Superzoom lenses

These lenses will have you in for a long stretch, some more than others in the wide-angle to telephoto stakes

The key feature of any Nikon interchangeable-lens camera is that you can mount the ideal tool for whatever job is at hand to your camera body. Sometimes, however, the best lens is one that enables you to react quickly to all manner of different shooting scenarios, switching from expansive wide-angle perspectives to a good telephoto reach with the twist of a zoom ring. It certainly avoids the pain of missing a great shot because you were fumbling around, trying to swap the lens on your camera at the definitive moment.

Lenses with a generous zoom range really come into their own when you’re on your travels. Whether you’re pounding city streets, trekking into the wilds or venturing to foreign climes, the last thing you want is to be weighed down by a hefty bag full of different lenses. A standard zoom, conventionally of around 18-55mm for DX (APS-C) format cameras or 24-70mm for FX (full-frame) bodies will only get you so far.

So-called ‘superzoom’ lenses with a more powerful range can really cover the distance with greater telephoto power – but, historically, have done so with a compromise in image quality. To see if that rule of thumb still holds true, we’re putting the latest and greatest superzooms to the test. We’ll also be giving honourable mentions to a selection of desirable lenses that have recently become obsolete, but make great second-hand budget buys. Bargain!

Nikon AF-S DX 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR

This popular kit lens has been around for quite a while, whether supplied with various DSLRs or available on its own