Sigma edges ahead in the superzoom stakes

The Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM | C just about wins out

For image quality, the Sigma 18-300mm delivers the best overall sharpness, while keeping colour fringing and distortions down to respectable

levels. It’s reasonably small and light too, adding to its travel-friendly feel.

However, the Tamron 16-300mm has a bigger zoom range, offering a wider viewing angle. It also adds a weatherseal on its mounting plate and has better handling. This is because, unlike the Sigma, its focus ring doesn’t rotate during autofocus, and enables full-time manual override. We actually prefer the Tamron lens to the Sigma for Nikon DSLRs, which automatically correct the colour fringing which otherwise would be more noticeable.

The Canon 18-135mm offers great handling, but its zoom range and telephoto reach are somewhat limited. The Nikon 18-300mm has a greater zoom range, but its autofocus speed and image quality are disappointing.

For Micro Four Thirds, the Panasonic wins out over the Olympus. It delivers greater sharpness at the long end of the zoom range, enhanced by the inclusion of an optical image stabiliser. For Sony E-fit cameras, there’s nothing to choose between the Sony and Tamron 18‑200mm lenses, which are pretty much identical.