Nikkor 18-105mm or 16-85mm?

[Abhi_UK]

Hi
I’m planning to buy a all purpose Lens (that I’m going to use most of the time) for my new D5100. I’m confused b/w 18-105mm and 16-85mm. By paper 16-85mm has superior built quality and better performance. But I’ve seen some comments - though the build quality is better but there is hardly any difference in IQ. So 16-85mm is not actually a value for money given the fact that it is almost twice costlier than 18-105 and i can buy a 50mm f1.4 with that money.
I thought of getting some expert opinion from you guys. Is there really any noticeable difference in performance between these two? I really liked the 18-105mm as it’s truly an all purpose lens. I don’t care about the plastic mount if the performance is good.

 

[Trever1t]

I can't speak of the 18-105 but I used the 16-85vr lens extensively and with success on my crop body. I found it to be a versatile walk around lens that offered a good range.

 

[480sparky42 42]

Click here.

 

[Trever1t]

I don't understand that comparison, if the 16-85 is better in every respect other than transmission, why the lower overall score?

 

[480sparky42 42]

I dunno.

 

[DiskoJoe]

16-85MM. I have a few friends that own this lens and stated that it is super solid and very sharp. Only down side is variable aperture. but it makes a nice walking lens and the 16mm is handy. Those two mm's do make a difference.

 

[DiskoJoe]

I don't understand that comparison, if the 16-85 is better in every respect other than transmission, why the lower overall score?

very odd considering what characteristics they used for the comparison. If price had been a factor I could see this but from what is shown it is not conclusive as to why or how they made that determination.

But trev says its good and everyone else that I know with one says its good too.

 

[Abhi_UK]

I'm interested to know the user experience (not interested in lab test result or point). And I’m more keen to know about 18-105mm as it's in top of my priority list. If there is not much difference in performance (i mean if it is making the user happy) then I’m going to buy it.

 

[480sparky42 42]

I've got the 18-105 and I can't say anything bad about it.

 

[Trever1t]

If I was to make a recommendation I would say skip both and buy good, I mean the best glass. I saw a nice jump from the 18-55 going to the 16-85 but nothing like going from the 16-85vr to the 24-70. or in your case I'd look at that 17-55 and forget about the others

 

[Abhi_UK]

If I was to make a recommendation I would say skip both and buy good, I mean the best glass. I saw a nice jump from the 18-55 going to the 16-85 but nothing like going from the 16-85vr to the 24-70. or in your case I'd look at that 17-55 and forget about the others

Thanks...but both are way out of my budget.:meh:

 

[Abhi_UK]

I've got the 18-105 and I can't say anything bad about it.

Thanks Sparky.