Sigma have announced a new, optically stabilised version of their 17-70mm DC lens. This fast standard zoom for DSLR cameras sporting an APS-C sized sensor has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 at the wide end and f/4 at maximum telephoto.  The OS (Optical Stabiliser) function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible, Sigma claim. The incorporation of HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet and high speed AF. Three aspherical lenses and one Extraordinary Low Dispersion glass element are on board to fight all types of optical aberration, whilst the Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting to help maintain optimum contrast in all lighting conditions. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 22cm(8.7in.) throughout the entire zoom range and maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7, which is why the word ‘Macro’ appears in the product name. This minimum focusing distance is apparently measured from the sensor plane, as Sigma also claim you can focus as close as 4.7cm(1.9in.) from the front lens element to the subject. The lens will be available for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma and Sony DSLRs.

Website: Sigma

Sigma Press Release

SIGMA 17-70mm F2.8- 4 DC MACRO OS HSM

Large aperture standard zoom lens designed for digital SLR cameras.
2009.12.4

Minimum focusing distance of 22cm at all focal lengths
Integrated Optical Stabilisation system
Aspherical and ELD glass elements
Large aperture of F2.8 at the wide angle setting
Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensuring silent, high-speed AF

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM.

This large aperture standard zoom lens offers an aperture of F2.8 at the 17mm focal length and is ideal for many situations such as portraits, sports, macro and general photography. The OS (Optical Stabilizer) function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible. For Sony and Pentax mount, the built-in OS function of this lens can be used even if the camera body is equipped with an anti-shake function. As the compensation for camera shake is visible in the view finder, the photographer can easily check for accurate focus and ensure there is no subject movement. The maximum aperture of F2.8 produces an attractive background blur and improves autofocus speed.

This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 22cm(8.7in.) throughout the entire zoom range and maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7, making it ideal for close-up photography. It is possible to focus as close as approximately 4.7cm(1.9in.) from the tip of the lens to the subject making this lens particularly useful for close-up photography.

Three aspherical lenses and one ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass element provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides high contrast images. The incorporation of HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet and high speed AF. This lens has a rounded 7 blade diaphragm which creates an attractive blur to the out of focus areas of the image. The inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the supplied petal-type lens hood and circular polarizing filters.

Petal type hood (LH780-04) supplied

* Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size or 35mm SLR cameras.
* It is not possible to use the built-in OS function and AF of this lens, when using with Pentax ist* series and K100D DSLR cameras.
* For Pentax and Sony mount, when the OS function of lens body is used, please turn the stabilizer function of camera body off.

Sigma US Press Release

Sigma Corporation adds unique, anti-shake technology to award-winning 17-70mm lens

‘Ultimate standard lens’ now available in Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony and Sigma mounts

RONKONKOMA, N.Y., Dec. 4, 2009 – Sigma Corporation (www.sigmaphoto.com), 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 its newly upgraded 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM lens.

This large aperture, standard zoom lens contains state-of-the-art enhancements, including the company’s own Optical Stabilization (OS), anti-shake technology that offers the use of shutter speeds approximately four stops slower than would otherwise be possible. Once again, 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.

This lens’ predecessor, the 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro HSM, was deemed a “Best Buy” recommendation for photographers wishing to purchase a standard zoom lens as part of the Canadian Association for Photographic Art’s (CAPA) “Best Lens of the Year” awards.

“Aside from the OS technology, which is key when shooting with mid-range and high-end class DSLRs, this lens stands apart from the crowd because of its impressive zoom range,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. “It has a 4x zoom range that is equivalent to 24-105mm lenses in full-frame formats. That, coupled with the OS technology and a macro function, makes it the ultimate standard lens for serious photographers who want top-notch image quality and functionality at an affordable price.”

With a large aperture of F2.8 on the wide end and F4 at the tele end, as well as a macro function with a minimum focusing distance of 8.7 inches and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7, this lens is ideal for a wide range of photography. The lens’ Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) also ensures a quiet and high speed auto focus, while its rounded, seven-blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas to provide the optimal Bokeh effect. The inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the supplied petal-type lens hood and circular polarizing filters.

Three aspherical lenses and one Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass element provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations when shooting with this lens. Additionally, the Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting to produce high-contrast images.

The 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM lens is currently available in Sigma, Canon, Nikon (D), Sony (D) and Pentax mounts for $680 MSRP in stores nationwide.

To locate an authorized Sigma dealer near you, visit www.sigmaphoto.com/where/where.asp. For information about Sigma Corporation of America, visit www.sigmaphoto.com.

About Sigma Corporation
For nearly 50 years, Sigma Corporation’s expertise and innovation has driven the company’s core philosophy of “knowledge, plus experience, plus imagination,” with an emphasis on producing high-quality, high-performance photographic technology at moderate prices. This family-owned organization is the largest, independent SLR lens manufacturer in the world, producing more than 40 lenses that are compatible with most manufacturers, including Sigma, Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus and Pentax.  Sigma Corporation also produces digital SLR cameras and high-definition digital compact cameras. The company is headquartered in Japan, with offices strategically located throughout Europe, Asia and North America. For information, please visit www.sigmaphoto.com.

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