Sigma News (Page 9)

From Sigma:

SIGMA 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary F/SIGMA and F/NIKON are scheduled to start shipping towards the end of this month.

B&H carries the SIGMA 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens.

From Sigma:

Thank you for purchasing and using our products.

Regarding the Live View mode of Canon “EOS 8000D (Rebel T6s / 760D)” and “EOS Kiss X8i (Rebel T6i / 750D)” cameras that we announced on April 21st, 2015, we have now started providing a firmware update and can confirm that deliveries of these products now include the new firmware.

If you own one of the lenses listed below, please contact your nearest authorized SIGMA subsidiary or distributor to receive a firmware update free of charge.

[Update]
The new firmware will ensure the lens is compatible with the Live View mode of EOS 8000D (Rebel T6s / 760D) and EOS Kiss X8i (Rebel T6i / 750D) cameras.

Products and Serial Numbers that require the firmware update

For lenses that have been repaired in the past, they may require the firmware update even when the serial number is not listed above. If the mentioned camera does not display images on the rear LCD monitor when Live View Mode button on the camera body is pressed, the firmware update is necessary.

For those who own the SIGMA USB DOCK, it will be possible to update the firmware of 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports through SIGMA Optimization Pro.

* If you use the SIGMA USB DOCK with 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports, even when the lens does not require the update, its firmware will be updated to the new version.
* For those who use APO TELE CONVERTER 1.4x EX DG or APO TELE CONVERTER 2x EX DG with the 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports, please contact your nearest authorized subsidiary / distributor of SIGMA for further support.

How to identify updated products

Products that we will be shipping from now on already have updated firmware. This can be recognized by the white sticker on lower left side of the gift box as shown below.

RONKONKOMA – April 9, 2015 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, is pleased to announce that the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) has select two Sigma products for the TIPA Awards 2015. The 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM Contemporary lens has been lauded Best Entry Level DSLR Lens, and the recently released 24mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens won Best Expert DSLR Prime Lens.

With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, the TIPA organization has a worldwide membership of 27 photo and imaging magazines from 16 countries across five continents. When TIPA member magazines began the TIPA Awards, their goal was to develop an award that would showcase the best photography, imaging products and services introduced to the market during the past year. According to TIPA, only products that the General Assembly think deserve recognition are considered in the voting process.

“On behalf of Sigma Corporation, we are honored to have two Sigma lenses receive TIPA awards this year, and be recognized by such a far-reaching organization,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “We’re especially proud to be acknowledged as a company that continues to produce leading-edge technology in the photo industry. The addition of the 24mm F1.4 and 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 lenses to our Global Vision lineup demonstrates how Sigma is continuing to redefine expectations and improve the experience for our loyal users.”

As the ninth addition to Sigma’s iconic Global Vision Art line-up, the 24mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens is designed for full-frame DSLRs, and when used on digital cameras with an APS-C size sensor, it effectively becomes a 38mm. The 24mm excels at indoor photography in low light, thanks to the combination of exceptional focal plane sharpness, and gorgeous bokeh rendered by nine rounded-aperture blades. The lens features both "F" Low Dispersion (FLD) glass and Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass in a design of 15 elements in 11 groups to minimize chromatic aberration of magnification, especially at the edge of the image field. It also has the ability to achieve a maximum magnification of 1:5.3 with a minimum focusing distance of 9.8 inches.

The 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM Contemporary lens is designed exclusively for APS-C camera sensors and features a 16.6x high-ratio zoom lens that equates to a 27-450mm zoom range. It incorporates four “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass elements, which have performance equal to fluorite, in addition to one Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass element. This enables the lens to minimize the chromatic aberration, especially toward the telephoto-end, and provide clear image quality with high color fidelity. Also, this lens comes with a newly developed optical stabilization (OS) system, ensuring better compensation.

Both lenses are compatible with Sigma’s Mount Conversion Service and Sigma’s USB dock, allowing photographers to update the lens firmware and change focus parameters.

B&H carries the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art and 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM Contemporary lenses.

From Sigma:

Nine loyal fans will receive choice of lens, be featured on Sigma website

RONKONKOMA, NY — March 4, 2015 – Are you a loyal Sigma camera and/or lens owner? Sigma Corporation of America is giving away nine lenses to its super fans from now until December with the launch of its #SigmaSuperFan contest.

