Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S

This is an amazingly sharp lens, with lots of other fine qualities as well. It is the first lens to exceed our usual graph limits in terms of sharpness, an achievement in itself. With low flare and virtually no CA or distortion, the technical results are amongst the best. In terms of handling, it is pretty much faultless.

In summary, a very fine lens indeed and one that must be at the top of the list for a general-purpose travel companion. A definite and well-deserved "Editor's Choice".

Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR is a complex lens in terms of construction and also in terms of performance. However, there's no doubt that as a general-purpose travel zoom it could be just so useful that any disadvantages become far outweighed. It is compact, light, well-made, weather-resistant and an excellent performer. The very restricted maximum apertures available may be compensated for by the excellent VR performance, although that is only fine for stationary subject matter. Wildlife, for example, will still need higher shutter speeds, so high ISOs might have to be employed.

On the principle that we will succeed by following the maxim of "f/8 and be there" then with this lens, it is almost set up to deliver maximum performance at that point. It does much more than that of course, but the essence is that it is light enough and convenient enough to actually be with us wherever we are.

Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD

This lens is very impressive indeed. The quality of results is far better than we might expect, and extremely well held even at the longer focal lengths, often a weak spot with zoom lenses. There is also the option of switching in the in-camera corrections if desired.

This is a lens that is hard to fault in terms of handling or results and the snappy, sharp images obtained are a testament to this. The focal length range may be a little more restricted than some would like, but the compact and light form of the lens may make this an advantage for travel in particular.

Overall, this is a beautiful lens to handle that has given us a very impressive set of results.

Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD

The performance of some new lenses can be quite extraordinary, as is the sharpness in this case. Basically, whatever setting we choose the central sharpness will be excellent. At some points, the sharpness centre and edge is so close it can be considered to be totally even. The other qualities are there to be seen, and measured without any help from the camera, but we can always switch in those corrections or use software to enhance the total result.

It is true that the lens is on the large and heavy side, but this is down to the fast, bright maximum aperture of f/2, and the value of this should not be underestimated.

Lenses are not just a collection of technical measurements though and it is equally important to consider the overall “look” of an optic. This can be as much a result of its technical limitations. The Tamron has both qualities – excellent technical performance coupled with a very pleasing “look”.

Another worthy winner from Tamron and "Highly Recommended".

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

Although lacking in some areas of the performance, this lens is actually a lot of fun to use. The results are bright and crisp at wide to mid apertures, although admittedly falling off quite dramatically at longer lengths and smaller apertures.

It is a great travel lens and has the benefit of the add-on Power Zoom Adapter, which may well be an exciting development for videographers.

Fujifilm Fujinon XF 18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR

Fujifilm has produced a very slick and very high-quality lens that makes an excellent partner to the current range of Fujifilm mirrorless cameras. 

It is clearly aimed at videographers as well as photographers, with its silent AF system and Power Zoom. This latter feature enables very smooth zooming, the speed of zoom being controlled by how far and how forcibly the ring is pressed. This is actually much easier to use for video than a manual zoom, at least when shooting handheld. Weather resistance is also very welcome, as always, so we can brave the winter months and carry on shooting. There is a slight price penalty for these features, but overall the lens does give fair VFM. For those who do not need the Power Zoom feature the lens is still an attractive proposition as it performs so well.

A good choice for all styles of photography, and 'Highly Recommended'.

Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm F/3.5-6.3 VR

There is a lot to like about this high-performance, reasonably priced universally useful zoom lens. It has the technical performance, it has the handling and it has the VR and weather resistance. Most similar lenses only reach 135mm at the long end, so the extension to 140mm is also useful. It is also capable of focusing closer than many lenses and makes an ideal lens for small objects and details.

The 18-140mm is such a universally useful optic it just might stay on the camera most of the time. From night shoots in dimly lit woodland to portraits to events in wind and rain, it covers the lot and is another sparkling Nikon Z series lens that is just so good to use.

Without hesitation, the lens receives an 'Editor's Choice' award. 

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3 lens is a dream to use, without a doubt. The concept of the all-in-one travel zoom is great, with a long reach and really close focus all built in. There will be many travellers who will take to this lens and produce very memorable images. It isn't perfect technically, but mega-zooms by their nature are pushing the boundaries and we have to accept that there is some trade-off between quality and convenience. It is also true that many lenses from all the marques may not fare strongly at MTF50 standards, but still have plenty of merit in producing bright, punchy images. The concentration with this lens is weighted towards better performance at wider focal lengths and at the centre of the image field, but the extra reach available will still be appreciated in many situations.

