Nikon AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED ultra zoom lens

Nikon AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED ultra zoom lens

The design of the Nikon AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED ultra zoom lens makes it appear quite compact, but it is a solid performer with a very versatile focal range.

Features & handling
The Nikon AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens may look compact when  the front element is in its contracted position but it’s no lightweight. Build quality is good, using a metal lens mount, together with rubberised zoom and focus rings, which provide a sturdy and smooth action.
The real bonus, though, is the extra 2mm it allows at the wide end over Nikon’s 18-55mm kit lens. Factoring in the 1.5x crop factor on the Nikon DX sensor this has a ‘super’ wide-angle equivalent of 24mm on film cameras. That, combined with a decent 85mm zoom at the other end, gives it a versatile focal range.
Though not particularly ‘fast’, the maximum aperture of f/3.5 at 16mm lets in plenty of light and shots are helped by Nikon’s second-generation image stabilisation technology, Vibration Reduction II (VR II). VR II has two different modes: ‘Normal’ compensates for regular camera shake, and ‘Active’ for more severe vibrations like when shooting from a moving vehicle. Autofocus is quick, accurate and virtually noise free – thanks to the built-in Silent Wave Motor, and the Manual/Auto switch on the barrel is handy for making quick adjustments when shooting.

Spec
Street price: £427
Construction: 17 Elements in 11 groups
Aperture blades: 7
Maximum aperture: f/3.5-5.6
Minimum aperture:  f/22-36
Image stabiliser
Minimum focus: 38cm
Filter size: 67mm
Dimensions: 72x85mm (DxL)
Weight: 485g
Mount: Nikon DX

Value & verdict
The Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 scoops five photoanswers stars due to its versatile focal range with its wide-angle performance and second-generation Vibration Reduction technology. And the fast and silent autofocus put in an outstanding performance, too.

www.nikon.co.uk