THE winner IS... SIGMA 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM C

The Sigma 18-300mm delivers epic zoom range and best all-round performance

aremarkable superzoom, the Sigma 18-300mm delivers an enormous zoom range with surprisingly little compromise in image quality. It’s impressively sharp, only really dropping off at the very longest zoom setting, while keeping distortions and colour fringing down to relatively low levels.

The Tamron 16-300mm also has a lot going for it, with superior handling and the bonus of weather-seals that enable a splash-proof construction. It’s also the only lens to feature a focus distance scale under a viewing panel.

For compactness and value for money, the Sigma and Tamron 18-200mm lenses are both good buys. The Sigma is slightly smaller, whereas the Tamron is a little lighter in weight, and there’s no beating the Tamron for value.

If you’d rather stick to a Canon lens, the latest 18-135mm IS USM is the best performer, while the 18-200mm is the least impressive.