AF-S Nikkor 16-85 3.5-5.6 G ED DX VR: Is it my eyes, or is this lens less than perfect? ... I don't know, but it seems to me, this lens is sharper AROUND the central area, than it is...

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Is it my eyes, or is this lens less than perfect? ... I don't know, but it seems to me, this lens is sharper AROUND the central area, than it is IN the central area ... has anyone else noticed this? ... Oh, BTW - it's mounted on a D7100.

GPS Phil Loc: Dayton Ohio

ChrisT wrote:

Is it my eyes, or is this lens less than perfect? ... I don't know, but it seems to me, this lens is sharper AROUND the central area, than it is IN the central area ... has anyone else noticed this? ... Oh, BTW - it's mounted on a D7100.

This has always been one of my favorite lenses, having used it for years on both my D7000 and my D7100 I have never noticed a lack of sharpness anywhere. I am very picky about sharpness, and use this for landscapes and street photography. Having a few expensive FX lenses that I use on my full frame, I have something to compare it with.

Phil

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Never found fault with it, huh, Phil? ... Maybe, I just got a bad copy, then ....

Tell me this, then. On which body does it seem to perform the best? The 16mp one or the 24mp one?

GPS Phil Loc: Dayton Ohio

ChrisT wrote:

Never found fault with it, huh, Phil? ... Maybe, I just got a bad copy, then ....

Tell me this, then. On which body does it seem to perform the best? The 16mp one or the 24mp one?

While there is not a great difference, the D7100 will always produce a better image than the D7000. It has a much better focus system, no AA filter and 24 MPX. Also remember that the color and contrast that the little 16-85 produces, and it's build quality and size are part of it's charm. You may indeed have a poor copy, I think it would be worth doing a little checking. Good luck!

Phil

CO

I have two of the Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 DX VR lenses. I've been using them on my D500 and D7000. I haven't seen the issue that you describe. You might send the lens in to Nikon to have them check it out. I attached an image I took with the Nikon 16-85mm on my D500.

LensTip.com does extensive lens testing. I downloaded the charts for their image resolution testing of the Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6. The upper chart is image resolution at lens center. The lower chart is image resolution at lens edge.

Nikon 16-85mm on D500
Nikon 16-85mm on D500...

(Download)

Image resolution at lens center for Nikon 16-85mm

Image resolution at lens edge for Nikon 16-85mm

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

CO ... thanks ... how can I get a copy of these? ... are they available for download to anyone?

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

My copy has worked fine on both a D300 and now a D7100. My most versatile lens.....

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Good, LoneRangeFinder ... glad you've had extended success with it ....

CO

ChrisT wrote:

CO ... thanks ... how can I get a copy of these? ... are they available for download to anyone?

Here is a link to the first page of the test for the 16-85mm. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. You will see eleven categories. Click on the image resolution page.

https://www.lenstip.com/199.1-Lens_review-Nikon_Nikkor_AF-S_DX_16-85_mm_f_3.5-5.6G_ED_VR-Introduction.html

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Thanks so much, CO ....

cthahn

How did you determine this. Show a picture. How do we know what you a re talking about.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

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cthahn wrote:

How did you determine this. Show a picture. How do we know what you a re talking about.

Read it in a review ...

I'd noticed something wrong, when it was mounted on my D5300 ...

Switched it to my D5500 ... things improved, incrementally ...

Switched it to my D7100 ... things improved, quite a bit ...

It's now my opinion - Prosumer Bodies do better with their makers' own lenses on them ...

DennyM Loc: Masontown, WV

I've used this lens on my D7000 for several years now, and at first, seamed to be not so sharp. Did the in-camera lens calibration and all, nothing seamed to work. Then, later, I went to BBF and started shooting manual, 250-400/at F8 with auto ISO. Bingo! Suddenly my photos became very sharp and clear. Can't really explain it, but it worked for me. Maybe someone here can shed some light on how this made the difference.
Reply to ChrisT

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

DennyM wrote:

I've used this lens on my D7000 for several years now, and at first, seamed to be not so sharp. Did the in-camera lens calibration and all, nothing seamed to work. Then, later, I went to BBF and started shooting manual, 250-400/at F8 with auto ISO. Bingo! Suddenly my photos became very sharp and clear. Can't really explain it, but it worked for me. Maybe someone here can shed some light on how this made the difference.
Reply to ChrisT

Thanks, Denny ... I'll give that a shot ....