Nikon AF-S DX 16-85 mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

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

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

The Bottom Line: 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!

Review: I explored two zoom lenses: Nikon AF-S Nikkor VR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED (IF) DX and Tokina 16-50mm f/2.8 ATX Pro DX. In this review, I will discuss the Nikkor AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR IF and will soon post a review of the Tokina 16-50mm f/2.8 as ...

Pros: useful range, extra wide angle, robust build, easy to use, Nikon quality

Cons: No weather seal, more expensive than similar third party offerings

The Bottom Line: Will answer your needs 99 per cent of the time

Review: Note: I'll stick to my more or less standard disclaimer about my reviews - I'm not a techhead and I'm more concerned with taking nice pictures than analysing in painstaking detail every last nuance of the equipment I use. If you want learned discussion ...

Pros: Screamingly sharp, and 16mm is true wideangle (24mm 35mm-equivalent).

Cons: Expensive because it's new. DX only, gets autocropped on FX cameras like the D700.

The Bottom Line: Sharp wideangle range with useful telephoto range. If you have the money, get the 70-300mm VR to deal with telephoto shots beyond 85mm.

Review: This is part of my 3-part series on Nikon consumer-grade DX lenses: 16-85, 18-105, and 18-200.  (I'll write the 18-200 very soon.)A lot of people are scratching their heads over the consumer-grade VR lenses on the market from Nikon right ...