Wide focal range captures diverse subject matter, compact construction allows for easy travel

Ronkonkoma, NY, Sept. 14, 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 the new 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS lens.

This compact, telephoto zoom lens provides an extremely long zoom range that can capture an array of subject matter spanning from portrait to sports photography. In fact, with smaller chip cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony and Pentax, this large-aperture lens’ focal length grows to the equivalent of about 105-450mm.

The 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS is also equipped with Sigma’s unique Optical Stabilization (OS) technology, which is Sigma’s exclusive anti-shake feature offering this lens 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, coupled with its 9-blade diaphragm and Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass, has led Sigma to rate this lens as one of its best in optical performance.

“This is typically the first lens a new photographer would purchase after mastering his or her ‘kit’ or standard lenses and, for the most part, this is the only accessory lens they would need,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. “The 70-300mm’s range is simply amazing and its compact nature, along with the OS system, make it convenient for travel and hand-held, telephoto photography.”

The SLD glass element in the 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS provides correction for all types of aberrations and is supplemented by the Super Multi-Layer Coating’s reduction of flare and ghosting, while providing high contrast images throughout the focal range. The lens’ rounded 9-blade diaphragm also creates an attractive blur in the out-of-focus areas of the photograph.

With regard to its compact construction, the lens is measured at a length of five inches, with a maximum diameter of three inches and a weight of just 21.5 ounces. The 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS lens’ minimum focusing distance is 59.1 inches throughout the entire zoom range and it has a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.9, making it ideal for close-up photography.

The 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS comes with a large lens hood to block out extraneous light and reduce internal reflection, and is currently available in Sigma, Canon, Nikon (D), Sony (D) and Pentax mounts for $599 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, Minolta, 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.