This large-aperture, standard-zoom lens, which was first introduced in February at Photo Marketing Association International, is designed for small chip, APS-C digital cameras and incorporates Sigma’s Optical Stabilization (OS) functionality and new, FLD glass. The 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM is an ultra compact lens with an overall length of just 3.6 inches.

The 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM covers a focal length from a 17mm wide angle, has a minimum focusing distance of 11 inches throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5. The lens is currently available in Canon mounts at all authorized Sigma dealers for the MSRP of $980, and it will be available in Nikon, Sigma, Sony and Pentax mounts in the coming weeks.

The OS function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately four stops slower than would otherwise be possible. Only Sigma has made it possible for Pentax and Sony shooters to utilize an anti-shake system in either the lens or the camera body. The compensation for camera shake is visible in the view finder for all mounts, which makes accurate focusing fast and easy.

“This lens is a must-have for any photo opportunity,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. “The fast aperture allows for shooting in low, existing light or at maximum range with a flash. This is an ideal, all-purpose lens for everyday shooting.”

Sigma’s FLD glass, which is used in the new lens, has an extremely high light transmission and anomalous dispersion, making it the top level of low dispersion glass available. With a performance equal to fluorite glass, this optical glass has a low refractive index and low dispersion compared to current optical glass. These characteristics offer excellent correction for residual chromatic aberration (secondary spectrum), which cannot be corrected by ordinary optical glass and ensures high-definition and high-contrast images.

Read more at Sigma Photo

Links

Press release – DPReview.com

Fisheye lens with a 180º angle of view for unique and intriguing effects. The wide depth of field makes it even more interesting. The short minimum focusing distance of 8 in. (20 cm) gives new meaning to close-up shots. The lens has a fixed petal-type hood and a gelatin filter holder at the rear.

Read more at Canon USA

Reviews

Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens Review by the-digital-picture.com

The Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens is currently Canon’s only intentionally distorted EF lens.

The heavy barrel distortion from the Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens creates a special effect that is liked by most people (until it is over-used of course). With digital capture, we can now use fisheye-to-rectilinear conversion software to create a corrected picture equivalent to what a 12-13mm rectilinear lens would yield. This is great – but it takes some extra post-processing work and requires some knowledge of what the end-result will look like when capturing the shot.

(more….)

This lightweight, compact, fast-focusing telephoto lens for sports, wildlife and action photography is perfect for carrying around during a full day of shooting.

This professional quality telephoto lens is Ideal for a wide range of picture taking, from sports and action, to extraordinary tight-close-up portraits, to general landscape photography.

Extra Low Dispersion optical glass elements virtually eradicate secondary optical chromatic aberrations; such aberrations are typical in ordinary telephoto optics.

Note: AF-S feature is not supported by certain camera models. Please click here for a list of compatible models.

Features

• High optical performance even with a teleconverter attached
• ED glass elements
• Fulltime manual focus override in autofocus mode
• Light gray color repels heat

Read more at Nikon USA

(more….)

Incorporating Canon’s second generation Image Stabilization technology, this telephoto zoom responds in as little as 0.5 seconds, while providing up to three stops of correction for camera shake. Its AF system has been refined for better response time and tracking speed. And even the new 8-blade circular aperture offers a more pleasing out-of-focus image. Constructed to pro standards, this fast zoom is also highly resistant to dust and moisture, too.

Read more at Canon USA
(more….)

This compact and versatile VR image stabilization lens is perfect for landscapes, portraits and distant subjects.

Nikon’s 24-120mm zoom lens is now even smaller than its predecessor, the AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D IF and features an innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) system that allows handheld telephoto zoom shooting even in poorly lit conditions. The VR system minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed 3 stops (8 times) faster.

Covering many commonly used focal lengths in one compact zoom lens, the 24-120mm proves itself to be a unique and popular choice when a variety of subjects may be encountered. Ideal where space and weight are restricted – such as travel photography – the wide zoom range offers the opportunity to capture a variety of subjects both close by and far away, from interiors to portraits.

• Vibration Reduction (VR) minimizes image blur caused by camera shake. Two available VR modes :
  1. Vibration Reduction for both the viewfinder image and the image on film. Moderate VR operation is executed to ensure viewing comfort for the viewfinder image.
  2. VR for the image on the film only (conserves battery power).
• New optical design incorporates two ED glass elements and two aspherical elements for superior optical performance.
• Built-in A/M switch enables instant switching from autofocus to manual focus (Lock mechanism provided).
• Silent Wave Motor for ultra-fast, ultra-quiet AF.
• New cosmetic design identical to current AF-S Nikkor lenses.
• Filter attachment does not rotate during focusing or zooming.
• The rounded diaphragm (7 blades) makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural.

Read more at Nikon USA
(more….)