LCD

I tested out both a Sigma and a Canon 100-400 lens before buying doing a hundred or so test shots with both. The Canon won out in focus clarity, but just by a hair. Canon was clearly better built. If saving money for other photography projects (more equipment, trips) is more important than that smidgen of improvement in image clarity, and ruggedness and meshing more seamlessly with your camera, then go for it. Life and photography is all about compromise.

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

I use whatever works for me and the camera and don't worry myself over such things. The competition is good for the free market and helps to keep pricing in check globally ,but some 2nd or 3rd party lenses cost more and are exceptional in comparison to the original maker's model. I prefer original gear but don't mind 2nd hand or refurbished either. It just has to deliver the goods. That's it ! BOOM !

JDG3

This is an interesting discussion and from my point of view illustrates that the branding mentality is alive and well. You know the argument - Ford vs Chevy, Nikon vs Canon, X vs Y, blah, blah, blah. Most of this is purely driven by advertising and promotion which has a powerful effect on most people. This often extends to third party offerings. Yes, sometimes third party items are cheap knockoffs and poor performers. But quality third party companies can offer EQUIVALENT or BETTER performing products at lower prices. Testing by unbiased labs can verify these items.

One thing I have learned from taking photography courses over the last few years and working with several different professional photographers in various fields ( outdoor, wedding, real estate, bird and wildlife) is that most PROFESSIONAL photographers will use the tools that will get the job done efficiently, professionally, and allows them to meet their specs with a profit. If that means they need to use a non-OEM lens for a shoot then that is what they used. In fact, every PRO photographer I have met, taken courses from, or worked with, had non-OEM lens or accessories in their kits. It was laughable to them to think they would purchase a more expensive OEM lens just to keep it in the family when a third party made an equivalent or better performing, quality lens at a cheaper price.

As we all try to do - If you want to take images like a professional then do what they do. Use the right tool for the job at hand.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...Wouldn’t Nikon lenses for Nikon cameras or Canon lenses for Canon cameras, etc. be better in general than third party lenses?" I purchased the Sigma AF 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens for Nikon AND the Sigma AF 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM Lens for Nikon simply because Nikon refuses to support it's DX bodies with Pro Level glass... both of these Sigma optics far exceed anything Nikon offers in DX...

Nikon's mindset has been that they want DX users to purchase FX Pro Level Nikkors...
While this may play out well for Nikon it doesn't impress me...

Yes many of Nikon's Pro FX Nikkors are to be cherished... albeit it offers zero Pro Level DX optics...

btw, the Sigma AF 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM Lens for Nikon currently is fetching more than it's price new on the used market... this is likely because of Nikon's legal action against Sigma for infringement on it's VR system design... Sigma back off and discontinued this stellar lens...

enough said...

Fotomacher Loc: Toronto

I agree with you. I have shot Olympus and Nikon digital since 2000 and except for one brief experience with a poor Sigma zoom lens, all my glass is OEM. All pro quality and mostly bought used. Better value and performance.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Yes, I do know that some loyalists will pay more for The Name.

When Henry Ford first built their River Rouge Plant, his idea was that it would have raw materials as input and automobiles as output - he even purchased the railroad that would haul everything. Eventually, he learned that he should let others do what they excelled at, while he focused on building automobiles.

One result from this adventure - he passed hardwood scraps on to his cousin-in-law Edward G. Kingsford, and Kingsford did a good job of creating a new industry.

Nikon1201

Not everyone can afford it . My best walk around lens with my Dad 7100 was a Sigma 18-28 it was sharp in every way. I also have a Sigma 50-500 from KEH for &800 very affordable over Nikon lenses.

Nikon1201

Not everyone can afford it . My best walk around lens with my Dad 7100 was a Sigma 18-28 it was sharp in every way. I also have a Sigma 50-500 from KEH for &800 very affordable over Nikon lenses.

Dannj

Agree...basically a cost factor and the results are fine

AndyGarcia

Many Third-Party lenses offer fantastic IQ: Cost ratio. Sigma and Tamron produce some fantastic lenses - Sigma's Art series is highly critically rated. I shoot Fuji these days so I'm pretty limited on AF Third Party lenses. There are, however, many MF lenses available. I have a KamLan f1.4/28mm for Fuji which is excellent value for money. That said Fuji produces many great value AF primes and zooms too.

I do not think that if you shoot Nikon you must buy Nikon glass same with Canon. OEM lenses are not necessarily the best at any given focal length.

wetreed

In my old film days I used two vivitar series one zoom lenses 28-90? And a 70-210. They were great and every bit as good as my Nikon Series E lenses. I also had a Sigma 24mm that was great. Back then it would have cost me a fortune to go with OME. Now I have a Tamron 18-400 which is really useful in a lot of situations and I am really happy with the results. Don’t get me wrong I also really love my Nikon 18-140 and 16-80 both are excellent. For me it’s a combination of price and requirements.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I stick mostly to Nikon lenses, but I do have a few others because, IMHO, they are better than the Nikon equivalent, Nikon doesn't make one or i just want something cheap to play with.

ballsafire Loc: Lafayette, Louisiana

I bought a Yongnuo wide angle EF 35 mm f/2 af & mf prime lens for $80 when Canon was offering to sell me the same equivqlent lens for $290 (more than 2/3rds less than Canon). The Chinese (?) lens is a great lens too! I don't see any reason to pay more for the Canon lens---do you? After all, we live in a dog eats dog world and moneywise we must be partial to ourselves. So, I'm with you "nadelewitz."

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Now when I was doing my Research to buy my first DSLR camera, I read somewhere that Whatever Camera brand you have, you should use the same corresponding brand of Lens with that particular Camera.
As a Beginner, I chose a Used Nikon D3300, and I presently own 3 used Nikon Lens, 35mm 1.8g, 50mm 1.8g, 18-140mm 3.5-5.6. Now that is just my personal choice, others will differ, I am sure!

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA