Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR ...- User Rating: 
Summary for Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR ...- Basic Nikon zoom adds useful wide angle reach
Notes on Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR ...- I chose the 16-85mm over Nikon's other basic DSLR zooms (18-xx/xxx) primarily due to its wider zoom capability on the short end, and I have been extremely satisfied with my choice. A 2mm difference doesn't seem like much, but it is very nearly equivalent to the difference between 24mm and 28mm lenses on a 35mm-sized camera. That is a very noticeable difference and enough to make the 16-85 a useful wide angle lens. The 16mm setting is great. It gives a perspective that is striking enough to produce interesting images but close enough to normal to avoid looking unnatural. An ultra-wide still has its place, but 16mm (24mm equivalent) is such a useful focal length to have that it puts the 16-85mm in a category, for me, that is one notch above the 18-xx/xxx lenses.
It helps that by most accounts the 16-85mm is optically the best of these lenses. I'm not really equipped to evaluate the lens' technical qualities, but those who have done so tend to note that this lens addresses most of the minor flaws found among the rest of Nikon's basic DSLR zooms, making it likely the sharpest and least flawed of a good lot. I can confirm that it produces strikingly colorful photos that are sharp and mostly free of undesirable effects. Mine does produce some ghosting when shooting photos with the sun actually in the frame, which I often do. I wouldn't fault it too heavily on that basis.
The 16-85's toughest competition is probably the 18-200. I didn't really consider the 200 because Nikon seems to have had to give up just a bit too much in terms of optical quality to get the zoom range. Still, many buyers will compare the two, as they are similar in cost and quality and perform similar functions for most users. I'm actually a bit surprised how infrequently I need to go beyond 85mm on a DSLR. 85mm is a good, useful telephoto range that provides a fair measure of distance compression and allows me to get the perspective I want in the telephoto range for most normal subjects. The 85-200mm range, for me, is really mostly useful for special conditions photography - shooting distant subjects that I have no way to get closer to. For that type of purpose I don't mind having to switch lenses, and the bonus here is that the 70-300mm VR becomes an excellent and affordable complement to the 16-85mm. That combination, although more expensive, provides usefully greater range at both ends than the 18-200mm without quite the optical compromises the 18-200mm seems to require. Nikon's 28-200mm "G" lens could be another very useful complement to the 16-85mm as it has a reputation for optical excellence, good macro capabilities and is light and fairly inexpensive.
The bottom line is that the 16-85mm is a no-excuses basic lens that serves very well for quite a broad scope of basic photography. I feel confident when I use it that I am getting very close to the best image quality possible. The only thing the lens gives up is speed, and that is surely by necessity. If you wanted a combination of fast lenses that would approximate this range you would need to get both Nikon's 17-35mm f/2.8 and 24-70mm f/2.8, at a combined cost of $3k, and would still need to add either a 70-200 or an 85mm prime at the long end. VR makes the lack of speedy apertures acceptable for basic shooting. I love my 16-85.
Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR ...- User Rating: 
Summary for Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR ...- Awesome lens except for macro shots
Notes on Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR ...- This lens is sharp and functions very well. I only have a few minor demerits:
1) At 16mm there is slight light falloff in the corners. It's usually not detrimental to the picture quality in real life. Small sacrifice for those extra 2mm.
2) This is a terrible lens for macro shots. The ratio is something like 1:4.6. In this zoom range (and price range) I would normally expect better macro performance. I already have a 'macro' lens that does 1:2 but because this lens has poor macro performance I lose out on the potential VR benefit during handheld macro shots (not to mention that I have to change lenses to shoot macro). Honestly, if I didn't already have a macro lens I would likely return it on this basis alone.
3) The VR is not really noticeable on this lens at wide angles. I'm sure this is a common issue due to wide angles being less sensitive to camera shake - but I honestly don't notice a difference when the VR is turned on. I know the Nikon VR works great in my longer 70-300mm lens. On that lens the difference VR makes is like night and day.
Other than those issues, this lens is super sharp and has less distortion than most other lenses in this same range. The colors are accurate (not saturated). The focusing seems pretty fast and quiet. Great walkaround lens. Except for the crappy macro performance, this lens would get five stars from me.
Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR ...- User Rating: Summary for Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR ...- Perfect match for the D90
Notes on Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR ...- After much research and advice from fellow photographers, I opted not to purchase the "kit lens" for my D90. I am happy to say that this is an outstanding walk-about. It produces crisp, sharp images and it's not too large or clumsy to handle. The lens provides a nice range for family gatherings, portraits, a day in the wood or cityscapes. It's a perfect match for my D90. You won't be disappointed.
Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR ...- User Rating: Summary for Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR ...- It's a Nikon
Notes on Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR ...- I use the 16-85 as a companion to the 70-300. The 16mm wide end is very nice for general shooting. The quality of build and optics is typical Nikon. The reason for the 4 stars instead of 5, the hood will cast a very strong shadow in your photo if you do not take it off before using the built in flash. At least this is true when used with the D60. I am surprised that this got past the good folks at Nikon. Otherwise it's a great product.
Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR ...- User Rating: Summary for Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR ...- A great general purpose lens.
Notes on Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR ...- This lens is just right for me. Ideal for indoors, at museums, at the zoo, in the garden. It is a very good macro lens for casual use without special accessories... great for small flowers, bugs, coins, jewelry. None of the problems that come up when using long telephoto lenses. No creep when pointing down. Very light. Works great on my Nikon D80.
