Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
It looks like Sigma will be launching a new stabilized version of its 300mm f/2.8 lens (seen above) soon based on the lens’ appearance during a slideshow at Photokina 2012.
There are no specific details about the upcoming lens other than the name designation that appeared on a slide during an official Sigma presentation.
You can watch the full presentation in the video below. [Read more…]
Sigma announced the following three new lenses at Photokina 2012.
17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM – This new Contemporary lens is designed for cameras with an APS-C sensor and covers a range equivalent to 25.5 to 105mm on a 35mm camera. An upgrade to its predecessor, which was released in December 2009, this general purpose lens offers a new design and a more compact build.
35mm F1.4 DG HSM – This Art lens provides photographers with a state-of-the-art alternative to the more conventional 50mm. This lens’ axial chromatic aberration is minimized, which renders a cool and smooth out-of-focus image. At low apertures, it can perform like a wide-angle lens; when opened up to F1.4, it will provide background bokeh and make the subject pop like a mid-range telephoto lens.
120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM – With redesigned mechanics and performance, this Sports lens is an update from its predecessor released in February 2011. This high-performance lens eases difficult shooting conditions by offering a maximum focal length of 300mm and a wide-open aperture of F2.8. This lens, like the other Sports category lenses to come, is dust and moisture resistant, and allows users to adjust the focus speed and the focus limiter via a button on the lens.
Sigma has announced pricing and availability for its DP1 Merrill compact camera, which features a 19mm f/2.8 fixed lens (28mm equivalent). The DP1 Merrill differs from the DP1x because the DP1 Merrill includes one “F” low dispersion glass element for correcting aberrations in addition to the Foveon X3 46MP image sensor (same sensor as the Sigma SD1 Merrill).
The DP1 Merrill will be available for $999 in mid-September. Check availability at B&H Photo.
The Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS MACRO lens was unveiled today as an all-purpose APS-C lens. No pricing yet, but it should be available in July.
The new lens differs from the non-macro version in magnification ratio, but it also contains new material called Thermally Stable Composite (TSC). TSC is incorporated into the lens barrel and is often compared to polycarbonate. It has a high degree of elasticity and exhibits little variation in its structure in extreme temperature conditions. This means that internal barrel expansion and contraction due to extreme temperature variations is less prevalent.
TSC also contributes to the lens’ size reduction. The non-macro 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 without TSC weighs 22.2 ounces and is 3.1 by 4 inches in diameter, whereas the new macro lens is 16.6 ounces and 2.9 by 3.5 inches in diameter. As a result, this is a more compact, multi-purpose lens for APS-C sized sensor cameras.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
The Sigma 30mm f/2.8 EX DN is the closest thing to a “fast 50” that we can get right now for Sony’s NEX models in the native E-mount. I’ve been playing with it for a couple of days and, in short, I think it’s a nice complement to the 18-55mm kit lens. At $199, it’s certainly a lens that NEX owners should consider adding to their kit. [Read more…]
I’ve been waiting and waiting for this lens to become available ever since I saw it at CES 2012. Well, now B&H has them. I just ordered mine and should have it in hand by early next week. I’ll let you know what I think of it after spending some time with it (maybe next week, or maybe not until after NAB 2012). [Read more…]
The new Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 APO EX DC OS HSM now available at a street price of $1099. The lens range works out to roughly a 75-225mm equivalent on APS-C cameras like the Canon 7D and Nikon D7000. Canon, Nikon and Sigma-mount versions are expected to ship by the end of April.
The lens is currently available for pre-order at B&H Photo.
A couple of upcoming lenses that I’m looking forward to trying out are the Sigma 19mm and 30mm f/2.8 models for NEX and Micro Four Thirds cameras. I’m particularly looking forward to getting a production model of the 30mm f/2.8 lens in the NEX mount since it works out to a 45mm-equivalent (60mm-equivalent for Micro Four Thirds models). [Read more…]
Sigma currently has up to $200 off some of there lenses. Details on the instant savings deals, lens models and mount options here at B&H.
I’m not sure who’s driving the Sigma SD1 trainwreck; however, this limited edition wooden SD1 is about as far from the tracks as things can get. As if the $6900 price tag for the Sigma SD1 wasn’t laughable enough, this limited edition wooden model will set you back €9,999 ($13,750 USD equivalent). [Read more…]