I have a Nikon d50, Nikon lens being the best for Nikon, which other lens brand is just as good?

Question

I have a Nikon d50, Nikon lens being the best for Nikon, which other lens brand is just as good?

Answer 1

Well the only other lens brand that is just as good is Canon... but those won't mount on your camera.  

When it comes to third party lenses for your Nikon camera, the only brands I would consider are Tokina, Tamron, and Sigma (in that order).  I would still prefer to get the Nikon lens.  Not only do the Nikon lenses tend to have better build quality and image quality, if you choose to sell it later on, the Nikon lenses retain their much of their value.  You sometimes practically have to give away third party lenses.