Sigma launches new 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM lens

If you own APS-C DSLR and you're bemoaning the lack of a image-stabilizer on your fast wide-angle zoom, you're not alone - or at least that's what Sigma thinks. For years, manufacturers (with the exception of Canon who has a EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS) have not heeded the pleas of consumers who want image-stabilizer on wide-angle zooms, perhaps on the rationale that users can get away with lower shutter speeds on such focal lengths. However, Sigma chose to listen to the voices of the customers, and they have launched the new Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM lens!

Off the specs sheet, the new Sigma ultra-wide angle looks brilliant. It covers an ultra-wide focal range, even more than the traditional 16-35mm f/2.8 lenses we're used to, and it throws in an image-stabilizer mechanism to ensure sharp images even in low-light shooting conditions. Other goodies include a compact dimension of just 3.6 inches, minimum focus distance of 11 inches (through the entire zoom range), new FLD optical glass, Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for quiet and high-speed auto focus, and a rounded seven-blade diaphragm for great out-of-focus background.

Interestingly, Sigma has chosen to launch the Canon mount first (at US$980), and subsequently for Nikon, Sigma, Sony and Pentax mounts in the coming weeks. A weird choice given that Canon users already have the EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS, and it's the other brands owners which need this unique configuration for their systems. Sigma has once again chosen their battle very carefully by delivering a niche product for the numerous DSLRs owners out there, instead of butting head-on with the camera brands by offering exactly the same focal length and aperture. And this has provided photographers with more options when it comes to camera gear and budgets. Sigma is indeed looking at the world through a different lens!

Sigma launches the Sigma SD15 DSLR - again

You got to give it to the guys at Sigma for their dogged determination in the face of improbable success. Many moons ago when Sigma first launched their film SLR, I figured it was going to be over pretty soon given the dominance of Canon, Nikon and Minolta. When they launched their first DSLR in the form of the SD9 in 2002, I thought it was pretty interesting with the Foveon sensor. Eight years later with little sales to show for, I’m damn surprised that they’re persisting with this business and launching this new Sigma SD15 DSLR.

It’s been a year ago when Sigma announced the 14-megapixel SD15, and looking at the specs of a 3” (460k) LCD screen and 3-fps rate, it’s difficult to be excited about this new offering. Even the ISO range of 100-1600 seems absolutely archaic in the face of the tremendous strides made by Canon and Nikon. The Foveon X3 sensor might seem promising, but it’s going to take a lot more to deliver a complete package that DSLR customers are looking for today.

Sigma launches 5 new lenses

I'm convinced that Sigma’s engineering and production teams must have been chomping on pizzas every night recently, judging from the slew of products they just announced. Hot on the heels of the original camera manufacturers, Sigma has been launching exotic lenses one after another. Judging from the technical specs, it’s definitely no mean feat to engineer such optics!

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM
First up is the new 70-200mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom lens from Sigma, equipped with Hypersonic Motor (HSM) and optical stabilizer (OS). Depending on the price tag, this can be a good alternative to the pricey original 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses that camera brands have launched (notice how prices jump substantially with every generation?) Optically this lens looks promising, with Sigma using its new 'FLD' glass to control aberrations, plus a nine-blade circular aperture for more attractive bokeh.

Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM
Great… Sigma announces a 85mm f/1.4 portrait lens just after I purchased a 85mm portrait lens for a not insubstantial amount of moolah. Anyway, this new Sigma features nine-blade circular aperture for more attractive bokeh and a minimum focusing distance of just 85cm. I’m sure it won’t be as good as the one I bought… I hope.

Sigma 50-500mm DG OS HSM
Sigma’s management’s directive to the engineers must have been blindingly obvious based on the latest releases – make the widest and longest lenses you can! The result is a hulking monster like this 50-500mm 10x telephoto zoom. The Sigma has been popular with nature photographer, but this latest iteration (finally) comes with optical stabilization. Guess someone in Sigma figured out it wasn’t easy handholding a 500mm lens after all.

Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM
If you ever need evidence that Sigma engineers are going mad, this is it. Say hello to this crazy piece of optics – the Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM. Not contented with the batch of current ultra-wide angle lenses for APS-C cameras, Sigma engineers decided that photographers needed to go really wide, so they decided to make one for APS-C photographers, just like they already did with the Sigma 12-24mm for full-frame. Seriously, anyone who tried to use such a wide-angle needs to buy really nice shoes, because they’re going to get into the frame easily. Salvatore Ferragamo anyone?

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
Strictly for APS-C sensor cameras only, this Sigma is your standard zoom lens with a fast constant aperture of f/2.8. Other nice features include optical stabilization (OS) and Hypersonic Motor (HSM) for faster focusing, as well as the incorporation of Sigma’s new FLD glass and non-rotating front focus ring.

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

If you are dissatisfied with your kit lens and desire something better without spending too much money, Sigma's new 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM can be an interesting proposition for you. This new lens cover a useful range for general purpose photography, and the maximum aperture is larger than the typical kit lenses, making this a nice upgrade lens. In addition, Sigma has fitted some nice tech goodies such as Optical Stabilizer and Aspherical glass elements to ensure sharp images (in theory). The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) should see the Sigma delivering silent, high-speed autofocus.

With a filter size of 72mm however, buying new filters will not be a cheap affair. In the past, photographers sometimes found their third-party lenses incompatible with their new SLRs because of electronics issues. There's no assurance that the Sigma will be fully compatible with future Canon, Nikon, Sony or Pentax DSLR bodies, but there're programs currently by third-party manufacturers to re-chip the lenses to work with the latest cameras.