Sigma, Tamron and Canon lens???????

[Stephie Baby]

I'm trying to find a good zoom lens and I feel like I'm running around in circles. Lol. Anyway, what is the best brand to go with? I have a XTi and the guy at the camera place said, "I should ONLY use Canon lens.":)

[griptape]

In general, Canon has tighter quality control, and you're more likely to end up with a good copy of whatever lens you choose. Third party lenses are a little more hit and miss, but if you get a good copy, you'll rarely notice the difference. I guess the old "you get what you pay for" applies. If you can afford to get all Canon glass, then sure, go ahead. If "good enough" is good enough for your budget though, there are several quality third party options.

[bauerman]

There are a number of lenses that I would not portray as 'good enough' from many third party companies. At certain focal ranges and price points - you can get a better performing lens from a company other than Canon.

Guys at camera stores want to sell you Canon lenses as that is what they carry. Most stores do not have an array of Sigmas or Tamron's to offer you. Forget the camera store guys for the most part - I think that the feedback you would get here would be more accurate and usable.

What focal range are you looking to cover and what will you be shooting mostly with the lens? Plus - what is your budget? Those three questions will probably be enough to get you a litany of opinions in this thread over time.