Nikon's premium DX wide-to-telephoto zoom with VR, a versatile step up from the 18-55mm.
The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is Nikon's premium DX walk-around zoom, launched around 2008. Covering a wider 24-127mm equivalent range than the standard 18-55mm with VR and ED glass, it was bundled with mid-range bodies like the D90 and D7000 as an alternative to the basic kit lens.
Optical quality is a clear step above the 18-55mm range with sharp results across the frame and well-controlled chromatic aberration from ED glass. VR provides approximately 4 stops of stabilisation. AF-S motor is quiet and responsive. Build is solid plastic with a metal mount.
Nikon F mount in DX format only, 67mm filter thread. The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR succeeded it with a faster aperture and improved optics. The 16-85mm offers slightly more telephoto reach at a lower price.
Good value used. Check VR operation, zoom ring smoothness, and AF motor. The lens offers a meaningful quality improvement over the 18-55mm range. The 67mm filter thread matches Nikon's pro DX lenses for filter sharing.