). Since getting the 16-85mm DX, however, the old favorites don't get much use anymore. In addition to AFS, this lens meets or exceeds their capabilities in most ways.
I bought this lens based on reviews by experts on its optical and mechanical performance. It lives up to its stellar reputation in my experience.
Its VR has pleased me greatly. My overall preconception about VR was that it was just some new frill that I'd lived without for this long and probably would just play with in passing. I felt the same way about power windows in cars, too.
But like a lot of these things that really do have legitimate functionality, it becomes something you rely on. For instance, my hands aren't as steady as they used to be. It certainly makes possible hand-held shots I'd have needed a tripod for (or otherwise just missed).
Of course, lunch is never really served completely free. This is true of all lenses, including this one. At the wide end you have to account for some distortion (thoroughly documented in other reviews). For subjects not too high, I carefully position my height relative to theirs to minimize it. For buildings I have to shoot from groundlevel, I rely on postprocessing.
Vignetting, too, is something that must and can be accounted for - just common sense, really. I have a variety of filters (e.g., polarizers) that I have to use with care. But I get the results I want and save the expense of getting thinner filters.
Of course at these wider focal lengths the hood has to be considered when using flash, especially the camera's built-in flash. The hood with this lens is easily removed. As a matter of fact, I keep it off most of the time (but always handy in the bag). I can usually position myself or otherwise block the light source to not need it.
Bottom line, this lens makes it easier for me to consistently get the pictures I'm really pleased with. It's not just the AFS and VR features since they're common to a lot of today's offerings. Rather, it's the combined package of these plus the optical quality and the zoom range. It all just works for me.
July 30, 2010
My favorite Nikon lens of all time!
I got the 16-85 as a kit lens with my D300S body, in December 09. The body replaced on of my two D70 bodies and its 18-70 kit lens. The 16-85 is a step up for me because it has more reach at both ends and is my first with the VR feature. My typical travel kit is the D300S body, 16-85 as standard, and either 28-200 zoom or SB-800 flash depending on the situation. The 16-85 get at least 90% of my shots. I've never had a more versatile, solid performing all-around lens. The wide end is particularly impressive since I like dramatic interiors as well as strong lanscape/sky combinations. It is equivalent to a 24mm in the FX format. The lens is extremely sharp and well built. I was advised to pick the 18-200 instead (as a travel lens) but I have no regrets about getting this one instead.
July 30, 2010
Incredibly versatile, my default lens on a D5000
I do a lot of wide angle as it lets me get very close, gives great depth of field, and gives me the room to add other details to tell a story. I also like to get portraits, outdoor/travel/nature, general kids action shots, and anything else that happens to catch my attention. This is the lens that does it all, and it's the default lens on my camera.
The 16mm is very noticably wide than 18mm, and my lens seems to spend most of its time at the 16mm setting. It's wide enough to get most of the standard super-wide angle stuff like the background trees at an outdoor party, a lot of the sky/clouds in a sunset, or most of the room while indoors. And in general quick snapshots, the subject will be somewhere in the image (to be cropped later).
The 85mm is effectively about 3x magnification from normal, so it still grabs distant subjects reasonably well, and it certainly works very well for portrait style images.
The lens images are VERY clear and sharp, and the VR feature is very much appreciated, especially at the longer lens settings. It simply works, and works well.
Focus is very fast and very quiet. On the D5000 with this lens, the time it takes from turning on the camera to taking an in-focus first shot is less than the time it takes to raise the camera to my eye.
Try it, you'll want it!
July 30, 2010
Excellent standard lens
I've been using this as my standard lens on my D300 for two years now. I get excellent results at all focal lengths and really value the 16mm (24mm equivalent in 35mm format) wide angle for both scenery and architecture. The VR facility enables hand held shots a low speeds in interiors; and at 85mm it is ideal for portraits.
Altogether I am very satisfied with this lens.
July 30, 2010
Excellent walkabout lens
This lens is a perfect for getting started with the D300S. The zoom range on the DX format camera (24-127mm) is very versatile - good for all kinds of photos. Focus is fast and accurate.
July 30, 2010
Excellent General Purpose and Travel Zoom
I wanted an update on Nikon's very good D70 "kit lens", the 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5, and it got it, and more than I expected, with the 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VRII. In my Nikkor lineup, this lens has become the choice for fast documentation and travel, and that with a subtle public profile in bag size and great convenience for carry, for boppin' around anywhere, everywhere, this is a great lens. Tack sharp, wide and long enough for 90 percent of what I care to do by way of open-ended town and country touring, firm and balanced for feel, and without "lens creep", it's turned out a very good deal. VR? I've shot as low as 1/15 in the mid-focal length range without evidence of camera shake. In essence, the 16-85mm VR produces a nimble, least encumbered, and least prepossessing travel style within the DSLR travel mode.