The #SigmaSuperFan contest is open to all Sigma camera and/or lens owners, and entrants will be asked to share “what motivated you to buy a Sigma product and why are you a super fan?” for a chance to be a monthly winner of their choice of three lenses. Winners may choose from the Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary, 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary or the 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM, and will be notified on or about the first day of each month by a Sigma representative.

“As part of the contest, we’d like to hear from all of our loyal Sigma fans about their first encounter with Sigma, and how the relationship evolved into being a super fan,” said Christine Moossmann, Director of Marketing for Sigma Corporation of America. “Our family-owned business owes much of its success to the devotion of these photographers, and we’re using this contest as a way to engage with our community and thank them for their loyalty.”

Sigma is encouraging all U.S.-based photographers who own two or more Sigma products to enter the contest. Entries will be accepted from March 3 to November 16, 2015 on the Sigma website, and participants will be asked to fill out and submit a brief entry form. Each participant can only submit one entry, which will remain a submission throughout the duration of the nine-month contest.

Sigma encourages all fans and photographers who enter into the contest to share why they are a Sigma super fan, and photos of what they have shot using their favorite Sigma product on their social channels (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) using the hashtag #SigmaSuperFan.

For a full list of terms and conditions for the Sigma Super Fan contest, please visit here.

B&H carries Sigma lenses.

From Sigma:

SIGMA 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM | Art F/CANON and SIGMA fittings are scheduled to start the shipment towards the middle of March.

SIGMA 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary F/CANON fittings are scheduled to start the shipment towards the middle to end of March.

B&H lists an expected availability date of March 20 for the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art Lens and 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon.

From Sigma:

We are pleased to announce the development of TRIPOD SOCKET TS-81 that is the optional lens foot which can be attached to the SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports.

It is compatible with the Arca Swiss quick release plate and the clamp. The deliberately designed length of its rail provides the flexibility to adjust the center of gravity making it balance perfectly, even while zooming or using accessories, such as a tele converter and battery pack. Consideration has been given to the portability and transportation of the lens when Tripod Socket TS-81 is attached. The lens hood can still be reversed and the lens stored in its original padded case, even with the Tripod Socket TS-81 attached. Incorporated into the Tripod Socket are safety stopper screws to prevent the lens from falling. There are 2 sizes of screw holes, 1/4 and 3/8, making it compatible with tripods other than Arca Swiss, too. When it is compared to the supplied tripod socket, it offers more space between the lens and device, and the change of grip has improved the usage as a handle for carrying.

Launch Date & Price: TBD

Note: The TS-81 Tripod Foot is not yet available for preorder. We will advise when it becomes available.

From Sigma UK:

2015-02-10 09:00:00

New Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art lens

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art lens. SIGMA has a proven reputation for wide-angle lens design and manufacturing. Drawing on this experience and design know-how, refined through development of the SIGMA 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art and SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art, we have successfully minimized sagittal coma flare, chromatic aberration, distortion and vignetting to achieve exceptional levels of optical performance with almost no aberration or distortion. The Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art lens is the latest “F1.4” to join the Sigma Art line series which is built with the highest optical performance in its class and perfect for a variety of subjects from cityscapes to a star-filled night sky. It is a new horizon for a large F1.4 maximum aperture wide-angle lens with rendering performance that is at a whole new level.

Price TBD

Available in SIGMA, Canon and Nikon AF mounts. Sony mount to be announced.

Estimated availability for Sigma and Canon mounts in March 2015, Nikon mount in April 2015.

I'm sure that "Price TBD" is at least part of the reason B&H and other retailers are not currently accepting preorders. Watch the site's news page closely to be the first to know when the preorder line opens. With a March initial delivery date, the wait shouldn't be long.

Sigma has just announced a lens that closely resembles another highly successful model in their lineup, the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens. If these two lenses share similar image quality, the 24 Art is a certain hit.

From Sigma:

Sigma Corporation of America Introduces New 24mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Lens at CP+ Imaging Show

Latest Global Vision Art lens offers highest-quality optical performance in its class

YOKOHAMA, Japan — February 10, 2015 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, today announced the new Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens, the ninth Global Vision lens to join the company’s iconic Art line-up. The announcement comes at the start of the CP+ Camera and Photo Imaging Show 2015, which begins on Feb. 12 in Yokohama, Japan.

