The Nikon is best, but pricey

The Nikon AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR continues a grand tradition

For advanced features, build quality, autofocus and optical stabiliser performance and sheer image quality, the new Nikon FX-format

70-300mm comes out on top. The AF and AF-S versions that came before it were somewhat legendary as ‘affordable’ telephoto zooms, but the new edition takes everything to a new level. However, it’s a lot less affordable than its predecessors and twice the price of some other lenses in the budget telephoto sector – even more in some cases. If you can accept a modest compromise in quality, the Tamron 70-300mm offers a massive saving in cash.

For Canon photographers, the new 70-300mm II IS USM is streets ahead of the previous edition, and is more sensibly priced than the Nikon lens. The balance is redressed a little, however, as Canon sells the lens hood separately and the accessory is outrageously expensive in the UK and Europe. The Tamron 70-300mm VC USD performs nearly as well as the equivalent own-brand Canon and Nikon lenses, and wins out for value for money.

The Canon 55-250mm and Nikon 55-200mm lenses are only really worth considering if you want a particularly compact, light APS-C format tele zoom.