The ultra-fast, ultra-compact Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM zoom lens is the newest addition to Sigma’s Art line, and the world’s first zoom lens to offer a constant F1.8 aperture. The larger F1.8 aperture means a brighter viewfinder, which aids in focus and image composition. In combination with the versatile focal range and compact size, this lens is ideal for a variety of photographic subjects, from landscapes and portraiture to low-light and indoor photography. The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM lens has a suggested retail price of CAD $879.95 and will be available for Canon and Sigma at the end of July, followed by Nikon in August.
PRESS RELEASE
SIGMA SETS A NEW STANDARD WITH THE 18-35MM F1.8 DC HSM, THE WORLD’S FIRST ZOOM LENS OFFERING A CONSTANT F1.8 APERTURE
TORONTO, ON., June 17, 2013 – The ultra-fast, ultra-compact Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM zoom lens is the newest addition to Sigma’s Art line of lenses and the first zoom lens ever to achieve a large maximum aperture of F1.8 throughout the entire zoom range. Designed for APS-C format cameras, this standard zoom lens offers a 35mm equivalent focal range from 27mm to 52.5mm (based on a 1.5x magnification factor). With its large aperture, versatile focal range, and compact size, the new 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM lens is perfect for a variety of photographic subjects, from landscapes and portraiture to low-light and indoor photography.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Art line lenses provide the highest level of artistic expression
All new interchangeable Sigma lenses are organized into three product lines: Art, Contemporary, and Sports. The new Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM is part of the Art line and has been designed with an emphasis on artistic expression to meet the expectations of users who value a creative, dramatic outcome above compactness and multifunction. Offering sophisticated optical performance for landscapes, portraits, still-life, close-up and casual snaps, these lenses are perfect for the kind of photography that unleashes the inner artist. While ideal for studio photography, they offer just as much expressive scope when capturing architecture, starry skies, underwater shots, and many other scenes.
Versatility and performance
Sigma’s 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM combines the large aperture of a fixed focal length lens with the versatility of a zoom lens, which up until now has been limited to an aperture of F2.8. The larger F1.8 aperture means a brighter viewfinder that aids in focus and image composition. It also allows faster shutter speeds and greater control of depth-of-field to further enhance creativity.
Advanced technology
Years of research and development combined with the latest lens manufacturing technologies have allowed Sigma to produce the first zoom lens with a constant F1.8 aperture. To ensure the highest image quality possible, Sigma has utilized glass-molded aspherical lenses and Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements to compensate for various distortions, such as spherical, axial chromatic, and astigmatic aberration, along with curvature of field at the widest angles.
Superior handling characteristics
Optimal handling is achieved using internal focusing and zooming systems that prevent any change in the length of the lens during operation. Additionally, the front of the lens doesn’t rotate, making it easy to use specialty filters, such as a circular polarizer.
Flare and ghosting conscious design
Advanced optical design and Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides sharp, high-contrast images, even in backlit conditions. Attaching the supplied petal-type lens hood provides extra protection from flare and ghosting.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Minimum focusing distance of 28cm
With a minimum focusing distance of 28 centimetres and a maximum magnification ratio is 1:4.3, this lens is excellent for close-up photography.
Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM)
The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures quiet, high-speed autofocusing, as well as full-time manual focus override by rotation of the focus ring. With the enhanced AF algorithm, smoother autofocusing is achieved. Full-time manual focus is also possible.
Rounded diaphragm
The 9-blade rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas of the image.
Ease of use
The new ergonomic design offers comfortable grips and unobtrusive yet easy-to-use controls. For improved handling, the design of the lens hood, lens cap, and AF/MF changeover switch have been updated.
Brass bayonet mount
A specially treated brass bayonet mount ensures maximum precision, greater strength, and superior durability for long-term use.
Newly developed “USB Dock” (optional) exclusively for new Sigma lenses
Designed for the newest Sigma lenses, proprietary Optimization Pro software allows photographers to update lens firmware and adjust parameters such as focus.
Evaluation with Sigma’s “A1” MTF measuring system
Replacing an MTF measuring system using conventional sensors, Sigma now employs a proprietary MTF (modulation transfer function) measuring system (A1) using 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensors. Previously undetectable high-frequency details are now within the scope of Sigma’s quality control inspections.
Made in Japan
All Sigma’s manufacturing, including molds and parts, is carried out under an integrated production system entirely in Japan. Sigma is now one of the very few manufacturers whose products are solely “made in Japan”, with each product reflecting a combination of expertise, advanced technology, and genuine craftsmanship.
Canadian Warranty
Like all Sigma lenses, the new 18-35mm lens is backed by a comprehensive seven-year Canadian warranty.
The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM lens has a suggested retail price of $879.95 and will be available for Canon and Sigma at the end of July, followed by Nikon in August.
About Gentec International
Founded in 1990, Gentec International is Canada’s leading consumer accessory products company, supplying a complete range of photo, video, digital, sport optics, home theatre, electronics, wireless, and mobile audio products to the Canadian retail marketplace. Gentec offers a variety of prominent brands, including Optex, Sigma, SanDisk, Manfrotto, Gitzo, National Geographic, Kata, Avenger, Roots, Gary Fong, Black Rapid, Mobifoto, iQ, Sunpak, Energizer, Bushnell, Tasco, and Zeiss. Gentec operates out of a high-cube, state-of-the-art, fully computerized 100,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution centre that offers efficient, seamless service to our customers. With over 90 employees, Gentec covers the needs of its retailers coast to coast using the latest technology systems, streamlined efficiencies, and customer service that is second to none.
Learn more – visit www.gentec-intl.com.