The much anticipated 24mm F1.4 Art wide angle lens is designed for full-frame DSLRs, and when used on digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor, it effectively becomes a 38mm. The lens is ideal for capturing a variety of photography subjects, including cityscapes, mountain ranges, astrophotography and weddings and is great for videography work as well. The 24mm also excels at indoor photography in low illumination thanks to the combination of exceptional focal plane sharpness, and gorgeous bokeh rendered by nine rounded aperture blades. The lens achieves a maximum magnification of 1:5.3 with a minimum focusing distance of 9.8 inches. The 24mm incorporates both "F" Low Dispersion (FLD) glass and Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass in a design of 15 elements in 11 groups to minimize chromatic aberration of magnification especially in the edge of the image field. Moreover, the optimized power layout includes aspherical elements that are positioned in the rear of the lens for improved wide open performance. This helps to ensure minimal distortion through the correction of axial chromatic aberration and sagittal coma flare. The new lens element design also delivers excellent peripheral brightness.

“The Sigma Art lenses are recognized by photographers for world-class performance, and the new 24mm F1.4 DG HSM will be a significant contribution to our selection of fast aperture prime lenses which is quickly becoming a strong force in the industry” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “Sigma is redefining the expectations of fast-aperture full-frame prime lens performance, especially wide-open, and the results the 24mm F1.4 will deliver will be up to the exacting standards set by the 35mm F1.4 DG HSM and 50mm F1.4 DG HSM .”

Other updates to this lens include a new full-time manual focusing mechanism that switches to manual focusing, simply by rotating the focus ring, even when AF is being used, first introduced on the 50mm Art. This allows the photographer to make focus adjustments quickly and easily. As with all new lenses under the Global Vision categories, every 24mm will be tested using Sigma’s own MTF measuring system, “A1,” in the company’s factory in Japan.

Other lenses in the Art line include 35mm F1.4 DG HSM, 30mm F1.4 DC HSM, 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM, 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM, 50mm F1.4 DG HSM, 19mm F2.8 DN, 30mm F2.8 DN and 60mm F2.8 DN.

The 24mm F1.4 is compatible with Sigma’s USB dock, allowing photographers to update the lens’ firmware and change focus parameters as well as manual focus over-ride using Sigma's Optimization Pro software. It is also compatible with Sigma’s Mount Conversion Service. The lens will be available in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts, and timing, pricing and availability will be announced at a later date.

Ordering the Sigma 24 Art Lens

Hopefully the fulfillment process for this lens is more expediant than we are currently experiencing with the 150-600 Sports and 24-105 Art lenses. While many lenses are introduced to relatively low demand, my expectation is that this is not one of them.

B&H has the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts on their site, but preorders are not currently being accepted.

From Sigma:

Thank you for purchasing and using our products.

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce that the lens firmware update for the 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports SIGMA, CANON and NIKON is available through SIGMA Optimization Pro, the dedicated software for the SIGMA USB DOCK.

The latest firmware enables the lens to offer improved Optical Stabilization in OS mode 2, which is optimized for panning photography. By taking advantage of the new OS algorithm in OS mode 2, it provides effective compensation, not only in horizontal direction, but also vertical and diagonal directions.

For those customers who own the following product, please update the firmware of the lens via SIGMA Optimization Pro.

[Product]

• Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports for SIGMA, CANON and NIKON

Should the version of SIGMA Optimization Pro not be updated to Ver. 1.2 yet, please be sure to update it before operating any lens firmware update.

You can download the latest version of the software from the following page;
http://www.sigma-global.com/download/en/

B&H carries the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports lens.

From Sigma:

Sigma Corporation would like to announce the availability of two types of new tele converters. Please note that the SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports requires an update to the firmware to make it compatible with the SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1401 and SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-2001.

For those who own the SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports and considering using it with either the SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1401 or SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-2001, please follow the steps below to update the firmware of the lens.

Please be advised that the updated version of firmware will make it compatible with the new tele converters, however it will also make it incompatible with conventional APO TELE CONVERTER 1.4x EX DG and APO TELE CONVERTER 2x EX DG.For further information, please contact your nearest authorized subsidiary / distributor of SIGMA.

For customers who own the SIGMA USB DOCK
Please start up the SIGMA Optimization Pro software and update the firmware of the SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports.

There will be the optimized firmware compatible with the new tele converters (Sigma: Ver. 1.01, Nikon: Ver. 1.02, Canon: Ver. 1.03), currently scheduled for release on October 24th.

For customers who do not own SIGMA USB DOCK
We are going to start the service for update on October 27th.

Please contact our Service department with any further detail or question.

Compatibility table for SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1401 and TC-2001

B&H carries the Sigma TC-1401 and TC-2001 Teleconverters and the USB Dock.

