Off brand Lens..... - DPChallenge Forums

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

08/06/2007 08:03:03 PM · #1

Ok well i would like to get Nikor lens but they are sooo freaking pricy.... so what is the best or what do you prefer on lens.... i have seen Sigma... tamron.... sony makes some....

whats else and wich is better?

Message edited by author 2007-08-06 20:03:34.

strangeghost

Canon EOS-7D

08/06/2007 08:09:34 PM · #2

You paid for a high end body, you'd be making a big mistake to skimp on lenses. Your best bet is to invest in the highest quality lens collection you can. Camera bodies will come and go, lenses are a lifetime investment.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II

08/06/2007 08:12:24 PM · #3

Originally posted by strangeghost:

true.. this statement... i mean i guess its kinda like prescriptions.. or Cereal... lol i hate off brands of these i prefer the brand only lol

surfdabbler

Canon EOS-5D

08/06/2007 08:32:19 PM · #4

Some off-brand lenses are better than others, and it totally depends which lens. Sigma, Tamron and Tokina are probably the big 3 of off-brand lenses, and they have some decent offerings, but they also all have their share of not-so-good lenses.

But you get what you pay for, and you'll get much nicer lenses if you go for the Nikkor lenses. There's a few Nikkor lenses I'd love to get, but they won't fit my camera. :)

Anyway, let us know what lenses you are looking at. Only then can you make a call for how good the 3rd party offerings are.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

08/06/2007 08:42:01 PM · #5

Figure out what you take pictures of and what you want to take pictures of (macros, landscapes, people, etc) and then get the best lens you can afford to fill that goal. Don't waste your money with cheap glass. You already have a wide range to shoot with, now pick the type of lens you want and then pick the best you can afford.

Nikkor is excellent glass - and generally worth it, but like others have said, there are some really good Tokina, Sigma and Tamron lenses - but you have to know what you are going to buy. Read the reviews, look at pictures shot with each lens on the Equipment area, and have fun spending all your gasoline money...

Message edited by author 2007-08-06 20:42:26.

fotomann_forever

08/06/2007 08:47:49 PM · #6

You could always go prime lenses and get better glass for cheaper. The one issue is you end up with more lenses and pretty much end up spending more. :-)

SamDoe1

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

08/06/2007 09:09:24 PM · #7

What lens/lens range were you looking at? It would be easier to suggest something close to the Nikkor version that way.

Prof_Fate

08/06/2007 09:34:48 PM · #8

Different lenses are made for different things, uses, budgets.
What do you plan to shoot?
Have a lens now - what is it? How do you like it? What do you want to do that it won't do?

If you shoot sports you want fast focus. If you shoot wildlife you want very long lenses. If you shoot indoors of most anykind than a fast (aperture wise) lens is best. Shoot wide open a lot? Then get a good lens as cheap ones aren't sharp until you stop them down a bit - not an issue to a landscape photographer but a deal breaker for weddings.

It's a lot easier to help you pick a lens, or make suggestions, if you can narrow down your needs a a bit.

Tamron and sigma make nice lenses, they also make dogs. If you have $200 to spend and no more then that will make a difference as to what is best for you.

MrEd

Sony DSLR-A100

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

08/06/2007 11:04:17 PM · #9

Adding to Prof_Fate. Decide what your budget is, what lens you want/need, compare different versions of that range lens (Nikor vs Sigma vs Tamron vs Tokina), then check the prices, then pull the trigger.

You can see the full list here or here. Though, I'm not sure if the 2nd link id FULLY updated. I do know some of the older lenses aren't there.

08/07/2007 01:43:43 PM · #10

Looking at 18-50mm and a 55- 200mm....

do you want links ??

Canon EF 35-80mm f/4.0-5.6 III

08/07/2007 02:03:44 PM · #11

If you are looking for the 18-50mm range, look at the 17-55mm 2.8 by Nikon. This lens is crazy sharp and nice and fast.

There are lots of photogs on the site that swear by the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8, including

levyj413

And

MAK has had some great luck with the Sigma 17-50mm 2.8.

Can't help you with the 55-200mm. I would recommend going to look at the Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED - this is a serious lens - one I wish I had in my bag...

Camabs

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 35mm f/2.0

08/07/2007 02:12:17 PM · #12

Originally posted by surfdabbler:

So true. Same holds for Canon and Nikon btw. I have a wide angle Sigma prime, simply because it's more value for money than its Canon counterparts. Check www.fredmiranda.com for reviews. I find their (user-)reviews to be very accurate.

@strangehost: lenses a lifetime investment? Ever heard of the second-hand market?

pottersclay75

Canon EOS-10D

08/07/2007 02:18:53 PM · #13

I have used other photograhper's reviews to help guide me. I have a Sigma wide-angle lens that was sooo much cheaper than the Canon version. The Canon was a bit faster, but the Sigma has been absolutely great for me!

I also bought a Promaster lens when I first got a camera, and its a pile of poo! But I didn't do my research beforehand. So just do some homework and see what other's are saying.

fireserpent

Olympus E-3

Olympus 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Zuiko Digital Zoom

08/07/2007 02:50:57 PM · #14

Originally posted by Givemeashot:

When it comes to lenses... eat ramen noodles for a few months/years until you can afford the best one you can get in the range you are looking for. Top Pro lenses do cost quite a bit but as you upgrade bodies for better technology over the years your lenses will be able to take advantage of the better body... and you'll see it in the images. If a good mid or low range knock about lens is all you felt you needed then you most likely wouldn't have bought a D200... a D80, D50 or D40 would have been just fine.

MrEd

Sony DSLR-A100

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

08/07/2007 03:11:58 PM · #15

Originally posted by bassbone:

I would recommend going to look at the Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED - this is a serious lens - one I wish I had in my bag...

I'm betting that's a bit out of his price range.

How about the Sigma 50-500 f/4-6.3 for $940 if you want length or if you need a faster lens, the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 for $780.

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

08/07/2007 03:13:21 PM · #16

Mr Ed - Good suggestions, but we don't know his price range, what he is looking to shoot, etc.

Message edited by author 2007-08-07 15:23:28.

MrEd

Sony DSLR-A100

08/07/2007 03:18:31 PM · #17

Originally posted by Givemeashot:

Ok well i would like to get Nikor lens but they are sooo freaking pricy....

Originally posted by Givemeashot:

Looking at 18-50mm and a 55- 200mm...

Gives a pretty idea of what he's looking for.

08/07/2007 03:20:11 PM · #18

missed this post! oops!