Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR camera kit

Versatile DX zoom lens

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR covers a 16-85mm focal range, delivering a 24-128mm equivalent view on DX-format DSLRs such as the D40, D60, D80, D90 and D300. It suits photographers who want a single lens for interiors, landscapes and portraits without changing glass.

Upgrade from kit zooms

Vibration Reduction allows sharp handheld shots at up to four shutter speeds slower than non-stabilised lenses, making the step worthwhile for low-light work and longer focal lengths. The Silent Wave Motor adds fast, quiet autofocus that basic kit lenses often lack, improving both stills and video capture.

DX crop constraint

The lens projects an image circle for APS-C sensors only, so it cannot cover a full-frame sensor without vignetting. At 16mm the maximum aperture is f/3.5, narrowing to f/5.6 at 85mm, which limits shallow depth-of-field control and low-light capability compared to constant-aperture alternatives. Minimum focus distance stays at 1.3 feet across the zoom range.