Prime lens can be used on full-frame or APS-C cameras for portrait and low-light photography

Ronkonkoma, NY, Oct. 14, 2010 – Sigma Corporation of America, 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 that the company’s 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM lens is now available for purchase in the United States for the MSRP of $1,400 and the estimated street price of $899.

This large aperture, medium telephoto lens is optimized for use with full-frame, DSLR cameras and is especially ideal for portrait and low light photography. When used on digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor, it effectively becomes a 127.5mm F1.4 lens.

“This lens is an excellent addition to our prime lens line-up and is a great performer for a variety of photographers. For the sports or photojournalist photographer, the Hyper Sonic Motor will keep up with fast-paced action sequences; the 1.4 maximum aperture provides the ability to work at high shutter speeds under low existing light conditions,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. “That same high-speed aperture is great for a portrait photographer who is looking to isolate details in their subject, with a pleasant, out-of-focus background. One-touch, full-time manual focus is perfect for the critical, professional photographer.”

The 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM also contains one Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass element and a glass mold element to offer excellent correction for all types of aberrations and to ensure superior optical performance. This lens is equipped with a rear focus system that minimizes fluctuation of aberration caused by focusing.

The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghost, even in backlight photography. The lens has a round, nine-blade diaphragm, which creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus images, and comes with a petal-type hood to block out extraneous light. For digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor, Sigma provides a dedicated hood adapter to expand the length of the lens hood and to block out extraneous light more effectively.

To locate an authorized Sigma dealer near you, visit our Where to Buy. To use Sigma’s Lens Finder Tool to find the best lens to suit your needs, visit Lens Finder. 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.