Well, I don't think it's reasonable anymore to expect the "third party" products to dwell in the bargain bin. This might've been true 15 years ago when most of the Sigma/Tamron/Tokina lenses were clearly marketed as el cheapo alternatives (with the attendant quality compromises plain to see, like "trademark" color casts, low quality motors, awkward mechanicals and inferior build), but now when - say - the Sigma Arts match or exceed the "first parties" in IQ, we're lucky to get a 30% price discount. 