This is a really broad question. The first zoom lens I ever bought was the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. Fantastic lens.
But it really depends on three things:
1) Budget
2) Purpose
3) Focal Range
Zoom lenses can run anywhere from $100 for a simple kit lens with a variable aperture to thousands of dollars for fast lenses used by professionals. The Tamron I mentioned goes for about $500.
The purpose will also decide what type of lens to get. Do you want to shoot macro, wide angle landscapes, normal scenes, or animals? Determining what you will use the lens for will help decide what you need to get. If you want to shoot action photos, you'll need a fast lens (aperture of f/2.8). If you want to shoot weddings, you'll need a normal zoom. It all depends.
Finally, the focal range. If you want a cheaper lens with a range of something like 18-300mm you'll spend less, but you won't be shooting sports or low-light photos. If you want a wide angle zoom, go with Tokina. For a normal range, try Tamron. For telephoto, go with Sigma. All these companies are probably 80-90% the quality of Canon and Nikon lenses while only 60% of the cost.
@jasonbarnette Interesting on choosing different third party brands for each range of zoom lenses. I myself have no preferences here, but just like to know the reasons.. Why do you think these brands are good for different ranges
@viranod Pretty simple answer, really: I've used them all.
I have three Nikon bodies, so it'll be a little different than Canon, but here is a list of the lenses I've used (remembering as best I can the tech specs):
So, between all these lenses, I can tell you the Tokina wide angle, Tamron normal, and Sigma telephoto are pretty much on par with the Nikon counterparts. Well worth it for beginner photographers.
@jasonbarnette I'm glad to hear you like the Tamron- I have been contemplating getting a 70-200mm for awhile, but I haven't heard enough about the quality.
I use the Tammron 18-270 as my general purpose lens. It saves me carrying two lenses when when I'm on the move. It's probably not as good as the Nikon 300 that I leave at home, but it does come close.
@rebcastillo77@swilde No no...Tamron is really only good in the 40-100mm range. I've found that each third party company makes really great lenses in different areas. The best third party company for telephoto is Sigma.
I own both the Sigma and Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8. I bought the Sigma first when I was just getting started, then the Nikon when I could finally afford it. I can tell you this: sometimes, I can't tell the difference between the two.
I also have the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. Now, THAT is also a very good lens. But they don't make good telephoto lenses for some reason. Their autofocus is a bit slow, which makes it hard to use for sports and wildlife.
@jasonbarnette thank you for the clarification Jason!! Glad I haven't spent the money yet! I will do some research on the sigma :D Thanks for sharing your experience
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But it really depends on three things:
1) Budget
2) Purpose
3) Focal Range
Zoom lenses can run anywhere from $100 for a simple kit lens with a variable aperture to thousands of dollars for fast lenses used by professionals. The Tamron I mentioned goes for about $500.
The purpose will also decide what type of lens to get. Do you want to shoot macro, wide angle landscapes, normal scenes, or animals? Determining what you will use the lens for will help decide what you need to get. If you want to shoot action photos, you'll need a fast lens (aperture of f/2.8). If you want to shoot weddings, you'll need a normal zoom. It all depends.
Finally, the focal range. If you want a cheaper lens with a range of something like 18-300mm you'll spend less, but you won't be shooting sports or low-light photos. If you want a wide angle zoom, go with Tokina. For a normal range, try Tamron. For telephoto, go with Sigma. All these companies are probably 80-90% the quality of Canon and Nikon lenses while only 60% of the cost.
I have three Nikon bodies, so it'll be a little different than Canon, but here is a list of the lenses I've used (remembering as best I can the tech specs):
- Nikon 10.5 Fisheye
- NIkon 12-24mm f/2.8
- Tokina 12-24mm f/4
- Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8
- Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8
- Nikon 50mm f/1.8
- Nikon 85mm f/1.8
- Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8
- Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8
- Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Micro
- Nikon 180mm f/2.8
- Nikon 300mm f/2.8
- Sigma 300mm f/2.8
So, between all these lenses, I can tell you the Tokina wide angle, Tamron normal, and Sigma telephoto are pretty much on par with the Nikon counterparts. Well worth it for beginner photographers.
I own both the Sigma and Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8. I bought the Sigma first when I was just getting started, then the Nikon when I could finally afford it. I can tell you this: sometimes, I can't tell the difference between the two.
I also have the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. Now, THAT is also a very good lens. But they don't make good telephoto lenses for some reason. Their autofocus is a bit slow, which makes it hard to use for sports and wildlife.