Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm 1:4G ED VR review
July 2010 | By Andy Westlake
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm 1:4G ED VR, announced in February 2010, has the distinction of being the world's first ultra-wideangle lens to feature optical image stabilization. It's designed primarily for use on full-frame DSLRs, as a less-expensive alternative to the likes of the 17-35mm 1:2.8D or the 14-24mm 1:2.8G, but is also fully compatible with DX bodies on which it offers a 24-50mm equivalent range. It can be seen as an answer to Canon's EF 17-40mm F4 L USM, which has long been popular as a (relatively) inexpensive, compact, lightweight yet high quality wide zoom; indeed we suspect many Nikon fans will be hoping it's the first in a series of F4 premium zooms. However a quick glance at the spec sheet shows that the addition of optical stabilization has resulted in a lens that's distinctly larger than the Canon, at the best part of five inches in length and a pound and a half in weight.
The addition of stabilization also means a more complex optical formula than is usual for a relatively slow wide zoom. The 16-35mm makes use of 17 elements on 12 groups including a liberal sprinkling of exotic elements to address aberrations, of which three are aspherical and two made from Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass. Nano Crystal coating is also employed to combat flare. The stabilization system meets Nikon's 'VR II' specification, promising sharp images hand-held at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than would usually be possible. Focusing uses a ring-type AF-S motor for speed and silence, and full-time override of the focus distance is available.
These goodies are rounded off with high standard of build quality, including protection against dust and water. A nine-bladed circular aperture is also employed for the attractive rendition of background blur. All of this adds up to one of the most attractively-specified wideangle zooms available; the question is, does the reality live up to the specs?
Headline features
16-35mm focal length range; F4 constant maximum aperture
Optical image stabilization – 4 stops claimed
Ring-type ultrasonic focusing with full-time manual override
F mount for Nikon and Fuji DX and FX format DSLRS
Angle of view
The pictures below illustrate the focal length range from wide to telephoto, on FX and DX camera bodies:
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| 16mm (FX full frame) |
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| 35mm (FX full frame) |
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| 16mm (DX; 24mm equivalent) |
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| 35mm (DX; 53mm equivalent) |
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm F4G ED VR specifications
| Street price | • US: $1160 • UK: £880 |
|---|---|
| Date introduced | February 2010 |
| Maximum format size | 35mm full frame |
| Focal length | 16-35mm |
| 35mm equivalent focal length (APS-C) | 24-53mm |
| Diagonal Angle of view (FF) | 107º - 63º |
| Diagonal Angle of view (DX) | 83º - 44º |
| Maximum aperture | F4 |
| Minimum aperture | F22 |
| Lens Construction | • 17 elements/12 groups • 2 ED glass elements • 3 aspherical elements |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9, rounded |
| Minimum focus | 0.28m / 0.9ft |
| Maximum magnification | 0.25x at 35mm |
| AF motor type | • Ring-type ultrasonic • Full-time manual focus - A/M and M/A modes |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Zoom method | Internal |
| Image stabilization | • VR II, 4 stops claimed |
| Filter thread | • 77mm • Does not rotate on focus |
| Supplied accessories | • Front and rear caps • HB-23 Hood • CL-1120 Lens Pouch |
| Weight | 685g (1.5 lb) |
| Dimensions | 82.5mm diameter x 125mm length (3.2 x 4.9 in) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F only |
| Other | • Weather sealing • Reports focus distance information to camera body |
* Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area
Foreword / notes
If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read some of our Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).
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Dpreview use calibrated monitors at the PC normal gamma 2.2, this means that on our monitors we can make out the difference between all of the grayscale blocks below. We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally also A, B and C.
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