A versatile and easy to use travel lens and, whilst aware of its limitations, recommended.

Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

As a general purpose lens, a good 18-135mm is hard to beat on APS-C format cameras. The close focus and long reach lend themselves well to close ups such as flower studies. The 18mm wide angle can accommodate most architecture and landscapes. The close focus means small object photography is simple, and quality of results at these close distances are well maintained.

The Sony lens generally performs well, but with caveats. Central sharpness is fine until we reach small apertures of f/16 and beyond, but beyond that detail is soon lost. The edges are quite poor when longer focal lengths are used, although the centre still sparkles crisply. This in itself can be used creatively for portraiture and other close ups.

Although not perfect, the lens is still a very good choice for general photography and capable of delivering good, bright and sharp images.

Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD

Using this lens as a general-purpose travel lens, for landscape, architecture, street, portraits, flower details, and wildlife, it is entirely possible that it will easily cover all those needs. No longer will subjects escape because the wrong lens is on the camera, no longer will subjects be too close to focus on and no longer will those impromptu wildlife shots be out of range, rendering the subject as a tiny dot. Using this lens to shoot images of test charts will reveal the shortcomings technically, but by being aware of these we can avoid the pitfalls and thoroughly enjoy the easy shooting experience that the Tamron lens offers. Shoot at f/11 or wider and avoid the main subject being at the edges at 18mm and 300mm and the result will be some beautiful images, with rich colours and sharpness, ranging from very good to outstanding.

Yes, there are compromises technically that we can be aware of, but there are also touches of excellence and the lens can happily be 'Recommended'.

Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC

The Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC lens performs very well indeed, especially at the centre and is punching way above its weight in many areas. It has high central sharpness, low CA, low flare and an incredibly low price. There are performance compromises, as mentioned throughout this review, but for anyone wanting an inexpensive, versatile holiday or travel lens this is terrific value for money. Add the bonus of the VC system and it is difficult not to be impressed.

Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

This lens is very finely crafted and performs extremely well in the field, the wider apertures being especially crisp, which is great because such lenses are often used at wide apertures. That way higher shutter speeds can be employed and the ISO kept within reasonable bounds. Focusing is spot on, very fast and virtually silent. The lower weight and compact size mean less fatigue from carrying the lens all day. All these things add up to a really useful optic that produces some fine results.

Canon EF 100-300mm f/5.6L

The Canon EF 100-300mm f/5.6L lens is a lovely lens to use, delivering high quality over most of the range, with low distortion, low CA and also focusing reliably. It may not be the most modern optic and it may be out-performed by current offerings, but it does pretty well and has to be Recommended. At the right price that could well be even better. It is a pleasure to use and does not throw up any operational glitches with current cameras.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is another fine lens and one that delivers the goods efficiently. A very fine photographic tool that would be a pleasure to own. There is very little about this lens that isn't resoundingly positive. However, weight and price. Do we need f/2.8 as opposed to f/4? These are the critical factors and of course my own resolution of them may be very different to the next photographer's. In terms of performance both lenses are equally superb.

In conclusion though, if you need its specification, then you will not be disappointed by a really great lens. Highly recommended.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM

A well-crafted photographic tool that does its job flawlessly is always a pleasure to use, and this new lens can be fairly described as just that. Fair enough, we lose a little of the ability to throw backgrounds out of focus by sacrificing the usual f/2.8 aperture, but we gain portability, at a lower cost and there is really very little sacrifice in terms of narrow depth of field. The f/4 70-200mm lenses, in general, look an attractive proposition and the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM is a particularly good example.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM

Canon has produced a lens that provides a high level of performance in a fairly compact and relatively inexpensive form. Unless we are able to stretch to the more expensive zooms in the range, this is a very good compromise between cost and performance. The lens is a very good, solid performer and gives very satisfactory sharp, vibrant images. It is also a pleasure to use.

AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm f/4E TC 1.4 FL ED

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED is a large and heavy lens, but it does the job and to a very high standard. It is also fast in terms of functions such as AF as well as in terms of its bright f/4 aperture. It is also very, very expensive.

Most of us will have to settle for other options, but this lens falls into that category where quality and specification will be unique to the photographer's needs. Professionals who need this lens will know they need it and why, and VFM will be in the money it earns. There may well also be some well-off amateurs who can become lucky owners of this very fine lens, but I suspect they will be few in number. In any event, it deserves to be Highly Recommended.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

There are some lenses that just fit, and if I were a Nikon user, then this is definitely the 70-200mm lens that I would aspire to own. The quality is not in doubt, nor is the fact that providing that quality is an expensive business. For those who want the very best in a package that can stand up to years of hard professional use, then this new lens is likely good value for money. For casual or occasional use, less so, unless money is not a consideration.

