Paul Diamond Loc: Atlanta, GA, USA

What manufacturer shall we pick on? Ford, GM, Chrysler? etc.? They have all make good, memorable cars and some real forgettable clunkers. Saying anything less is being dishonest.

I worked in the photo industry for 14 years. I traveled to Japan and met with camera and lens manufacturers. I viewed their factories, quality control standards/staff, etc. Different than now, no third party lens vendor could afford to pay for the computer design of a new lens, especially a zoom lens, at a reasonable price. The Japanese Gov't. paid for the design of each third party lens and decided (how I don't know) which lens manufacturer would be allowed to manufacture and assemble it.

There were 'winners' and 'losers'. Among the prime camera companies that were doing their own lens designs, there were 'winners' and 'losers' also. Seems to be the current condition. Some modern lenses aren't acceptable for the price asked. Some lenses, especially long zoom range, might amaze you. (Unless you are a demanding photographer who needs the very best that is possible from lens/camera/image sensor possible from today's technology.

In the world of 'now', I need the best to meet the requirements of my 45MP sensor. Lower performing lenses might be good for 24MP sensors. But, they might not 'measure up' to the quality of "state of the art" today.

And, a smaller manufacturer could have a lens or lenses today that are far superior to prior lenses of years past. Or superior to other lenses currently offered to the marketplace.

My recommendation remains the same. Look at each lens available based upon it's own features/benefits/advantages. A car company can make a very good car and a clunker. Not every car is a clunker, or a state of the art competitor. But some can be that great, and worthy of being something you own and use. - Unless you need the brand name to enhance your public presence.

SteveInConverse Loc: South Texas

I often use the Tamron 28-300 on full frame or the 18-270 on APS. Both seem to be very good lenses.

graybeard

Back in film days, I had a Tokina 28-80 zoom, which I thought was great. Somewhere along the way the shutter blades broke and made the lens unusable. How it happened I don't remember. I would buy another Tokina, and I have bidded on some, but so far my digital lenses are 5 Canon, 1 Sigma and 1 Tamron.

Fencehog

I bought a tele zoom Tokina long ago. It split in half. Never bought a Tokina again.

MDI Mainer

And, contrary to popular belief here on UHH, handling a Tokina lens WILL NOT cause contact dermatitis.

Fencehog

You reported your experience. I reported mine.