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The following video presents SIGMA WR CERAMIC PROTECTOR:
Glass ceramic (crystallized glass) is an extremely tough material with many applications in aerospace and other industries. SIGMA has taken this material to the next level in the form of Clear Glass Ceramic, maximizing its transmittance to make it ideal for optical devices. The SIGMA WR CERAMIC PROTECTOR is a protective lens filter featuring Clear Glass Ceramic, which means it offers outstanding strength and reliability. In the chemically strengthened glass used in conventional high-strength protective filters, only the surface is strengthened through chemical processes. In contrast, Clear Glass Ceramic is made with a special process that precipitates microcrystalline spinel evenly throughout, giving the entire filter consistent strength. Combining much greater hardness than chemically strengthened glass and greater flexibility than sapphire crystal glass, Clear Glass Ceramic is the ideal material for protective filters. Clear Glass Ceramic is also resistant to cracking due to small scratches or chips, reducing the risk of shattering and producing fragments. These properties allow Clear Glass Ceramic to provide superior shock resistance to the front of the lens and trustworthy protection in all photographic environments. Leverage the optical performance and expertise built into the SIGMA GLOBAL VISION series of lenses and experience the power of the true protector.
Sigma announced today the new Sigma Water Repellent (WR) Ceramic Protector, the world’s first* Clear Glass Ceramic protective lens filters, in filter thread sizes 67mm to 105mm diameters.
The SIGMA WR CERAMIC PROTECTOR features an advanced new material, the Clear Glass Ceramic, which is made using newly developed crystallized glass. As a protective lens filter, the SIGMA WR CERAMIC PROTECTOR’s qualities include:
- Highly shock-resistant Clear Glass Ceramic: 10 times the strength of a conventional protective filter, 3 times the strength of a chemically hardened glass filter.
- Scratch-resistant.
- It is up to 50 percent thinner and weighs up to 30 percent less than previous Sigma filters.
- WR coating repels water, dust and oil, and allows fingerprints to be easily removed
- High transmittance – Sigma’s Clear Glass Ceramic offers very high transmittance, making it ideal for use as optical glass.
SIGMA has confirmed the compatibility of the SIGMA WR CERAMIC PROTECTOR with all SIGMA lenses.
- In addition, SIGMA has confirmed that this protective filter allows light to pass through evenly throughout the image, from the center to the edges.
For more info, please visit http://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/cas/product/accessories/filter/ .
*Among filters for interchangeable lenses as of December 2015 (Sigma research)
NEWS RELEASE
Sigma Corporation Announces World’s First Protective Lens Made of Clear Glass Ceramic
New scratch- and shock-resistant material provides protection for investment
RONKONKOMA, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sigma Corporation of America, a leading DSLR lens and camera manufacturer, today announced the new Sigma Water Repellent (WR) Ceramic Protector, a lens filter that features new Clear Glass Ceramic material and provides enhanced protective qualities. Pricing and availability is not yet available.
This shock- and scratch-resistant Clear Glass Ceramic was developed specifically for Sigma in partnership with a glass manufacturer. Made with a special heat treatment that evenly precipitates microcrystalline spinel throughout the materials, the Clear Glass Ceramic is 10 times stronger than a conventional protective filter and three times the strength of a chemically strengthened filter. The lens protector also contains WR coating, which repels water, dust and oil, and allows fingerprints to be easily removed. This enhanced protection helps to preserve the lens and ensure long-term, top-notch image quality.
“The Sigma WR Ceramic Protector is the latest example of Sigma’s dedication to innovative and first-to-market photography equipment,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “The new Clear Glass Ceramic protector is the first of its kind and the strongest material used in the industry. It will enable photographers to safeguard their lenses, while maintaining the impressive sharpness offered by high-quality glass, like our Global Vision line of lenses.”
Key features of the Ceramic Protector include:
- Scratch-resistant – Sigma’s Clear Glass Ceramic offers a Vickers hardness number of 700HV. The strength of the Clear Glass Ceramic is much stronger than chemically strengthen glass and is; 10 times stronger than conventional filters
- Thinner and lighter – This new protector is up to 50 percent thinner and is up to 30% lighter than previous Sigma filters
- High transmittance – Sigma’s Clear Glass Ceramic offers very high transmittance, making it ideal for use as optical glass
- Water- and oil-repellent coating – The water repellent coating reflects only 0.24 percent of visible light, thereby minimizing flare and ghosting. Its ability to repel both water and oil is also excellent, with water drops bouncing right off, and fingerprints easily to remove
This filter is offered in the most popular filter thread sizes, and is compatible with all Sigma lenses and other lenses that accept front filter threads that are 67mm-105mm diameters. Compatible lenses in Sigma’s Art line include: 35mm F1.4 DG HSM, 30mm F1.4 DC HSM, 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM, 24-35mm F2 DG HSM, 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM, 50mm F1.4 DG HSM, 24mm F1.4 DG HSM, 19mm F2.8 DN, 30mm F2.8 DN and 60mm F2.8 DN. Compatible lenses in the Sports line include the 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM and 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM. Compatible lenses in the Contemporary line include the 17-70mm F2.8-4.0 DC OS HSM, 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM, 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM and the 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM. As with all of Sigma’s lenses, the filter is checked with Sigma’s own Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) measuring system, “A1,” in the company’s factory in Japan.
For information about Sigma, go to www.sigmaphoto.com or follow the company on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
About Sigma Corporation
Since 1961, Sigma has worked toward a single, simple goal: To imagine and develop photographic technologies that push the envelope, empower photographers and produce unparalleled imagery. We’ve honored this commitment by maintaining control of our design, research and development, and manufacturing processes in our own Aizu Factory. Our products are built with premium materials and are known worldwide for quality and performance. Our family-owned organization is the largest, independent SLR lens manufacturer in the world, producing more than 45 lenses that are compatible with most manufacturers, including Sigma, Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic 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. Photography is all we do, and it’s all we’ve ever done.
Contact
Sigma Corporation
Patrick Santucci, 631-585-1144
PSantucci@Sigmaphoto.com
