Originally Posted by jmmtn4aj
I would switch brands for the lenses, but certainly not consumer lenses. I don't know about you but I intend for this hobby to last a long time, and so I intend to have pro glass at some point. In that regard it's illogical to switch brands since Nikon (what I'm using) and Canon are the leaders in the professional field in quality (image and build) and range of products. Jumping brands for a sub $700 lens seems pointless for me since while it might be a good idea now, I wouldn't have that awesome 70-200mm f/2.8 VR that I'm currently planning to buy in a few months, or the 17-55 f/2.8 Nikkor I'm planning to buy a few months after that, available.
You have a very good point, but I would counter by adding that I'm really only interested in a so called "walk-around" lens - one that suits a variety of my shooting needs and one that will hopefully remain my primary lens for a rather long time; if not forever.
I suppose that the real problem is justification - I simply cannot see myself spending more than $700 on a lens right now, regardless of the fact that my ideal requirements are only realized in products costing hundreds of dollars more.
For now, in other words, I plan to make a quality lens purchase, and possibly a DSLR purchase - and then refrain from upgrading in the near future. Famous last words, of course, but that is the plan so far.