http://www.digitalcameraworld.com MARCH 2020 DIGITAL CAMERA^107K i t Z o n e
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t would be a reasonable
bet that most people buying
their first interchangeable-
lens camera will choose
a standard zoom as their
first lens. It offers a versatile range of focal
lengths suitable for landscape and portrait
photography while the new camera owner
learns about the settings.
You might go on to invest in a 50mm prime
lens, or perhaps a macro or super-telephoto
depending on your photographic interests.
But that standard zoom will always remain
a core component of your kit bag for
everyday shooting – which is why it’s worth
considering an upgrade. This issue’s Group
Test looks at eight standard zoom options
for SLR owners (four each from Canon
and Nikon), each of which offers a step
up from the kit lens you started with.
Over the page, meanwhile, I go hands-on
with the Sigma fp. It’s a head-turner of
a camera because Sigma has managed to
fit a full-frame mirrorless mechanism into
such a small body. Sigma’s emphasis
on video is also interesting, showing
how important the videographer
market has become. Rod Lawton
Plus
112 Sony Alpha 6600
114 Nikkor Z 50-250mm
116 Laowa 15mm
118 Modern Classic:
Sony Alpha 7R II
130 Mini Test: Drones
Given to the top
product in a
group test
Given to products
that offer superb
value for money
All products reviewed
in KitZone are tested
independently by
photographers with years
of experience, using lab
and real-world testing
For products
that receive five
stars overall
The awards bestowed by the Digital Camera lab... Ratings explained
I
108
Sigma fp The world’s smallest
full-frame mirrorless camera^132
Help Me Buy How to choose a
portrait lens, plus kit suggestions
128
Mini Test: Lens cleaners Six ways
(^120) to take better care of your optics
Group Test: Standard zooms
Essentials for your kit bag
Best in class
Excellent
Good
So-so
Poor