Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR

£630/$700 The latest, lightest Nikon superzoom

The revamped Mk II edition of Nikon’s 18-200mm superzoom lost out in zoom range to the newer but comparatively bulky 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6

lens. This latest lens in Nikon’s superzoom line-up seeks to go large on zoom range in a downsized build, at the expense of a slight reduction in long-zoom aperture.

Despite the reduced size, a ring-type ultrasonic autofocus system is retained, rather than switching to an ultrasonic motor with driveshafts and gearwheels, favoured for compactness in most Sigma and Tamron DSLR superzooms. However, unlike the company’s other superzooms, there’s no focus distance scale and the lens hood is sold as an optional extra.

Performance

In an evident case of swings and roundabouts, the Nikon is sharper than the competing Canon lens for wide-angle shooting, but much softer at the long end. In fairness, though, sharpness only really drops off in the 200-300mm zoom sector, which is unobtainable from the Canon. The Nikon’s autofocus speed is also much slower.