Last Updated on January-8-2010 Add Comments

Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG MACROLarge aperture standard zoom lens provides superior performance both for Digital SLR Cameras and 35mm Film SLR Cameras.

To achieve an F2.8 aperture at all focal lengths, it employs three aspherical Lens to provide optimum aberration compensation. Two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements are provided for color aberration compensation, to assure high image quality.

Optimized for digital SLR cameras

It incorporates “Super Multi Layer Coating” to reduce the influence of harmful light caused by reflections from the digital image sensor.

Excellent correction of aberrations

Two SLD elements, one Glass Mold Aspherical plus two Hybrid Aspherical lenses provide excellent correction of various aberrations and a high level of optical performance.

Minimum focusing distance of 40cm (15.7 inches)

The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 40cm (15.7 inches) at all focal lengths and is capable of macro photography with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.8.

DF (Dual Focus) System

This lens incorporates a Dual Focus (DF) system that is designed to make the lens easy to hold during autofocusing, and yet provides a large focus ring for easy manual focusing.

Petal Type Hood

Since the front of the lens does not rotate, a Petal-type hood and circular polarizing filters can be easily used.

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Last Updated on January-6-2010 Add Comments

Sigma 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC Circular Fisheye HSMThe first Circular Fisheye Lens exclusively for use with APS-C size digital SLR cameras

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC Circular Fisheye HSM lens.

This autofocus circular fisheye lens has an angle of view of 180 degrees in all directions. It is exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras with the APS-C size image sensor. When used in conjunction with digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors, it produces circular image within the frame.

The F2.8 large aperture value produces a bright image in the viewfinder and allows photographers to take pictures in low light conditions, making it an ideal lens for Astrophotography and Aurora photography. Due to the quantifiable angle/area relationship it produces, this lens can be used for scientific and arts applications such as solid angle measurements of cloud distribution over the sky or vegetation distribution of the forest.

The minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm/5.3inch and maximum magnification of 1:6 make it particularly useful for close-up photography. SLD(Special Low Dispersion)glass provides effective compensation of chromatic aberration. Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating minimizes flare and ghosting. It is equipped with an inner focusing system that creates high definition and good image quality over the whole frame. The HSM(Hyper Sonic Motor)ensures fast and quiet autofocusing and allows full-time manual focus override by rotation of the focus ring.

Now available for Sony/Minolta digital SLRs, and Pentax digital SLRs.

  • The first 180 degree circular fisheye lens designed specifically for APS-C size digital SLR cameras
  • Fast F2.8 maximum aperture making it ideal for low light photography
  • Minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm and a maximum magnification of 1:6
  • SLD glass minimizes color aberration
  • Equipped with HSM with full-time manual focus override
  • Equisolid angle projection method is possible for art and scientific use

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Last Updated on July-16-2010 Add Comments

Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSMThe Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM. Compact, High Performance Telephoto Zoom Lens.

Winner of the BEST BUY LENS American Photo Editor’s Choice Award 2009

Features & Benefits:

  • Optical Stabilization: Sigma’s own OS System.
  • Sony & Pentax: Original Anti-Shake function for camera body and viewfinder
  • Inner Focusing System: Eliminates front lens rotation; suitable for use w/circular polarizing filters
  • Compact, Telephoto Zoom Lens
  • High Image Quality: SLD glass elements with inner focusing
  • High Magnification: 1:4.5 magnification, exclusively designed for digital SLRs
  • Includes: Bayonet Type Hood
  • Mounts: for Sigma, Nikon, Canon, Sony and Pentax

This compact high-performance telephoto zoom lens incorporates Sigma’s own Optical Stabilizer function. The lens incorporates SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass in the front lens groups and is equipped with an inner focusing system to provide high image quality throughout the entire zoom range. The incorporation of HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures quiet and high-speed auto focus. The OS (Optical Stabilizer) function effectively eliminates the effects of camera shake so subjects can be easily and clearly seen in the viewfinder as well as in the image. It allows the use of shutter speeds up to 4 stops slower than normal for steady, handheld photography. For Sony and Pentax mounts the built-in OS System allows the photographer to see the stabilized image in the viewfinder and can be used as an alternative with cameras having built-in image stabilization. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides high contrast images throughout the entire zoom range. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 43.3inches (110cm) throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.5. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making it suitable for use with circular polarizing filters.

