PRESS RELEASE: The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of four new lenses for the Four Thirds System.
NEW PRODUCT INFORMATION -
DC lenses: 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO
DG lenses:24mm F1.8 EX DG ASPHERICAL MACRO, APO 135-400mm F4.5-5.6
DG, APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
The new Sigma lens line-up for the Four-Thirds system comprises the large aperture wide-angle 24mm F1.8 EX DG ASPHERICAL MACRO, the compact telephoto zoom lens APO 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG, the large aperture ultra-telephoto zoom lens 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM and the large aperture zoom lens 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO.
The introduction of these new lenses increases our lens line-up for Four Thirds mount to a total of eleven models.
EX series large aperture zoom lens with a minimum focusing distance of 20cm designed specifically for use with digital SLR cameras including the Four Thirds system.
18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO
This lens has a large aperture of F2.8 throughout the entire zoom range. A minimum focusing distance of 20cm (7.9”) and a maximum magnification of 1:3, makes it ideal for close-up photography.
Specially designed to suit the characteristics of digital SLR cameras, this lens provides a high level of optical performance. Its design incorporates both glass-mould and hybrid aspherical lens technology which offers extremely high image quality as well as a compact and lightweight construction. Minimal vignetting and superior peripheral brightness is ensured.
Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass elements provide excellent correction of color aberrations. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, a common problem with digital cameras.
High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the petal-type lens hood (supplied) plus circular polarizing filters.
*With Four Thirds cameras, the focal length will be equivalent to 36-100mm.
THE SPECIFICATIONS
| Mount Type | Four Thirds |
| Minimum Aperture | F22 |
| Lens Construction | 15 Elements in 13 Groups |
| Angle of View | 62.0°-24.4° |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades | 7pcs |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 20cm (7.9”) |
| Maximum Magnification | 1:3 |
| Filter Size | 72mm |
| Lens Hood | Petal Hood |
| Dimensions | Diameter 79mm (3.1”) x Length 91.1mm (3.6”) |
| Weight | 525gr /18.5oz |
| UPC No. | 0085126 581589 |
A large aperture wide-angle lens with close up capability for the Four Thirds system.
24mm F1.8 EX DG ASPHERICAL MACRO
This large aperture F1.8 wide-angle lens has a minimum focusing distance of 18cm (7.1”) and a maximum magnification of 1:2.7. Two aspherical lenses ensure the utmost correction of distortion and aberrations. The floating focus system provides high optical performance from 18cm to infinity. The Dual Focus (DF) system makes the lens easy to hold and eliminates focus ring rotation during auto-focusing, making the lens particularly suitable for accepting the petal-type lens hood.
*With Four Thirds cameras, the focal length will be equivalent to 48mm.
THE SPECIFICATIONS
| Mount Type | Four Thirds |
| Minimum Aperture | F22 |
| Lens Construction | 10 Elements in 9 Groups |
| Angle of View | 48.5° |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades | 9pcs |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 18cm (7.1”) |
| Maximum Magnification | 1:2.7 |
| Filter Size | 77mm |
| Lens Hood | Petal Hood |
| Dimensions | Diameter 83.6mm (3.3”) x Length 87.9mm (3.5”) |
| Weight | 520gr /18.3oz |
| UPC No. | 0085126 432584 |
Compact telephoto zoom lens for Four Thirds system.
APO 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG
This telephoto zoom lens gives the equivalent field of view to our popular 800mm when used on Four-Thirds cameras.
The very latest lens coating technology and lens design reduce flare and ghosting, a common problem with digital cameras. This lens uses one aspherical lens and three Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements for excellent correction of various aberrations. The rear focusing system ensures fast focusing speed as well as preventing the front of the lens rotating, making it particularly suitable for use with circular polarizing filters. A removable tripod collar is included as a standard component.
*With Four Thirds cameras, the focal length will be equivalent to 270-800mm.
THE SPECIFICATIONS
| Mount Type | Four Thirds |
| Minimum Aperture | F22 |
| Lens Construction | 13 Elements in 11 Groups |
| Angle of View | 9.2° - 3.1° |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades | 9pcs |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 200cm (78.7”) - 220cm (86.6”) |
| Maximum Magnification | 1:5.3 |
| Filter Size | 77mm |
| Lens Hood | Bayonet type Hood |
| Dimensions | Diameter 83.5mm (3.3”) x Length 189mm (7.4”) |
| Weight | 1280gr / 45.1oz |
| UPC No. | 0085126 727581 |
Large aperture ultra-telephoto zoom lens gives an equivalent field of view to 1600mm for the Four Thirds system.
APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
This large aperture ultra-telephoto zoom lens covers the equivalent field of view to 600mm to 1600mm when used on Four-Thirds cameras.
By continuously varying the angle of view, the lens takes a lot of the footwork out of picture composition. The very latest lens coating technology and lens design reduce flare and ghosting, a common problem with digital cameras. Two ELD glass elements in the front lens group reduce chromatic aberration to a minimum and also ensure high optimum image quality. The overall length of the lens does not change during focusing and zooming, ensuring convenient handling.
The HSM provides ultra quiet, high-speed autofocusing as well as full-time manual focus override. This lens is designed to accept a 46mm circular polarizing filter in a rear filter holder.
*With Four Thirds cameras the focal length will be equivalent to 600-1600mm.
THE SPECIFICATIONS
| Mount Type | Four Thirds |
| Minimum Aperture | F22 |
| Lens Construction | 18 Elements in 16 Groups |
| Angle of View | 4.1° - 1.5° |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades | 9pcs |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 600cm (236.2”) |
| Maximum Magnification | 1:6.9 |
| Filter Size | 46mm (Rear) |
| Lens Hood | Bayonet type Hood |
| Dimensions | Diameter 156.5mm (6.2”) x Length 549.4mm (21.6”) |
| Weight | 5915gr / 208.6oz |
| UPC No. | 0085126 595586 |
(First posted on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 02:00 EDT)