From Sigma:

Thank you for purchasing and using our products.

We would like to announce an update in the lens firmware of the 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports for CANON which can be flashed using the SIGMA Optimization Pro, the dedicated software for the SIGMA USB DOCK.

The latest firmware enables the lens to offer improved precision in its focusing performance when the AF frames in peripheral areas in the viewfinder are selected.

For those customers who own the following product, please update the firmware of the lens via the SIGMA Optimization Pro software.

• 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports CANON

Please update the SIGMA Optimization Pro to Ver. 1.2 before operating any lens firmware update.

You can download the latest version of SIGMA Optimization Pro from the following page:
http://www.sigma-global.com/download/

We appreciate your consistent support for our company and products.

B&H has the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens available for preorder.

From Sigma:

SIGMA WR PROTECTOR, SIGMA PROTECTOR, SIGMA WR UV FILTER and SIGMA WR CIRCULAR PL FILTER are scheduled to start the shipment towards the end of this month.

SIGMA WR* FILTER

• SIGMA WR PROTECTOR (Water-repellent, Antistatic type)
• SIGMA WR UV FILTER (UV Water-repellent, Antistatic type)
• SIGMA WR CIRCULAR PL FILTER (PL Water-repellent, Antistatic type)

SIGMA FILTER

• SIGMA PROTECTOR (Normal type)

*WR=Water Repellent

B&H has the Sigma WR Protector and Sigma Protector filters available for preorder.

From Sigma:

The Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary Lenses for Canon, Nikon and Sigma are scheduled to start shipping towards the end of this month.

B&H has the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary available for preorder.

Sigma Corporation would like to announce that there are two types of new tele converters to be released on October 24th, 2014. Please note that the SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports requires an update to the firmware to make it compatible with the SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1401 and SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-2001.

For those who own the SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports and considering using it with either the SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1401 or SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-2001, please follow the steps below to update the firmware of the lens.

Please be advised that the updated version of firmware will make it compatible with the new tele converters, however it will also make it incompatible with conventional APO TELE CONVERTER 1.4x EX DG and APO TELE CONVERTER 2x EX DG. For further information, please contact your nearest authorized subsidiary / distributor of SIGMA.

For customers who own the SIGMA USB DOCK
Please start up the SIGMA Optimization Pro software and update the firmware of the SIGMA USB DOCK. There will be the optimized firmware compatible with the new tele converters (Sigma: Ver. 1.01, Nikon: Ver. 1.02, Canon: Ver. 1.03), currently scheduled for release on October 24th.

For customers who do not own SIGMA USB DOCK
We are going to start the service for update on October 27th. Please contact your nearest authorized subsidiary / distributor of SIGMA.

B&H carries the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports lens and USB Dock. B&H also has the Sigma TC-1401 1.4x and TC-2001 2x teleconverters available for preorder.

From Sigma:

Sigma USB Dock v.1.02 Firmware Changes

Compatible with SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S014 and 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM C014.

* If SIGMA Optimization Pro is Ver. 1.2, it will display the message for firmware update when you start up the software. Please follow the indicated steps and update the firmware of SIGMA USB DOCK accordingly.
* If SIGMA Optimization Pro is Ver. 1.1 or earlier, please firstly update the version of the software to Ver. 1.2.

Download
Sigma USB Dock v.1.02 Firmware

B&H carries the Sigma USB Dock and has the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports and 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM lenses available for preorder.

Sigma just released firmware updates for the following lenses:

• 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM
• 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM
• 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM

Firmware Modifications (applicable to all)

• Autofocus is supported at any aperture value when used with the Canon Digital Cinema Camera EOS C100.

  Note: Before upgrading the firmware of 30mm F1.4 DC HSM A013, please first update your SIGMA Optimization Pro to Ver1.2.0.

Download the Sigma Firmware Updates.

B&H carries the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM, 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM and 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM lenses and the Sigma USB dock.

From Sigma:

Hyper-telephoto zoom lenses added to both Sports and Contemporary Global Vision lines

RONKONKOMA, N.Y — September 12, 2014 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, has announced two new 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM high-performance, hyper-telephoto zoom lenses that celebrate significant optical and build advancements. The two lens designs vary in size and use, and add to the company’s impressive roster of Contemporary and Sports lenses in the Global Vision lineup.

The 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports delivers enhanced, professional-grade optics and greater durability for challenging, high-action photographic situations. The 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a versatile lens that offers similar performance in a more compact and portable design. Pricing and availability of these lenses are not yet available.

