Nikon AF-s DX 18-300mm
f/3.5-6.3g eD vrnikon.co.ukFeATUReS
Features are reasonable
for a superzoom, but
it’s not up to Nikon’s
usual standardsVAlUe FoR
MoNey
it’s the most expensive
lens to buy in this group,
but the only one that’s
supplied without a hoodHANdlINg
Handling is good, with
a smooth zoom action
and stationery focus
ring during autofocusQUAlITy oF
ReSUlTS
Distortions and fringing
can be noticeable, and
sharpness at longer
zooms is lacklustreBUIld QUAlITy
the Nikon feels pretty
solid and has a weather-
seal mount on its metal
mounting plateManufacturer
Nikon
Price
£699/$699
Mount
N
Elements/groups
16/12
Diaphragm
7 blades
Optical stabiliser
Yes
Autofocus type
ultrasonic
(ring type)
Focus ring
during AF
stationary/manual
override
Min focus
distance
0.48m
Max magnification
0.32x
Filter size
67mm
Dimensions
79x99mm
Weight
550gBuild quality and handling are good,
but performance is mediocre and
it’s not great value at the price.overall
tamron 18-400mm
f/3.5-6.3 Di ii vC HLDtamron.co.ukFeATUReS
the main ‘feature’ is the
400mm telephoto reach.
the HLD autofocus is
also a highlightVAlUe FoR
MoNey
At about the same price
as the Nikon 18-300mm
lens, the tamron is
slightly better valueHANdlINg
Handling is oK, but the
zoom ring is stiff and
the focus ring rotates
during autofocusQUAlITy oF
ReSUlTS
sharpness is poor at the
short end and merely
average at mid to long-
zoom settingsBUIld QUAlITy
Multiple weather-seals
add to the attraction
of this lens’s good all-
round build qualityManufacturer
tamron
Price
£670/$649
Mount
C, N
Elements/
groups
16/11
Diaphragm
7 blades
Optical stabiliser
Yes
Autofocus type
HLD
Focus ring
during AF
rotates
Min focus
distance
0.45m
Max
magnification
0.34x
Filter size
72mm
Dimensions
79x124mm
Weight
710gIt’s good if you want maximum
telephoto reach, but image quality
is a little compromised.overall
tamron 16-300mm
f/3.5-6.3 Di ii vC pZDtamron.co.ukFeATUReS
space-saving features
include a well-
implemented ‘piezo
Drive’ autofocus systemVAlUe FoR
MoNey
it scores highly for build
quality and handling,
making it pretty good
value at the priceHANdlINg
the controls work
smoothly and there’s
full-time manual
override of autofocusQUAlITy oF
ReSUlTS
sharpness could be
better, short-zoom barrel
distortion is severe, fringing
is poor at both endsBUIld QUAlITy
Build quality feels good,
and the splash-proof
design includes a
weather-sealed mountManufacturer
tamron
Price
£499/$629
Mount
C, N
Elements/groups
16/12
Diaphragm
7 blades
Optical stabiliser
Yes
Autofocus type
ultrasonic (motor)
Focus ring
during AF
stationary/
manual override
Min focus
distance
0.39m
Max
magnification
0.34x
Filter size
67mm
Dimensions
75x100mm
Weight
540gImage quality isn’t the best, but
handling is good and it’s the top
choice for wide-angle potential.overall
sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-
6.3 DC Macro os HsM | Csigma-imaging-uk.comFeATUReS
A good set includes
high-grade optical
elements in a compact
but capable designVAlUe FoR
MoNey
it is less expensive to
buy than most of its
competitors, making it
unbeatable valueHANdlINg
Handling is refined, and
while the focus ring
rotates during autofocus,
it’s right at the front endQUAlITy oF
ReSUlTS
image quality is superior to
any other lens in the group
in terms of sharpness,
fringing and distortionsBUIld QUAlITy
the zoom ring operates
smoothly, and
overall the lens feels
robust and solidManufacturer
sigma
Price
£499/$579
Mount
C, N, p, s-A, sg
Elements/
groups
17/13
Diaphragm
7 blades
Optical stabiliser
Yes
Autofocus type
ultrasonic (motor)
Focus ring
during AF
rotates
Min focus
distance
0.39m
Max
magnification
0.33x
Filter size
72mm
Dimensions
79x102mm
Weight
585gIn the superzoom category, Sigma
proves that you don’t need to
spend more to get the best quality.overall
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