Yup, Tamiya can't be beat for the money. HL is toy grade which of course with some work and money you can turn in to a pretty nice tank. Tamiya is upper end hobby grade. You will readily see the difference.
Panther is my wife's personal ride, that one and a T34/85. Once you are really hooked on the Tamiyas, here's the next level. There is no cure for the addiction, by the by.