Looking for a new quality lens? You see multiple lenses with the same specs. One from your own camera brand at a high price. Another one from a third party at a much lower price. Which you should you buy?

The answer is easy.... if money isn't a factor.

You should buy the lens from your camera brand. Why? Because you know the quality will be good and the lens and body will work together perfectly. Always check some reviews before buying. But do you really think Canon puts an L lens on the market which doesn't deliver?

If money is a factor...

Then it will become more difficult to choose. Because multiple lenses might be interesting. Tamron, Sigma, Samyang or some other brand come into view. But since those lenses are significantly cheaper, that must be garbage right? No, not at all! Look around the internet and you will find many good reviews about third party lenses! I own a couple of them and I'm really happy with them! I know an official Canon L lens will deliver a little bit more quality. But it's not really noticeable for a lot of people. I know professional photographer that use third party lenses. Why? Because they deliver 95% of the quality compared to an official high-end brand lens, but costs way less. If the lens gets damaged it doesn't hurt that bad for example. Or when you want to make the step from amateur to semi-pro photographer. It's way more affordable.

Off-course some type of lenses do not have a third party version. Like an 800mm f4.0.  But that's because those lenses are only bought by professional photographers. And those lenses are not that populair, because of the price and development costs. So third party manufacturers don't burn their hands on even making them.

So what should you do?

Read and watch reviews on the internet! Go to a store and ask if you can try out a couple of lenses. Maybe rent the lens before you buy it and give it a try! Bottomline is there are some really good third party lenses out there! The price/quality factor of those lenses are great! You should definitely give them a try!