Editors from HDProGuide.com and HD Pro Guide Magazine stop by Sigma’s exhibit at booth 337 at the 2015 PhotoPlus Expo in Manhattan, New York. Sigma’s booth highlights include live presentations from Sigma Pro photographers Roman Kurywczak, Robert OToole, Jen Rozenbaum, and James Schmeltzer, as well as Sigma informative presentations from Technical Reps Marc Farb, Ryan Brown, and others. (Pictured left: Rick Booth from Sigma shows us their 20mm F1.4 lens and 150-600mm 5-6.3 lens.)
Sigma 20mm F1.4 lens
DSLR lens and camera manufacturer, Sigma Corporation of America is setting new benchmarks for wide-angle image quality with the announcement of the newest Global Vision and market’s first full-frame 20mm F1.4 lens, the Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens. The lens will become available late November for the street price of $899, and will be available in Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts.
(Pictured above: Rick Booth from Sigma shows us their 20mm F1.4 lens and 150-600mm 5-6.3 lens at the 2015 PhotoPlus Expo in Manhattan, New York.)
This revolutionary prime lens is designed to bring out the full potential of ultra-high-megapixel DSLR cameras. With a focal length of 20mm and F1.4 aperture, this lens delivers outstanding large-aperture brightness and bokeh. Through decades of experience in lens design and Sigma Global Vision lens craftsmanship, the 20mm incorporates both “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass, and five Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass in a design of 15 elements in 11 groups. The combination of advanced optics and optimized lens power distribution minimizes spherical aberration, axial chromatic aberration and field curvature, producing outstanding image quality. The wide angle and outstanding image quality make this lens great for seascape, cityscape, and astrophotography, as well as for photos in low light, indoor photography, portraits, and event and wedding photography.
“While many saw the development of a 20mm lens for today’s super-resolution DSLRs as challenging, Sigma approached it head-on utilizing our advanced manufacturing technologies to create the world’s first 20mm F1.4 ultra-wide-angle lens,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “This new lens is a result of years of experience by the company’s optical engineers in developing state-of-the-art lens designs and proven production knowledge, and high-precision craftsmanship by our factory team in Aizu, Japan.”
From the start of the design process, Sigma took steps to minimize flare and ghosting, and established an optical design that is resistant to strong incidental light sources such as backlight with its Super Multi-Layer Coating. As with
all Sigma Global Vision lenses, the 20mm F1.4 lens incorporates the latest Sigma technology, including an optimized autofocus (AF) algorithm for smooth, fast, and accurate focusing. In addition, Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) compound material is used, which has a high affinity to metal parts, consistently performs well at extreme temperatures, and reduces the size and weight of the lens.
This lens is compatible with Sigma’s USB Dock, (sold separately) which allows photographers to update the lens’ firmware, adjust focus points and customize full-time manual focus over-ride function settings using Sigma’s Optimization Pro software. A new metal lens cap (LC907-02) is also available as a separate accessory for $23.
The Sigma 20mm F1.4 Art lens will also feature:
- A Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that ensures a silent, high-speed AF function.
Smoother AF is achieved when the this AF algorithm is optimized - A nine-blade, rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus
areas of the image - A brass bayonet mount of highly precise and durable construction to enhance
mount’s strength and long-term wear resistance - Specifications: Weight of 33.5 ounces; a diameter and length of 3.6 inches
by 5.1 inches; a minimum aperture of F16; and angle of view (35mm) of 94.5°;
minimum focusing distance of 10.9 inches; and a maximum magnification ratio
of 1:7.1
Sigma fans can feel confident knowing that every 20mm lens that leaves Japan’s factory has been tested using Sigma’s own modulation transfer function (MTF) measuring system, “A1.” Other prime lenses in the Art line include: 24mm F1.4 DG HSM, 30mm F1.4 DC HSM, 35mm F1.4 DG HSM, and 50mm F1.4 DG HSM.
Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 lens
The Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 DG HSM OS Contemporary was created around the concept of maximum portability meets utmost image quality in a variable aperture hyper-telephoto zoom lens. Light weight and compact, this zoom can handle any long-reach photographic situation one may encounter. This 150-600mm Contemporary boasts updated Sigma technology such as a quiet and optimized Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) and a new Optical Stabilizer (OS) with an accelerometer for improved panning photography both vertically and horizontally, essential for birding, wildlife and motor photography. The Sigma 150-600 Contemporary also touts a new zoom lock switch that can be locked at any focal length and a new manual override (MO) switch is incorporated for improved focusing control. Working with the Sigma USB dock, this lens allows for maximum customization such as firmware updates and adjustments to the focus limiter, AF speed and OS view.
Photos taken by Jody Michelle Solis, Editor-in-Chief, HDProGuide.com and HD Pro Guide Magazine.
Resources:
www.sigmaphoto.com