This is a very fine lens indeed, the best of the lens makers' art, and as such the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR deserves an Editor's Choice award.

AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR

We have a very compelling package here, a lens that is ideally geared up for the wildlife and sports photographer, in a fairly compact portable form that enables hand-holding for extended periods of time. I can see this suiting a lot of Nikon photographers. The focal length range is ideal, as there is arguably no need for the lens to have a wider zoom range. A lens of this size would, for example, make a very unwieldy 50mm or even 100mm lens, so starting at 200mm seems very sensible.

The results are very good, the lens feels right and its use can be extended to flower portraits, human portraits and even fashion shots. A versatile quality optic for Nikon users.

Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S

This is a pricey lens, but a superb one that delivers the goods and operates utterly slickly in every respect. The range is also really useful, reaching the magic 400mm in a compact optic that offers weather sealing and very close focusing.

Of course, in one sense even 400mm is not long enough, nor will any lens ever be for the more elusive subjects, and this is where the use of hides and knowledge of the behavioural patterns of our subjects come to the fore. Teleconverters can be used to extend the range even further.

Probably this lens is just about the perfect balance between range and usability and can cover a huge repertoire of subject matter.

"Highly Recommended."

Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

The quality is there, so much quality, and basically this is a truly outstanding zoom lens. The focal length range is highly desirable, giving so much scope and versatility in subject matter from portraits to landscapes to sport and much more. Sometimes lenses with such high sharpness can be a bit ragged in terms of bokeh, but here even the bokeh is as smooth as butter. The cost may be high, but falls within expectation and what we get in return for our cash is a lens that is outstanding in every respect. Without doubt an Editor's Choice.

HD Pentax-D FA 70-210mm f/4 ED SDM WR

The Pentax-D FA 70-210mm f/4 ED SDM WR is compact, light and efficient with a lovely balance of optical properties. It offers very good sharpness, low CA, modest vignetting, low distortion, reliable AF and weather resistance in a lightweight body that handles well. 

HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW

The 70-200mm is up amongst the best, a very fine lens with good "character" and bokeh and a high level of sharpness that applies very evenly across the frame. The Pentax 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is a high quality and versatile professional telephoto zoom lens.

Sigma 60-600mm F/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports

The lens that will cover sports, wildlife, even some portraiture and fashion and with the ability to serve as a long-range semi-macro lens at 200mm, has to be something that is highly desirable. Add to that excellent handling and a stellar optical performance and even the relatively high price starts to look less daunting. Maybe because of the cost it is not the go-to lens for the casual wildlife or sports shooter, but for the enthusiast who spends the weekends freezing in hides or roaming wetlands, maybe the enthusiast who routinely visits the motor racing circuits, for the professional looking for the way quality is maintained even at full zoom, for all these then the money spent once on the right lens is, in the long term, better value than multiple purchases because of some dissatisfaction.

For all these reasons, this is the one that gains the accolade of 'Editor's Choice'.

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sport

A combination of fast operation and AF and very good quality results has resulted in a beautiful lens. It is heavy, but manageable, is very easy to use and it locks on to the subject virtually every time. The OS system is effective and fulfils the claimed 4 stops advantage with no problem, and at longer focal lengths in particular this is a huge benefit. The price is also very reasonable, so overall it is a very attractive package.

Well worth serious consideration for wildlife and sports photographers in particular and Highly Recommended.

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sport

A combination of fast operation and AF and very good quality results has resulted in a beautiful lens. It is heavy, but manageable, is very easy to use and it locks on to the subject virtually every time. The OS system is effective and fulfils the claimed 4 stops advantage with no problem, and at longer focal lengths in particular this is a huge benefit. The price is also very reasonable, so overall it is a very attractive package.

Well worth serious consideration for wildlife and sports photographers in particular and Highly Recommended.

Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary

Very long lenses have always been more expensive, with the affordable telephotos ending around 300mm. That extra 400mm is very valuable for wildlife and sports and we have here from Sigma such a lens, but one that is much more reasonably priced.

The features cost is in lens speed, so cameras with good high ISO performance are the order of the day. Other advantages are a more compact and lighter optic, still quite large but nowhere near the bulk of some of the alternatives.

Performance is sound, giving excellent sharpness and lovely bokeh at an excellent price.

Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II

As cameras have become more and more demanding, needing sharper and sharper optics, so lenses have become better and better. There can be no better example than this new Sony lens – faster, lighter, more compact and with higher performance than what was already a really excellent lens. If we add to that the very nature of the 70-200mm lens, so very versatile, covering portraits, architecture, flower close-ups, close-up sports, landscape, animals and many other possibilities all in an easy-to-use package, we have a powerful offering indeed.

A great lens at par for the course price and a comfortable 'Editor's Choice'.

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master OSS

The Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master is a superb lens in every way and more than capable of doing some amazing things for wildlife and sports photographers. 

Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master OSS

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master OSS is a beautiful lens for Sony E mount users, with outstanding sharpness and gorgeous bokeh. It operates smoothly, is well-made, and uses clever technology to achieve exceptional sharpness evenly across the frame. However, it is not without flaws, notably a slight tendency to flare against the light. There is some fairly obvious CA at the edges at 200mm, but this can be corrected in software. So, apart from a couple of small points, we are left with a pretty outstanding lens.

Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS

This is a great lens, a high-level performer that does the job efficiently. The only slight drawback is the possibility of some flare, but fortunately, this does not seem to be a major problem for most photography. Highly recommended. The Sony Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS is a high-performance lens ideally suited to the Sony Alpha camera range. 

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD

I like this lens, and am pleased with the images that it has made possible. It handles well, and the results are sharp, with some absolutely gorgeous bokeh, despite only having 7 diaphragm blades. Its sharpness is concentrated towards the centre of the frame, especially at short distances, and this field curvature does mean that flat subjects may need stopping down to f/11. But out in the field, shooting wildlife and no doubt sports as well, the lens starts to shine, producing really great results.

Highly Recommended.

Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

The Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 lens proves to be an excellent performer and that performance is well maintained at all focal lengths. It is heavy, but relatively compact, so carrying over several hours is not too onerous, providing a suitable sling or strap is employed. The VC system works well, the controls operate smoothly, nothing is placed so that it might be accidentally switched on or off. All in all, the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 is a very soundly designed optic that offers excellent results.

Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD

The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD lens is a pure delight to use. It does its job admirably, without any glitches or vices getting in the way of enjoying our photography. The optical performance is not perfect, although at the centre of the field, it is excellent throughout. The edges at wider apertures are weaker, but even this need not be too much of a problem as it does open up some nice portrait possibilities as well as offering a selection of apertures where the images are indeed crisp right across the frame. Being aware of the lens's characteristics enables us to work with it to produce the images we want.

Overall, a lovely lens that is well-priced and works well with the Sony camera body. Highly recommended.

Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD

It might seem a very bold move to step outside the current paradigm and trim that 20mm off the focal length, but the advantages of doing so become immediately obvious when the lens is handled. It is lighter, more compact, the cost is appropriately fair and the optical quality is excellent throughout.

We can then add to that a unique and interesting close focus option in the MF range. There is huge potential in this and it may well be that the lens will be picked up by portrait photographers for this reason. However, it goes beyond that and the creative possibilities are there for all genres of photography.

Overall, in summary we have an excellent lens with some unique bonus properties as well, and another Editor's Choice for Tamron and the 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD.

Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD

Some lenses are impossible to dislike, and this is certainly one of them. It is compact and light compared to the f/2.8 lenses, performance is excellent and gives beautifully crisp images, handling is superb and the price very attractive. The Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD is a lens for any Canon or Nikon user to put very high on their list and an Editor's Choice.

Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

The lens is very easy and satisfying to use and the price is certainly attractive. The optical performance is actually excellent overall, the sharpness only falling off at very small apertures. Of course, one of the unavoidable facts of optics is that at longer focal lengths those small apertures soon becomes very small indeed and very susceptible to diffraction effects. Bearing in mind though that high shutter speeds will likely be needed for wildlife and sports it is hardly a major issue.

Processed through Photoshop, with a bit of judicious sharpening where needed, the end results are crisp and very impressive.

Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

The Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens is on the same level playing field as lenses costing up to twice as much, punching far above its weight. It may not have the same silky smoothness in operation as its more expensive competition, but it delivers the goods, making no compromise on image quality.

Add to that the amazing VC system and moisture and dust resistance and Tamron have a definite winner on their hands.

Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

Canon RF users are being treated here with a super lens, with real pulling power to bring in those more distant subjects, plus the bonus of having an impressive close-up ability. And all at a highly competitive price. If only there was weather resistance then it really would be hard to beat.

