Should I go for a Nikon lens or an off brand when the price difference is about $1000?

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Question from Kelsey: “I have a question. Looking at getting the 24-70mm lens. Should I go for the Nikon or an off brand like sigma. Price difference is about 1000.”

Heather:  I have the Nikon. These lenses don’t depreciate, so if you can manage the extra money, it is worth it. I hear the focusing is faster and more accurate. I have nothing to compare it to, but I love my Nikon 24-70. Invaluable.

Vera: I just bought the Tamron 28-70, 2.8 because of the good reviews on Amazon. I paid around 350€ and I can`t believe how good thgis lens is! Totally worth giving it a try and compare it.

A Vinyard Image:  hmmm Im really interested in this too!! I have the kit 18-55, a 50-, and a sigma 70-200. Im very happy with my sigma, best lens I have in my opinion, but I do feel that my 18-55 f/5.6 needs an upgrade. Very interested to hear what other people think!

Vera:  For some reason it`s more expensive on amazon.com but still 1000$ less than the Nikon Original:

Kathrin: There is always a reason why there is something cheaper…Invest in it,you will love this lens ! A bit heavy and I needed to practice a little with it before really got the sharp pics like nikon promises (at beginning wasn’t so happy with it- but it was me I had to learn to use it lol) but now I love it !!!I

Dannielle:  I am in the same boat! Only with Canon. Considering the Tamron 28-75. 2.8 ($529) or Sigma 24-70 2.8 ($900) just can’t justify the Canon at $2200.

Ashley:  Same boat here! Need this for my first wedding in February, so I have a little while to save and make a decision.

Vera:  I also rented the Nikon for weddings three times and I really don`t think that the pictures from the Tamron are not making up to it. I even find the Tamron easier to handle, lighter and shorter. I can`t see a reason to spend 1000$ more on the original.

Matt:  Personally, I’ve never been as happy with the off brand lenses. Results from the higher quality glass are much better IMO

Brian:  Rent them both and see which one you like better

Angie: Your questions are so relevant to where I am at as a photographer! You are one of my favorite people I follow on Facebook! Thank you so much ♥

Mark:  I have several lenses 10-24, 70-200 F/2.8 that are Tamron – I’m extremely happy with the quality – and – I paid half of the cost of the Nikon lenses.

Fran:  I am here too. Wanting the Nikon version badly…unsure about the Tamron. Renting not an option for me…hubby would croak!

Tony: Nikon! I bought a 3rd party extreme wide angle for Nikon camera, and was not pleased! I have the Nikon 24-70, and has been good so far! There is also a new Tamron 24-70 with VR worth looking at.

Cheryl: I love my tamron 24-75 I bought

Bridget:  All of these lenses are capable of making gorgeous images. That said, Nikon (our Canon) lenses are generally considered to give a slightly better image in terms of sharpness, color, and contrast. Exactly how much I couldn’t tell you as I haven’t compared them side by side. Software can do a lot for color and contrast also. Only you can decide if the small difference is worth the price difference to you!

Andrea:  I’ve heard good things about Sigma however I’m a one brand girl

I like all my equipment exactly how they are made to be. I feel the Nikon is a great investment especially for such a lens.
There are many factors, will a Sigma fit a new body in the future because Nikon will always fit a Nikon back and forth
Then consider sharpness and speed of the lens
Also I believe Sigma is not sealed so Nikon will give more life
I have the 24-70 Nikon and I do not regret a penny of it! It’s beautiful and for a zoom is amazingly sharp.
My favorite lens at the moment 🙂

Jen: I have the Tamron and like it. I am really glad I have it – I couldn’t afford the Nikon and couldn’t possibly justify the cost difference at this point.

Colleen: gosh….tough one….LOVE my Nikon…..it’s my fav lens….but, I have no comparison…so sorry!! I tend to buy brand…

Sheila: Is the Tamron version for DX or FX cameras? There are several DX lenses I like, but are useless on my D700

Janel:  I have the 24-70mm f2.8 nano crystal & the clarity has doubled my business since purchasing it in July! I was told buy the good stuff bc you’ll end up spending the same amount on knockoffs & eventually end up buying the expensive one!

Ramona: I was in the same boat as you. I rented the Tamron 28-75 for a wedding and loved it soooooo I bit the bullet and purchased it from Adorama. LOVE IT! I am so surprised at how much I really do love this lens! Maybe I just got a “good copy” but for the price I am over the moon! I couldn’t afford the Canon one and I am so happy I had an alternative to choose from! 🙂

Sonya: After owning both Canon and Now Nikon if your going with Canon I would suggest using their lenses( they have major issues with aftermarket lenses working 100% with their digic processors etc and you will find them back focusing more often than not, I had a tamron til I got the canon 24-70) now I use Nikon and love their lenses but have sigma on it also and no problems, if your gonna invest in lenses invest well

Kat: following – great advice!! I’m in the same situation….

Alyssa:  I haven’t used this lens with Sigma, but I’ve heard horror stories about focusing issues with this Sigma and the 50mm as well. I shoot with a 70-200mm Sigma which is an outstanding lens, but I’m not sure I’d trust them with much else!

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