Nikon 16-85 VR

[legostudios34]

So I'm slowly working on replacing my Nikon kit Lenses with some better glass. I recently bought the Nikon 35 F1.8G, and I absolutely love it, but I'm also looking at getting some more zooms in my future. Primarily, I'm looking at the Nikon 16-85 VR to replace my 18-55 VR. Does anyone use this lens, and is the extra range and better glass quality worth the money? I see KEH has it for $350 with caps right now. Any opinions are appreciated.

[PatAzo]

It's a nice lens but not blow your hair back awesome. Kit lenses are often maligned but they do a decent job. As you move in lens quality the cost increases dramatically for incremental improvements in image quality. I replaced a 18-70 with a 16-85. It's a better lens but my technique in supporting the camera, composing and shooting for the light had a far greater impact than the change in lens did.

The range is nice but distortion at 16mm is noticeable. 85mm vs. 70mm I don't see a lot of difference. The VR is nice as long as the subject isn't moving. You can pick up a couple stops hand holding. If you shoot off a tripod VR doesn't do you any good.

At the mid-$300's if would be a nice lens if it's in good shape.

[railohio]

What do you want to do with it that your current lens(es) will not do? If you're not shooting poster-sized enlargements you won't really notice a difference in quality.