So I know the title was a little strange, but do purchase things made by the camera makers.

For instance, Nikon make a replacement battery for £25, yet there is another battery for £9.99.

So, do you use things made by the camera maker or purchase less expensive obscure makes?

Thanks

how about a 4th option "both" cuz I have a nikon made flash, nikon made wireless remote, and a nikon lens. But I have 3 non-nikon lenses... so...

I don't think Sigma, Tamron and Tokina are obscure 3rd party accessory makers, they're well known and some product really deliver great quality... I usually prefer camera builder items though (Nikon in my case)

I'm not inclined to use third party accessories for stuff like batteries, wireless remotes. Generally they aren't hugely cheaper and depending on what you buy, it could really go wrong. £20 vs £10 and the chance of doing hundreds of pounds of damage? No thanks. However, not all third party stuff if evil - if something has multiple glowing reviews and hundreds of users singing its praise despite being third party, then sure, maybe. Lenswise is not so much of an issue though, I have nothing against Sigma/Tamron/Tokina, but as Keito says, they're not exactly obscure third party.

The main benefit in my opinion to buying first party products/accessories is your inherent right to complain against damages and have some degree of support. If a generic battery off ebay goes belly-up on you...you're footing the repair bill.

I agree.

A bit of both, i have sigma 70-300mm and jessops flashgun, if i had the cash i would sell and go canon.

I buy either depending on which does better for what lens I am currently buying.

None of the options really. I buy what suits me the best. Some times it's the manufacturer's product, sometimes it's a third party. That's not only for lenses separate from everything else. For instance, I only have Nikon lenses, but that doesn't mean I would ONLY buy a Nikon lens. Same with accessories, I have a lowepro strap instead of the Nikon one because it's more comfortable. I use Nikon lens caps only because they are much better caps. I have no problem getting either a Nikon or another good battery pack, I just wouldn't go for the cheap crummy ones. I use a Pentax lens cleaning kit, despite the fact I have no other Pentax stuff. Ect...