FX: Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HS M | A £1400/$1600

What’s good: Enormous, class-leading viewing angle for FX; fabulous image quality and handling. What’s bad: No image stabilization, and the widest aperture is f/4 rather than f/2.8. Our verdict: Sigma’s Art lenses have constantly impressed us, and this one’s a cracker. For DX cameras, the Tamron 10-24mm has the best performance and build quality, and is very good value for money, but it’s incompatible with older cameras. If yours is among them, or you simply want the widest possible viewing angle, go for the Sigma 8-16mm. The new Nikon AF-P 10-20mm is a bargain travel lens, but again there are compatibility issues with older cameras. Don’t rule out the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM (£329/$400). We prefer it to Nikon’s pricey 10-24mm.

For FX-format cameras, it’s a very close-run contest. There’s little to choose between the Nikon 14-24mm and Tamron 15-30mm when it comes to performance, but the Tamron adds stabilization and is unbeatable value. The Nikon 16-35mm is also stabilized and a good choice if compactness and easy use of filters are more important to you than maximum viewing angle. The top performer overall, however, is the Sigma 12-24mm Art lens, which is simply stunning.