Nikon Nikkor AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX ED Lens
The Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX ED is a 16–85mm f/3.5 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX ED Lens
Get notified when one lists.
We'll text or email you the moment a Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX ED is listed on GearFocus.
Have a Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX ED sitting in your bag?
You'd be the first listing for this model.
Serious buyers are already watching — list yours in minutes.
Available Now on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX ED
Key Features — Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX ED
16-85mm Focal Range: Covers wide-angle through short telephoto in a single lens, equivalent to approximately 24-127mm on a full-frame camera.
Nikon DX Format Design: Engineered specifically for APS-C sensor Nikon DSLRs, ensuring full image circle coverage without vignetting on DX bodies.
f/3.5–5.6 Variable Aperture: Opens to f/3.5 at the wide end, with aperture narrowing to f/5.6 at the telephoto end, typical for a zoom in this class.
Vibration Reduction (VR): Built-in optical image stabilization helps minimize camera shake during handheld shooting, particularly useful at longer focal lengths.
AF-S Silent Wave Motor: Internal autofocus motor enables fast, quiet focusing well-suited to both still photography and video capture.
Full-Time Manual Override: Allows direct manual focus adjustment at any time without switching out of autofocus mode.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX ED
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel, Landscape, Street, Portrait |
| Lens Type | Zoom |
| Format | APS-C / DX |
| Zoom/Prime | Zoom |
| Focal Length | 16–85mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Filter Thread | 67mm |
Description — Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX ED
The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX is a Zoom lens designed for APS-C format DSLR cameras, mounted via the Nikon F mount. Its focal length spans 16mm to 85mm, placing it in the wide-angle category while extending into short telephoto territory. The maximum aperture of f/3.5 at the wide end gives this lens solid versatility for a variable-aperture zoom.
Built-in optical image stabilization assists in reducing the effects of camera movement, particularly useful when shooting at the longer end of the zoom range. The lens supports both autofocus and manual focus, giving users control over how they lock onto a subject. A 67mm filter thread makes it straightforward to pair with standard filter systems.
At 485g, it strikes a practical balance between reach and portability for everyday use with Nikon DX-format DSLRs.
Pros — Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX ED
- ✓Wide focal length range of 16mm to 85mm covers wide-angle through short telephoto in one lens
- ✓Optical image stabilization helps reduce camera shake during handheld shooting
- ✓Supports both autofocus and manual focus modes for flexible operation
Cons — Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX ED
- ✗Maximum aperture of f/3.5 at the wide end narrows to f/5.6 at the long end, limiting light gathering at 85mm
- ✗APS-C-only design via Nikon F mount means it cannot be used on full-frame Nikon DSLR bodies without vignetting
- ✗Variable maximum aperture across the zoom range can require exposure adjustments when zooming
Reviews — Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX ED
Videos — Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX ED
Nikon AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED lens review with samples — Christopher Frost