A camera lens
According to most sources, these lenses are manufactured by Sigma. Various photography discussion boards mention Tamron, Vivitar, Cosina/Phoenix and Tokina as other possible manufacturers.
Significance
It is difficult to get reliable information on manufacturers of Quantaray lenses. One possible reason for this is the very low esteem these lenses seem to be held in professional photography circles. Aside from manufacturer number, no information about the company producing these lenses is provided.
Suppliers
Though Quantaray lenses are available for purchase at many camera stores, the Ritz Camera chain seems to be the major outlet. Ritz offers several models of these lenses; however, Ritz does not provide the name of the original manufacturer. Photographers who have asked the staff at Ritz for the original manufacturer of Quantaray lenses and equipment were told the lenses are from Sigma or from "other manufacturers," without being given any specifics.
Sigma
Most sources agree that these lenses are made by Sigma; however, Sigma does not list Quantaray lenses among its products. Given that most photographers describe these lenses as older models of "consumer" (as opposed to "professional") level of quality, it may be that Sigma does not wish to publicly associate its brand name with a low quality product. Ritz Camera does list one product as made by Sigma, but this is not a Quantaray lens.
Other Possible Manufacturers
Members of the Digital Camera Resource Page state that Quantaray lenses are also made by Tamron, while members of the Photography on the Net discussion board list Vivitar and Cosina/Phoenix as possible manufacturers of the lenses. According to one PhotoTakers.com discussion, "There are other brands that will also make Quantaray lenses, including Tokina." None of these companies, however, list Quantaray among their product lines.
Warning
There has been some suggestion that it is more difficult than usual to get someone to honor the warranty of Quantaray lenses. This may be due to the difficulty in ascertaining the original manufacturer.
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