Lenses that go beyond 300mm have always had a serious price penalty, but it does look as though this is now breaking down and bringing that 400mm reach more within a reasonable budget.

For the Canon RF user, this lens looks to be a bit of a no-brainer, with most of the right features, the right quality and the right price. 'Highly Recommended'.

Fujifilm Fujinon XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR

Looking at what this lens actually offers the Fuji user, at a reasonable cost, it extends the focal length to a very desirable 300mm, whilst maintaining overall quality very well up to 200mm and keeping that crisp central sharpness right up to 300mm. The edges do fade somewhat at 300mm, but this may be a price worth paying as many subjects will be in the centre of the frame. It could even be turned to an advantage by having sharp portraits with more diffused edges. It is knowing what a lens can and can't do that enables us to use its characteristics to aesthetic advantage.

So, overall the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR is an excellent performer at a reasonable price and a valuable addition to the Fujifilm repertoire of XF lenses. Highly recommended.

Fujifilm Fujinon XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR

This is a very well-made lens with lovely bokeh and a high level of sharpness. Flare, CA and distortion are all but abolished. Images look clean and crisp and sharpen well in Photoshop. The lens is easy to use, the OIS system enables handheld shooting with confidence and the close focus extends the possibilities of subject matter. It is an excellent all-around choice for an ultra-telephoto for Fujinon cameras and maintains the reputation of Fuji for high-quality lenses.

AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 G ED VR

Long telephoto zooms are used for all sorts of images, but in particular for sports, wildlife and travel. This demands high quality at wider apertures where possible, so shutter speeds can be left high. It is of less use to have a lens performing at its best at f/16 rather than at its maximum aperture, particularly where wildlife is concerned. In this instance, the best performance is anywhere from open aperture to f/16 so the possibilities are there for all styles of photography.

The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 G ED VR performs brilliantly, giving sharp, flare-free images at wider to mid apertures, with lovely bokeh and virtually no CA. Add to that a superb VR performance and the package is hard to beat. An outstanding lens at a fantastic price and an Editor's Choice award.

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5.6-6.3 IS

First off, there is no doubt that Olympus has produced a superb lens, both for ease of use and for features provided. Performance is also excellent, better than the bald figures suggest. The IS system works well, extending the usefulness of the lens as the light levels fall. 

For those who are already using the Olympus system, this could just be the wildlife lens you have been waiting for - I personally would not hesitate. Those who are looking to lighten their load may well be tempted also as similar lenses for DSLRs are generally much heavier and bulkier.

Olympus have re-asserted themselves in the marketplace with a very strong offering indeed and their splendid new Olympus M.Zuiko ED 100-400mm f/5.0-6.3 IS lens is Highly Recommended.

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2.8-4 Asph

Panasonic has produced here a telephoto zoom that is exceptionally easy to handle, produces excellent results and is priced realistically against the competition. Compared to full-frame marques, it is priced very competitively when we consider what job the lens does.

Not only that, but the compact, light construction mirrors the size of the MFT cameras and follows the ethos of the MFT system. It is easy to see the attraction of lighter, smaller cameras and lenses, especially when the quality is still extremely high.

So, on various levels, a lovely lens and an Editor's Choice.

Panasonic leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 Asph

Sometimes there are few choices in certain niches. This Panasonic Leica DG 100-400mm lens fits its purpose very well indeed, at a price which, although high, is reasonable in its class. If we want a high-quality optic for sports, birding, wildlife, photojournalism and other long-range applications then this is it. The close focusing that brings closer subjects into range is a bonus.

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

The HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE lens has some interesting and useful features. Weather resistance, superb bokeh, good sharpness at most focal lengths, electromagnetic diaphragm and retractable construction. However, the previous version is also as good and also slightly brighter, being f/4-5.8 as opposed to f/4.5-6.3. It is certainly considerably less expensive.

This lens is a reliable choice for Pentax APS-C cameras but does compromise compatibility with many cameras. There was a time when all Pentax lenses were 100% compatible with all bodies, and this has held well, up to now. Here we see the first lens that is specific to a few models and this may well be the price of progress as technology inexorably marches onwards.

Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art

The Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC Art lens is a fine example of the lens maker's art. The zoom range is limited, it's heavy and it could perhaps focus a little closer, but apart from that it would be difficult to find fault with any aspect of its performance.

The sharpness reaches outstanding levels across the range of focal lengths, distortion is low, CA is well controlled and the overall appearance of the images is very appealing. The clincher is, of course, that f/1.8 aperture, which opens up a realm of possibilities in low light and for control of depth of field. A lovely lens that's a pleasure to use.