Standard Zoom Lens Honored With Coveted TIPA Award in the "Best Entry Level Lens" Category

RONKONKOMA, NY--(Marketwire - April 26, 2010) - Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider for some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, announced today that the Technical Image Press Association has honored Sigma's 17-70MM F/2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM lens with its Best Entry Level Lens award.

This large aperture, standard zoom lens contains state-of-the-art enhancements, including the company's own Optical Stabilization (OS), which allows for hand-held photography even in a low-light situation. The OS feature allows Sony and Pentax users the ability to view a stabilized image in the viewfinder, a feature offered only by Sigma.

"With its versatility and outstanding zoom range, the 17-70MM F/2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM is an ideal all-around lens for serious photographers looking for a standard zoom for landscapes, portraits and many everyday photo needs," said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. "We're very pleased that the Technical Image Press Association has recognized Sigma's continuing innovations and commitment to high standards of optical equipment at moderate prices."

TIPA editors vote each year for the best photo and imaging products introduced in Europe during the previous 12 months. When awarding products, TIPA takes into account innovation, ergonomics, design, ease-of-use, efficiency, price/performance ratio and other guidelines.

In its review, TIPA praised the versatile zoom of the 17-70mm and noted: "This modern, good zoom makes high-end optical features accessible to all."

With a large aperture of F2.8 on the wide end and F4 at the tele end, as well as a macro function with a minimum focusing distance of 8.7 inches and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7, this lens is ideal for a wide range of photography. The lens' Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) also ensures a quiet and high speed AF capability. It has a faster aperture than the typical camera "kit lens." It's three aspherical and extraordinary low dispersion glass elements provide critical sharpness and low distortion.

The 17-70MM F/2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM lens is currently available in Sigma, Canon, Nikon (D), Sony (D) and Pentax mounts for $680 MSRP in stores nationwide.

To locate an authorized Sigma dealer nearest to 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 50 lenses that are compatible with most manufacturers, including Sigma, Canon, 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.