What to look for…

Don’t leave yourself short on features

AUTOFOCUS TYPES

Ultrasonic motors lose out to ring-type ultrasonic and stepping motor-based autofocus systems for speed and quietness, the latter also enabling smooth transitions in video capture.

GO FOR WIDTH

For a wide maximum viewing angle, most DX format superzooms start at 18mm, equivalent to 27mm on a full-frame camera. The Nikon Z 24-200mm goes even wider.

MAXIMUM REACH

At the telephoto end, the DX format lenses on test stretch to anything between 140mm and 400mm. The 1.5x crop factor gives ‘effective’ reach of between 210mm and 600mm.

OPTICAL STABILIZATION

All of the lenses on test feature optical image stabilization, billed as Nikon VR (Vibration Reduction), Sigma OS (Optical Stabilizer) and Tamron VC (Vibration Compensation).

MIRRORLESS COMPATIBILITY

You can generally use F-mount lenses on mirrorless Z-mount cameras via an FTZ or FTZ II adapter, but only manual focusing will be available for the Tamron 18-200mm on test.

MOUNTING PLATE

The Nikon Z DX 18-140mm and Tamron 18-200mm have a lightweight but durable plastic mounting plate. All feature a weather-seal apart from the Nikon Z DX 18-140mm and Sigma 18-300mm.