What is the difference between Nikon name brand photo lens to Sigma and Tamron?

Question

I am wanting to purcahse a 18-200mm lens for my Nikon D80 but the price difference between the 3 name brand lenses is crazy. I know there is a difference but is it that much to may so much for the name brand??

Answer 1

ONE difference that is really important between these lenses is that the Nikon 18-200 has "VR" or vibration reduction. This is serious technology that really works.

Here are some reviews on these lenses:
Nikon: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200.htm
Tamron: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tamron/18200.htm
- seems to have problems with distortion
Sigma: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0502/05021402sigma18-200dc.asp (just an introduction)
Sigma vs. Tamron: http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7524 It looks like there is no contest with the Sigma being the clear winner between these two.

Popular Photography says of the Nikon 18-200 VR:
"Optically, this lens is the best superzoom we’ve seen, though it’s not compatible with Nikon teleconverters, extension rings, or coupled macro bellows. It also costs about $300 more than third-party digital-only glass. But are extremely rugged construction, unusually well-controlled distortion, and four extra handholdable speeds worth the extra bucks? That, and more."

http://www.popphoto.com/cameralenses/2763/lens-test-nikon-18-200mm-f35-56g-dx-vr-af-s.html

Here are some of my own photos taken with the 18-200 VR lens, showing the versatility of the lens. These were all taken with the D200 and 18-200 VR lens.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7189769@N04/409564890/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7189769@N04/409564887/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7189769@N04/409564893/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7189769@N04/408446616/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7189769@N04/409564880/
http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=57759389/PictureID=2801041875/a=75953750_75953750/t_=75953750
http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=57759389/PictureID=2531239742/a=75953750_75953750/t_=75953750

Answer 2

Nikon's Nikkor lenses are specifically made for Nikon cameras and to take advantage of all the features of Nokin cameras. The Sigma and Tamron lenses are good, but they are just generic lenses that have an F-mount to put on Nikon cameras (or other types of mounts for other cameras). The difference in price is probably due to differences in features. Since you did not give any specifics about the lenses, I can't be sure. However based on the features of the lens the prices can vary significantly, even different lenses made by the same company.

Answer 3

Probably not but if you want the best you have to go with Nikon.

Zeiss lens are a magnitude higher than Nikon, so although you are near the top, you can go higher.

It just depends on how much of a perfectionist you are. For some people the "only" reason they buy the Nikon body is because they want to use the Nikon lens.

Answer 4

Get the nikon. Sigma and tamron lenses are nowhere near as sharp as nikons or zeiss. If you want the pictures you take to look sharp, get a quality lens.

Answer 5

Nikon lens its shaper and heavier (solid) than the 2 brand mention. that why the price difference.

Answer 6

Its all about the brand name. It may not be better but it cost more. If a turd said Nikon it would cost around $100.00 us