With a second-generation VR system and handy focal range, is this the ideal all-purpose lens for Nikon DX-format bodies?

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  Solid MTF performance

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  Overall design doesn't 'gel'

This all purpose zoom for Nikon DX format SLR cameras provides an angle of view equivalent to a 24-127mm lens on a 35mm camera and costs around £450. It also sports Nikon's latest vibration reduction system and a silent wave focusing motor.

As an all-round lens for day to day shooting, this 16-85mm optic from Nikon offers a very good solution. The 16mm focal length provides a useful wide field of view, equivalent to a 24mm lens on a 35mm camera, which adds to the appeal of this lens.

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  Very useful zoom range for general purpose photography, Vibration reduction, Very sharp at 16mm, Internal focusing

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  Drop off in resolution as the lens is zoomed (although the performance is still good), Occasional squeaking from the focusing motor on the tested sample

If you can live without a fast, constant aperture, this lens is great.

Despite some shortcomings the Nikkor AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR DX is still one of the best standard zooms available for Nikon crop cameras. It is very sharp throughout the range although there could be a little less field curvature (curved focus field) at 16mm.

How could you sum up our test? It is not easy at all as our feelings are mixed. On the one hand the lens’s focal lengths range is very universal, giving us a wide angle of view. On the other hand, though, the lens is not fast enough.

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  good build quality,, useful range of focal lengths,, very good frame centre image quality at all focal lengths and aperture combinations, good frame edge image quality (apart from the maximum aperture),, low chromatic aberration in the middle of the focal lengths range,, slight astigmatism,, quick,...

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  frame edge image quality should have been better at maximum aperture,, too high chromatic aberration at the extremes of the focal lengths range,, high distortion at the widest angle,, visible coma,, high vignetting,, average work against bright light.

Despite some shortcomings the Nikkor AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR DX is probably still the best DX standard zoom lens in Nikon mount to date. It is very sharp throughout the range although there could be a little less field curvature (curved focus field) at 16mm.

Just got this lens for the wide angle capability but also for portraits. In Texas we have some wide open landscapes and big skies with big sunsets. First time out i did just that. It won me over and I am telling all my Nikon friends. They love what I have done so far.

Balances beautifully on my D7200. Compact, lightweight, and sharp throughout the focal range. With a DX focal length equivalent to 24-127.5, you can't go wrong. From true wide angle to medium telephoto, this lens covers all bases. A great everyday lens.

thinking to use it with my new D7000 for all-around lens, not better than nikon 18-135mm, whitch I got with D80 kit, except the VR, It is a good quality built lens, but not justify the MSRP, so far slightly out of focus, but I'm working on it.

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  Easy To Use

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  Too expensive

I used the lens with the Nikon D7100, and the VR definitely helps reduce camera shake when taking photos handheld in low light situations and venues where tripods are not allowed. The lens itself has some weight to it.

My D80 came with the 18-135mm lens. After using this lens for a while I evaluated which focal lengths that I used the most. This lead me to purchase the 16-85mm.<br /><br />The 135mm focal length required a tripod or other stead mount to get blur free images.

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  Durable

I've used this as my main "walk-around" lens for a few years now. I wanted the 24mm equivalent on the wide end and some telephoto (wish it had a little more, actually, like the Sony).

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  useful zoom range

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  wish it were sharper. had one mechanical issue

Stunning - excellent general purpose but saturation on landscape pictures is superb. Fast focussing with VR stabilisation makes this my No 1 lens and it is used even more than my 18-200mm. I also have the 24-85mm D which is also great but tends to get left for close ups mainly.

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  Size/ weight, speed, wide angle capabilities, saturation, VR and price.

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  None on my copy

An amazing lens offering AF-S (Silent Wave Motor) and VR II (2nd generation of Vibration Reduction) technology and good focal length coverage from ultra-wide angle to telephoto portrait. Highly recommended!

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  Excellent focal range, image quality and packs all wonderful technology--AFS/VR/ED/IF--to make an excellent lens.

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  67mm filter size is a stinger! Build quality. Confusing focal length designation.

This is a great DX lens for my Nikon D7200. It's my favorite lens for this camera. The range is perfect, it's not to big or bulky and heavy to walk around with all day. When I go somewhere with my camera and just one lens, this is the one. Sharper than any of my other DX lenses too.

I own an FX and DX (D810 for FX and D7000 DX) and I use the DX for holidays and non-work projects - and indeed even some work jobs. I traded in a Nikon 18-105 for this very similar focal range piece of glass and have been extremely impressed, rating the results somewhere between the Sigma art...