Quality Nikon DX zoom at 16-85mm with VR and ED, wider range than kit zooms at mid-range pricing.
The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is a quality DX standard zoom covering 24-127.5mm equivalent — wider and longer than the 18-55mm kit zoom with VR stabilisation and ED glass. The 16-85mm was considered the best Nikon DX standard zoom before the 16-80mm f/2.8-4.
The 16mm wide end provides wider coverage than any 18mm zoom, and the 85mm telephoto end reaches portrait territory. The ED glass controls chromatic aberration, and the VR provides effective handheld stabilisation. The AF-S motor ensures universal DX body compatibility.
Build quality is quality Nikon DX above basic kit zooms. The 16-85mm provides a significant step up from 18-55mm kits in both range and optical quality, covering more situations without lens changes.
The AF-S DX 16-85mm VR offers the quality Nikon DX standard zoom at excellent used pricing. The wider range and ED glass provide genuine improvements over basic kit zooms at moderate used cost.