Strange distortion/blur when using Nikon 16-35mm f/4???

[sleist]

I think the filter is the likely culprit.

Another remote possibility is VR. It's not needed on a tripod or at high shutter speeds and "can" degrade image quality if used when not needed.

 

[KmH]

Me too, since the OP got it wrong and typed B&W instead of B+W.

 

[D-B-J]

Me to since the OP got it wrong and typed B&W instead of B+W.

Could imply a knock-off.

 

[astroNikon]

B+W has multiple level filters with a large range in price.
But they all seem to be "good" compared to the junk out there.

But, I would take the pic without the filter at f/4 and f/9 and again with the filter at f/4 f/9 for comparison.

FYI, when I was buying my B+W filters there were fakes out there.
VR - I try not to use it except at low shutter speeds, handheld.

 

[Braineack]

VR is for 1/250 or slower.

 

[KmH]

Thom says slower than 1/500 in rule #2 - Nikon VR explained

 

[photoguy99]

Has everyone picked up on the fact that the first few images are 100% crops? I'm seeing missed focus and low local contrast, but no actual unsharpness going on here.

 

[D-B-J]

Has everyone picked up on the fact that the first few images are 100% crops? I'm seeing missed focus and low local contrast, but no actual unsharpness going on here.

I mentioned missed focus earlier.

 

[photoguy99]

Yes, yes you did.

 

[Solarflare]

As others said before in this thread, I too dont have any problem with sharpness on my AF-S 16-35mm f4 VR, or at least not even remotely as much of a problem as the OP.

A cheap or faulty UV filter would indeed be the most likely candidate, or maybe serious misalignment of the lens.