Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

×

Sigma Unveils F1.8 Constant Aperture Zoom

Ronkonkoma, N.Y. – Sigma introduced Thursday what it is calling the first F1.8 constant aperture zoom lens.

Sigma’s 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM (pricing to be announced later) is the latest addition to the company’s Art line of lenses, designed under the new Global Vision.

The lens was created for DSLR cameras with APS-C size sensors, which translates to a focal range of 27-52.5mm on a 35mm camera.

It has a focusing distance of 11 inches, and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.3, the 18-35mm, suitable for landscapes, portraits, still-life, studio, close-up and casual photography.

The 18-35mm F1.8 lens incorporates Sigma’s improved AF/MF switch and the use of Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) compound material, which has a high affinity to metal parts, consistently performs well at extreme temperatures, and reduces the size and weight of the lens, the company said.

It is also compatible with Sigma’s new USB Dock, which will be available in coming months, enabling photographers to update lens firmware and adjust focus parameters from their computers.

“Exceptionally fast apertures were previously unavailable in zoom lenses, so photographers turned to several prime lenses in a session to get bright images at various focal lengths. We’re incredibly excited to be the first manufacturer to bring the F1.8 standard zoom to the market and to provide photographers with a new level of creativity and convenience, with the outstanding image quality at the core of the new Sigma Global Vision,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America.

The lens offers internal focusing and zooming, which prevents changes to the size of the lens. Additionally, the front part of the lens does not rotate, so special filters like circular polarizers can be used.

Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides sharp and high contrast images, even in backlit conditions. The petal-type hood that is supplied with the lens will provide extra protection from flare and ghosting. Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures a silent, high-speed AF function and the optimized auto focus algorithm results in smooth focusing and full-time manual focusing capability. Lastly, the nine-blade, rounded diaphragm creates an attractive, round bokeh at large-aperture settings.

Featured

Close