Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED £1460, $1700

It’s a big lens, with big perform ance and a big price

This is the biggest Nikon lens on test and weighs a full kilogram, but it’s physically shorter and 100 grams lighter than the Tamron 15-30mm. It outdoes the Tamron for maximum viewing angle, at 114 degrees versus 110 degrees. In fairness, this is only a slight difference that will often go unnoticed in practice. It has a fast and constant f/2.8 aperture and an integral lens hood.

Nano Crystal Coat is applied to fend off ghosting and flare. This is important, because ultra-wide lenses tend to take in a lot of sky in outdoor shooting, and the bulbous front element physically extends at shorter zoom settings, coming near to the leading edge of the hood.

Performance

All aspects of image quality are outstanding. Superb sharpness reaches right into the corners of the frame, even at f/2.8. This is a real achievement for such an ultra-wide lens. Barrel distortion at 14mm is less pronounced than in the Nikon 16-35mm lens at its shortest zoom setting, despite the more exaggerated viewing angle.