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Last Updated on July-16-2010 2 Commented

Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 II EX DC HSMLarge aperture telephoto zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras and reveals its strength in close-up photography.

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new APO 50-150mm F2.8 II EX DC HSM lens.

This large aperture telephoto zoom lens is designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C size sensors and its compact, lightweight body provides freedom of movement and versatility. The minimum focusing distance of 100cm/39.4in. and the high-resolution power layout have improved the strength of the lens in close-up photography. This lens offers a large aperture of F2.8 and its large depth of field offers greater freedom of creative expression. It has a maximum aperture of F2.8. Four SLD glass elements are used for maximum correction of chromatic aberrations. The super multi-layer lens coating reduce flare and ghosting and ensure sharp images throughout the entire zoom range. The lens design incorporates an inner focusing and inner zooming system. As the overall length of the lens does not change during focusing and zooming, convenient handling is ensured. The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) system allows quiet and high-speed auto focusing with full time manual focus override by just rotating the focusing ring. The addition of the optional 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters produce a 70-210mm F4 AF tele-zoom lens and a 100-300mm F5.6 AF ultra-telephoto zoom lens respectively.

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Last Updated on January-6-2010 Add Comments
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM

Credit: DPReview

5th January 2010 – Canon today adds to its acclaimed L-series with the launch of the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto zoom lens. The lens launches as the successor to the immensely popular EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, offering improved performance in every area.

True to the L-series’ heritage, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM delivers optical excellence in the most challenging situations. As well as a revamp of the internal optical system, the lens has also been structurally re-developed as a direct result of user feedback, making it as robust and reliable as it is optically advanced.

“Reuters’ photographers have used the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM for a number of years and it allows photographers a great level of flexibility,” said Reuters Production Editor Kevin Coombs. “The focal length, fast aperture and Image Stabilizer all contribute to it being a workhorse lens and you’ll find it in many professional photographers’ camera bags. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the improvements offered by the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM.”

Premium quality, premium performance

The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features a re-designed optical system, consisting of 23 elements in 19 groups to deliver truly impressive results. A high-performance fluorite element is used at the heart of the lens path, coupled with no fewer than five ultra-low dispersion (UD) elements, drastically reducing chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range to produce high contrast images with edge-to-edge definition.

A high-speed Auto Focus (AF) system perfectly matches the abilities of the recently-launched EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS 7D Digital SLR (DSLR) cameras. The new model also features a ring-type USM AF motor, which combines with a new high-speed CPU and an optimised AF algorithm to make auto focusing both faster and quieter.

A reduced minimum focusing distance of 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) and improved 0.21x magnification will allow photographers to get closer to subjects without needing to swap lenses – greatly benefitting time-pressured news and events photographers who require flexibility. An updated Image Stabilizer mechanism also offers a shutter speed advantage equivalent to four-stops, reducing the effect of image blur resulting from camera shake in busy shooting environments.

Enhanced design, exceptional ease of use

As well as an update to the internal construction, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features an enhanced external appearance to improve lens operation. The thickness of protruding exterior parts and switches has been significantly reduced, guarding against accidental switching and creating an improved overall look. The rubber focusing grip has also been redesigned and widened; with finely-patterned grooves making it easier to manually focus.

Being an L-series lens, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is fully weatherproof, making it ideal for use in all weather conditions. The mount, focus mode switch and focusing ring all feature a completely dust and drip-proof structure, preventing dust or water from getting inside the camera and lens when used with accompanying weatherproof EOS bodies. The lens has been designed to stand up to the daily wear and tear of professional usage, making it a highly durable, reliable lens for use day-to-day by professional photographers.

High quality L-series accessories

The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is supplied with several accessories, including the new ET-87 Lens Hood and the Ring-Type Tripod Collar B (W). A brand new Lens Case LZ1326 is also included as standard, offering quick and easy access when users need to switch lenses in time-pressured situations.

Compatibility with a range of optional Canon accessories also allows users to pair the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM with the Lens Extender EF 1.4x II, Lens Extender EF 2x II, Extension Tube EF 12 II, Extension Tube EF 25 II, and 77mm filters.

Read more / See specifications at DPReview

View the MTF Charts comparisons between Canon 70-200 f/2.8 non-IS, IS and IS II at the-digital-picture.com

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