For those of you trying to decide whether to purchase the Nikon 16-85mm VR or the Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR ED Nikkor lens, first, read Thom’s reviews on the 16-85 and 18-105.
Next, consider Thom’s comments on why he’d personally select the 16-85 over the 18-105, even though the former costs almost twice the price of the latter:
For me, the choice would always be the 16-85mm over the 18-105mm, everything else equal. And the reason is simple. The difference between 85mm and 105mm can be achieved in two ways: moving closer or cropping. The difference between 16mm and 18mm can be achieved only one way: moving further away. You can’t always do that. So for a general purpose, one lens solution, 16 is better than 105.
z06vette adds that the 16-85 has better AF (Autofocus) speed, and has the newer, more effective VR (vibration reduction).
Related
Nikon 16-85mm VR — Main page.
Nikon 18-105mm VR — Main page.
Nikon lenses – Main page.