Nikon AF-S DX 16- 80mm f/2.8-4e ED VR

Equiv. focal length (DX): 24-120mm internal zoom/focus: No/yes Elements/groups: 17/13 Diaphragm: 7 blades optical stabilizer: 4-stops focus type: Ultrasonic (ring-type) min focus Distance: 0.35m max reproduction ratio: 0.22x filter size: 72mm Diameter X min length: 80x86mm Weight: 480g price: £989/$1067

Compared with Nikon’s older top-grade 17-55mm f/2.8 zoom, this one is much smaller, less than two-thirds of the weight and adds Vibration Reduction, along with a bigger zoom range. It’s a more ideal ‘daily’ lens, even if it doesn’t have a constant f/2.8 aperture.

A sturdy lens with a weather-sealed mounting plate and a focus distance scale beneath a viewing window. Optics include four ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and Nano Crystal Coat, plus keep-clean fluorine coatings on the front and rear.

A clear win for the Nikon lens when it comes to autofocus. This lens features a ring-type ultrasonic system which is fast and quiet. A handling bonus is that the focus ring doesn’t rotate during autofocus, but is on hand for full-time manual override.

Sharpness is mostly better than from the Sigma when shooting wide-open, but it drops off at the longest zoom setting. The Sigma draws level at apertures of f/5.6 and narrower. Colour fringing, distortions and vignetting are more obvious than from the Sigma.

With a more robust feel and better handling than the Sigma, the Nikon packs in plenty of attractions, including ring-type ultrasonic autofocus and nano-technology, along with a weather-sealed mount. But, it’s also more than twice the price of the Sigma.