July 22, 2010
Perfect for day to day!
I bought the 16-85 VR with my D90. I love the wide zoom range, wide angle and tremendous image quality. When shooting in low light with the lens stopped down for greater depth of field, the VR is an a revelation. I've gotten shots inside cathedrals I never thought possible without a tripod.
If I could only have one lens, this would be it!
July 20, 2010
Perfect for Start Up Photos
As a new photographer, this lens works great and truly gets the job done.
August 17, 2011
Very good lens for Architectural Photography
I have been using this lens for 3 years now and I find it excellent for architectural photography with no visible distortion at full wide. Contrast and sharpness are good. It could use a couple of f-stops more for low light photography.
Night architectural photography is quite good even without a tripod
I am very satisfied
May 7, 2011
Top Notch
After searching for a year I have purchased this lens with no regrets. It is sharp with the perfect focal length for everyday use. It may be a bit expensive but you may never need another lens.
April 28, 2011
Great outdoor lens
This is a fantastic lens for outdoor shooting. I've captured great panoramas at the wide end, as well as nice close-ups with bokeh at 85mm. I do stress that this seems best as an *outdoor* lens, as f/3.5-5.6 does not function well indoors. For indoor/lowlight/motion shooting, the 35mm f/1.8 is a great choice. I use the 16-85mm and the 35mm as my "kit", and I feel well prepared for just about any photo opp.
April 14, 2011
This has become my standard lens
This lens is coupled to my D300 and is my "go everywhere" lens. Sharp, fast enough for almost every lighting condition, and versatile. If only it could shoot macro. Gives me great wide shots for landscape work and a tight enough zoom to get good close up detail for people shots without having to get in their face. Coupled with the 70-200/f2.8 VR telephoto - provides all the lenses I need for virtually all conditions.
August 10, 2010
Excellent lens for regular use and travel
I brought this lens along with me during a trip in Europe for 3 weeks. I didn't want to have to carry my 35mm prime and my 55-200 zoom for maximum range and close-up action so I picked up this lens which has a wide angle and can also capture a decent photo from a distance.
The lens is light weight and focuses quickly. I did encounter a considerable amount of glare in my photos when not using the cap on the edge of the lens but that's my own fault.
Overall, great lens and value.
August 2, 2010
Excellent lens for the price
Balances great with my D300, good VR performance. Quite decent results in a wide variety of lighting conditions, would actually be a fine single lens to carry if it had macro. Used to own the 18-70, this lens is sharper. Great DX choice.
August 1, 2010
Best one-lens solution for outdoors
This is a great all-around lens for DX shooters. It has only moderate distortion at the wide end, and good sharpness throughout the range, substantially wider than the 18-xx zooms. While I still take the 12-24 for shooting interiors and close urban spaces, and the 17-55 if I'm shooting live performance or other indoor action, this compact little performer lives on my camera for everyday use. I rarely need anything beyond the 85mm long end unless I'm shooting birds. A well-thought-out snapshooter and one-lens solution for travel. Highly recommended.
August 1, 2010
Great (almost) All-Purpose Zoom
This zoom replaces my 18-70 f/3.5-4.5 "kit" that came with my D200. I wanted a general purpose walking around zoom, and was trying to decide between this and the 18-200mm "superzoom." For a travel/general purpose lens, I rarely find myself wanting much in the way of telephoto beyond 85mm, whereas the extra reach on the wide end is actually quite useful in tight settings. (In most cases, if I want to shoot at longer focal lenghts I'm probably looking for a higher end lens anyway). My unscientific comparison tells me that the VR is working well enough to give me a higher percentage of sharp shots compared to the original 18-70mm lens. The lens is well built. It DID seize up on me once, but the problem corrected itself by removing the lens from the camera and putting it back on again. Out of focus blur (bokeh) is not bad--not the prettiest but certainly not ugly.
If you're looking for a lens you can leave on your camera, with higher quality optics than the basic 18-55 kit zoom, or want some more reach (and image stabilization) than the 18-70, and you don't often need the 85-200 range of the 18-200mm zoom, then the 16-85mm VR is probably a good choice for you.
July 30, 2010
Best all around len !
very good sharpness.
medium boket very resonable.
Fast focust.
July 30, 2010
Good Vacation Lens
I have mixed feelings about the 16-85 VR. It is my go-to lens but I have some hard feelings about it. First, VRII on a wide angle lens like this is wonderful -- I shoot hand-held with reasonable comfort. Then, the focal range is perfect for everyday use -- it's wide enough to use indoors (with flash) and long enough to zoom across the parking lot or back yard. I always start my day with the 16-85.
However, sharpness on my version of the 16-85 is not wonderful. It is best suited for panoramas and group photos -- don't expect to catch the twinkle in the bear's eye at the zoo. Also, the high-contrast nature of the lens produces large dark patches when all ease is properly exposed. This can be compensated for in-camera but often produces noisy black areas.
