Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

The pro’s favourite, this beautifully-built lens excels in almost any situation

This is the lens that other manufacturers with 70-200mm offerings strive to beat. Build quality, which is based around a magnesium alloy barrel with weather seals, is superb. The VR system includes normal and active modes, and as well as the usual A/M mode, there’s an M/A mode that gives greater priority to manual focusing. The nine-blade diaphragm helps to maintain lovely bokeh – perfect for capturing Christmas lights.