I'm a big fan of Tokina ATX and Tamron (MF) lenses. Have had a number in my stable and they have been superb.
Currently I have 17mm f3.5, 28-70 f2.8, 300 f4 in Tokina, a beautiful Tamron 180mm f2.5 and Tamron 28 f2.5 both MF EF mount lenses. All give me superb results.
Previously I also had a 300 f2.8 Tamron - one *huge* piece of glass that was 1/3 of the FD price! (Again, magnificent results and was very sad to see it go!) and a Tamron 90mm f2.5 w/1:1 extender. Switched to Tokina when Tamron lenses began to look way to plasticky for my taste and not so solid.
Certainly your Nikkors and Canon lenses would be superior in some ways - but I'd like to see if you could pick the difference between 2 identical focal length lenses. I have a friend who had a 300 f2.8 Canon FD at the same time as my Tamron - I'd bet you wouldn't be able to pick which lens was used to photograph an identical scene.
What are you shooting? How large will the final result be? Cost is a very big factor and if you can afford the "Name Brand" lenses - go for it! Personally, I'd prefer to buy the cheaper version (note I said cheaper *not* cheap!) and use the $$ I saved to buy Name Brands that I want but can't get from independent lens makers (ie: 90mm TS, 28mm PC etc).
- Nanette
www.nanettereid.com
Currently I have 17mm f3.5, 28-70 f2.8, 300 f4 in Tokina, a beautiful Tamron 180mm f2.5 and Tamron 28 f2.5 both MF EF mount lenses. All give me superb results.
Previously I also had a 300 f2.8 Tamron - one *huge* piece of glass that was 1/3 of the FD price! (Again, magnificent results and was very sad to see it go!) and a Tamron 90mm f2.5 w/1:1 extender. Switched to Tokina when Tamron lenses began to look way to plasticky for my taste and not so solid.
Certainly your Nikkors and Canon lenses would be superior in some ways - but I'd like to see if you could pick the difference between 2 identical focal length lenses. I have a friend who had a 300 f2.8 Canon FD at the same time as my Tamron - I'd bet you wouldn't be able to pick which lens was used to photograph an identical scene.
What are you shooting? How large will the final result be? Cost is a very big factor and if you can afford the "Name Brand" lenses - go for it! Personally, I'd prefer to buy the cheaper version (note I said cheaper *not* cheap!) and use the $$ I saved to buy Name Brands that I want but can't get from independent lens makers (ie: 90mm TS, 28mm PC etc).
- Nanette
www.nanettereid.com