I consider the 16-85 pricey, but then VRII costs extra. The competition isn't offering anything better (from the samples and reviews I see). Keep your expectations low and you'll enjoy this versatile lens.
July 30, 2010
14 Questions | 26 Answers
Product Q&A
Ask your questions. Share your answers.
14 Questions | 26 Answers
Have a new question?
Ask a new question Search the Product Forum
All
All
I currently have a Nikon D3x SLR camera and looking at getting a lense for it. The lense I am looking at is the AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lense. Is this lense compatible with my camera?
1 year, 3 months ago
by
Arti
Melbourne
Location :
Melbourne
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
5 Answers
Answers
Answer:
The 16-85mm lens is a DX lens which means it is designed for the smaller APS-C sized image sensors of Nikon's DX series of digital SLR cameras. The D3x (along with the D3s, D3, and D700) all use a 'full-frame' 35mm sized sensor. While the lens is compatible with the camera, you will not be using the full image sensor and will end up shooting images using just a smaller portion of the sensor at a reduced resolution.If you don't have other DX cameras you need to use this lens on, you may want to consider searching among lenses designed for full frame. A suggestion would be the 28-300mm VR lens.
Answer:
This lens is for the dx format. Maybe the d3 x could use it but only half the sensor shall be used, the pictures shall have half the max. megs in the d3 x , check with your dealer.Answer:
You can use it on the 3x but in crop mode which kind of defeats the idea of having a D3x in the first place. If its wide angle you are after why not look at getting a 17-35 2.8, superb lens that it is.andwork very well oAnswer:
DX lenses on FX cameras provide vignetting because they were purposely made to to fit cameras with cropped sensors.Answer:
No, I do not believe DX lenses are not for use on FX "full frame" cameras. I believe the D3x needs the FX format lens like the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens.
Mar 30, 2011 by
by
BarryinSC
Simpsonville, SC
Location :
Simpsonville, SC
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: 1-3 months
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
3 Answers
is it good for people who looking for wide angle zoom lens
11 months ago
by
vippi
india
Location :
india
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
3 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Its perfect for that.Answer:
Very good at the wide angle end. Some distortion as expected. Is equivalent to 24mm on my D300.Aug 19, 2011 by
by
DORADUS
Age: Over 65
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
If you mean for DX camera, I think 10-24 is better choice for wide angle, it's really wide. 16mm on DX is not much wide. But if you mean for FX camera, it's cannot use with FX camera you need 16-35 f/4G VR.
Is this lens compatible with a D5100?
1 year ago
by
Ishia
Perth, WA
Location :
Perth, WA
Age: 18-24
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: 1-3 months
Role: Just getting started with photography
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Yes, I use this lens with the D5100 - its incredible sharpness really brings alot of detail to the 16Mp sensor in this camera!Answer:
Yes, it isHas staff answer
AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
2 Answers
is this lens compatible for D7000?
10 months ago
by
ariel
indonesia
Location :
indonesia
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Role: Just getting started with photography
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Here's a great article that explains which NIKKOR lenses are compatible with which types of Nikon cameras: http://www.nikonusa.com/Learn-And-E...Answer:
Yes8 months ago
by
Mark
Manila, Philippines
Location :
Manila, Philippines
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: 1-3 months
Role: Occasional user, memory keeper
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
yesAnswer:
Yes.7 months ago
by
Anonymous
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
yesAnswer:
Yes, this lens is compatible with the D60.Has staff answer
AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
2 Answers
When can we expect this lens (Product 2178) to be available in stores or online?
All retail merchants I have searched, including Best Buy and Wolf Camera, say they are out of this lens.
5 months ago
by
Vince
Austin, TX, USA
Location :
Austin, TX, USA
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
as has been said before:massive supply issues with all Nikon stuff since the floods last year.. :-( hoping it'l be sorted soon (question above) i'm wanting a new camera as mine has problems.
Answer:
If you have an urgent need I'd strongly suggest ordering one now from an authorized dealer so that you will be on their list as they receive shipments from us. Please click on the link below and then got to authorized dealers:http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Produ...
Is this lens compatible with the D40x?
1 month, 1 week ago
by
Ashley
Colorado, USA
Location :
Colorado, USA
Age: 18-24
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Role: Semi-professional photographer
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
It's not only compatible, it's a great match for that camera!Cheers,
Frank
Jun 5, 2012 by
by
Frank- Nikon Pro , 23 year Nikon shooter
DC
Location :
DC
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: 6-12 months
Role: Professional photographer
Answer:
Yes!9 months ago
by
Anonymous
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Yes.4 months, 3 weeks ago
by
Anonymous
Age: 18-24
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
yes
We’ll keep track of the products you view here.