In the past, there were only two options for purchasing camera accessories: name-brand things created by reputable manufacturers like Canon and Nikon OR third-party items of dubious quality that you would probably only purchase if you were on a limited budget. Today, however, things are different since independent producers like Sigma and Tamron have improved their offerings and created substitutes that even reputable pros are now using.

Does the brand name really matter when it comes to camera accessories is still an open subject.

Let's look at some of each side's advantages and disadvantages. Remember that this is a hotly debated subject, and the overall benefits and drawbacks of choosing name-brand and off-brand products are just briefly listed below.

The cost of name-brand goods will almost always be higher than those of third parties, but as most photographers agree, "you get what you pay for." Some justifications for the higher cost of brand-name goods include:

If you are a member of any professional organizations, such as Canon or Nikon Pro Services, where cleaning and repair of name-brand equipment is typically included by membership, then this can be quite significant. While the majority of third-party manufacturers have started offering their own repair services, they aren't recognized for being as quick, reliable, or guaranteed to work with your preferred brand of camera as name brands are.

The ability to develop products and accessories that work with numerous cameras from well-known brands is a big advantage for third-party suppliers. A Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens, for example, is available in both Nikon and Canon mounts. This implies that you must be extremely careful to ensure that a third-party component will function with your particular camera model. But if you purchase a 35mm f/1.4 lens from Nikon (for instance), you can be certain that it will function with your Nikon camera.

You're more likely to receive nods of admiration from other photographers who appreciate the worth of that genuine, name brand lens when you shoot with brand name accessories (the coveted gold ring on Nikon lenses and red ringed lenses from Canon). With the rise of high-quality third-party equipment options, this issue is getting more contentious, but there is still merit in choosing the real deal versus a third-party brand.

As was previously said, the market for third-party companies has changed to the point where Tamron Lens and Sigma Lens are no longer just seen as alternatives for the photographer on a tight budget. Instead, these companies are concentrating on developing new ideas that even Nikon and Canon haven't thought of, as well as refining existing ones that have already been refined by well-known name-brands.

Every photographer is aware that camera equipment is expensive, and while brand-name products may be great, sometimes their prices are simply too high to be considered reasonable. This is where accessories from third parties can assist amateur or budget photographers get their hands on some high-quality gear. If the equipment is maintained in good condition, its resale value should remain respectable if and when the user decides to change to a brand-name replacement in the future.

One thing you probably shouldn't purchase from a third party

Your camera batteries are one item from the category of third-party accessories that you might want to confirm is genuine.  Most of the time they function, but occasionally a battery just won't hold a charge or fails for no apparent reason.  An easy solution would be to fill your camera battery inventory with both brand name and third-party batteries to ensure you're covered. Nothing is more frustrating than witnessing a battery die just when you need it.

Final Word

What has your experience been with using name brands and third-party brands? Do you prefer one to the other? Do you use name-brand camera bodies and camera lenses and third-party filters, other camera equipment, and batteries as accessories?