Both versions of the 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM feature dust and splash-proof features, as well as new water and oil-repellent coating on the front and rear lenses. They boast an updated Optical Stabilizer (OS) that features an accelerometer for improved vertical and horizontal panning, essential for bird, wildlife and motor sports photography. Two new switches were added for ease-of-use, including a new zoom lock switch capable of locking at any focal distance and a Manual Override (MO) switch for improved control of focusing performance. An enhanced auto focus (AF) algorithm and Hyper Sonic Motor ensure quiet and fast AF. The lenses are compatible with Sigma’s newly announced lineup of Global Vision teleconverters, which are effective up to F/8.

“The Global Vision Art, Sports and Contemporary lines were developed to help photographers identify lenses that are best suited to their specific photography and these two lenses are perfect examples of that intent,” Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “While they share a focal length and many outstanding features, these lenses are designed with different photographers in mind. Both high-performance lenses, one is for the professional-grade action shooter; the other for photographers looking for high performance and portability.”

The 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports offers the highest level of performance and durability with a splash and dust proof construction, and features dimensions of 4.8 inches by 11.4 inches, with a weight of 100.9 ounces. It contains 24 lens elements in 16 groups – including two FLD and three SLD glass elements – with a minimum aperture of F/22 and minimum focusing distance of 102.4 inches. Its maximum magnification ratio is also 1:5. The Sports lens will be available in Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts.

The 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens is the first hyper-telephoto zoom lens from the Global Vision Contemporary line, and will enable easy handling with a smaller build than its Sports counterpart. It is equipped with a splash and dust proof mount, and while the weight of the lens is still to be determined, its dimensions will be 4.1 inches by 10.2 inches. The lens will feature 20 elements in 14 groups – including one FLD and three SLD glass elements – with a minimum aperture of F/22 and minimum focusing distance of 110.2 inches. Its maximum magnification ratio is 1:5. It will be available in Sigma, Canon, Nikon and Sony mounts.

All of Sigma’s Global Vision lenses are compatible with the company’s USB dock and Mount Conversion Service, and undergo individual testing before being shipped. Using the USB Dock allows for advanced customization of AF speed, OS viewing modes, focus limiter and firmware updates. Every Sigma Global Vision lens is tested with Sigma’s proprietary “A1” MTF measuring system prior to shipping to ensure optimal performance and image quality.

The company will be exhibiting at the 2014 Photokina in Cologne, Germany, later this month. The latest lenses from the Global Vision lineup will be on display at the event and attendees are invited to stop by booth #B20/C29 in Hall 4.2.

Preorder Opportunities:

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens - B&H
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens - B&H

From Sigma:

New range in Sigma’s lineup offers optimized optics and stabilization with optional, add-on close-up lens for macro-zoom capability

RONKONKOMA, N.Y — September 12, 2014 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, is adding a new lens to its Global Vision Contemporary category with today’s announcement of the 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM. The lens will become available in October for the street price of $579.00.

Designed exclusively for APS-C camera sensors, the new 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM features a 16.6x high-ratio zoom lens which equates to a 27-450mm zoom range. It incorporates four “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass elements, which have performance equal to flourite, in addition to one Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass element. This enables the lens to minimize the chromatic aberration, especially toward the telephoto-end, and provide clear image quality with high color fidelity. Also, this lens comes with a newly developed optical stabilization (OS) system, ensuring better compensation.

“We expect the 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM to be yet another standout in our Global Vision lineup, and a perfect option for anyone looking to carry minimal equipment and still be able to capture breathtaking images” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “It will be a compact and affordable, high-performance, all-in-one lens that offers wide-angle to telephoto versatility and the very unique macro-zoom capability for close-ups. It’s perfect for all photographic needs – especially for those purchasing this product as their first time interchangeable lens.”

The lens offers a minimum focusing distance of 15 inches, with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3. To enhance the macro capabilities of the lens, Sigma Corporation has also designed a dedicated close-up AML72-01 lens that pairs with the 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 to offer a maximum magnification ratio 1:2 and changeable angles of view. Even when this close-up lens is attached, the image taken at maximum magnification ratio, at 300mm, infinity, shows very little difference in modulation transfer function (MTF). This close-up lens will be sold separately for $55 and will also be available in October.

The 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM incorporates a bigger and newly developed Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that ensures high speed and quiet AF. Additionally the Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting, to provide the user with sharp and high contrast images.

