Zoom lock

Most superzoom lenses practically double in physical length at their longest zoom setting. When walking about with the camera hanging off your shoulder, use the zoom lock to stop the lens extending – you don’t want it to get an accidental knock.

The direction of zoom ring operation is the same in the Nikon and Tamron lenses, but reversed in the Sigma lenses, which could take you by surprise if you’re used to one particular brand.

The new Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.56.3G ED VR is the only lens in our superzoom test to lack a focus distance scale on its barrel.