Verdict

Overall the performance of this lens is very solid indeed: Nikon describes it as "the ideal walkabout lens", adding that it offers "maximum flexibility with minimum kit", and that claim definitely stands good. Creative photographers may mourn the lack of wider apertures but that would be an unreasonable complaint when the zoom range is so wide and the price-point is so low. The surprise, perhaps, is that this is a full-frame lens - and that fact simply sweetens its appeal even more. For those potential purchasers who are prepared to settle for DX-coverage only, Nikon has just added an even more extreme18-300mm zoom to its range and this will be reviewed next month. But for full-frame use, the 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom truly is very attractive indeed.