The lens will be available in Sigma, Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Sony mounts; Pentax and Sony mounts will not offer OS.

The 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM is compatible with Sigma’s USB dock, allowing photographers to update the lens’ firmware and change focus parameters using Sigma's Optimization Pro software. It is also compatible with Sigma’s Mount Conversion Service. Sigma remains one of the very few manufacturers whose products are solely made in Japan. Moreover, all products, including the 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM was designed to surpass the required quality inspection of every Global Vision lens with Sigma’s own modulation transfer function (MTF) “A1” measuring system to create a new optical standard to align with the high-spec cameras on today’s market.

The company will be exhibiting at the 2014 Photokina in Cologne, Germany, later this month. The latest lenses from the Global Vision lineup will be on display at the event and attendees are invited to stop by booth #B20/C29 in Hall 4.2.

B&H has the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO HSM Contemporary available for preorder.

From Sigma:

New filters and teleconverters help photographers maximize optical performance and use of lenses

RONKONKOMA, N.Y— September 12, 2014 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, today announced its first line of Global Vision accessories.

Building on the exceptional quality and sleek design of Sigma’s popular Global Vision lenses, the company will now offer two new teleconverters offering magnifications of 1.4x and 2x, respectively, and four new lens filter types, including three water repellent (WR) models.

“The announcement of these new accessories reaffirms our commitment to providing photographers with the highest quality tools they need to experience the amazing photographic details of our lenses,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America.

Teleconverters: TC-1401 and TC-2001

The teleconverters TC-1401 and TC-2001 are developed as dedicated attachments for Sigma Global Vision lenses. By mounting it in between a telephoto lens and a camera, the TC-1401 and TC-2001 will magnify a lens’ focal length by 1.4 and 2 times, respectively. Both models now incorporate Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements, the TC-1401 with 1 and the TC-2001 with 2 SLD elements, which offer excellent aberration correction and maintain the exceptional image quality of the original lens. The TC-1401 will be sold for the street price of $349, and the TC-2001 will be sold for $399. Availability is still yet to be announced for both teleconverters.

The teleconverters come packed with additional special features – its power distribution is designed for Sigma lenses of large diameter. Without affecting the lens performance, these options offer stable image quality through the zoom at every focal length and on the corners of the frame. Additionally, the tele converters are designed for high durability – being both dust and splash-proof. These new teleconverters are capable of shooting effective AF at F8, if the camera can do so.

Filter lineups: WR Protector, Protector, WR UV Filter, WR Circular PL Filter

With the new Global Vision lens filters, Sigma will now offer 13 filter size options in four new lineups. These filters offer several new features that enable photographers to maximize the optical performance of Sigma’s lenses in various conditions. The filters will be available for purchase in October.

These filters have a new design that suits the high optical performance of all new Global Vision products to prevent vignetting or the decrease in peripheral light quantities especially when the thinner wide type filters are used with Sigma lenses. By incorporating Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating, the filter reduces flare and hosting; black rimmed glass eliminates unnecessary internal reflections, and provides high performance for both digital cameras and film cameras. In addition, to ensure versatility, Sigma’s WR filters feature excellent water and oil repellent as well as an antistatic function, and the two types of “Protector” can protect the lens surface effectively.

The four line ups include:

• WR Protector (Water-repellent, antistatic type) and Protector (normal type): The protector is developed to protect the lens surface from dirt and dust as well as scratches. It is an ideal filter for regular use as it is completely colorless so it does not affect color reproduction.
• WR UV Filter (UV water-repellent, antistatic type): UV filter prevents the bluish tone that generates by absorbing ultraviolet rays. It is effective in most situations, such as landscape, portrait and general photography on a sunny day.
• WR Circular PL Filter (PL water-repellent, antistatic type): Circular PL filter removes the reflection of water surface and glass windows, and increases the contrast in landscape photography.

The company will be exhibiting at 2014 Photokina in Cologne, Germany, where its Global Vision lenses will be on display. Attendees are invited to stop by booth #B20/C29 in Hall 4.2.

Preorder Opportunties:

Sigma TC-1401 Teleconverter - B&H
Sigma TC-2001 Teleconverter - B&H

From Sigma:

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Firmware v1.02

Autofocus is supported at any aperture value when used with the Canon Digital Cinema Camera EOS C100.

Note: Before upgrading the firmware of 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM A013, please first update your SIGMA Optimization Pro to Ver1.2.0.

Download the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Firmware v1.02.

B&H carries the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens.