Sigma Announces 17-50mm F2.8 Lens

Sigma released an ultra compact lens 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM.

The standard-zoom lens is designed for APS-C digital cameras and incorporates Sigma’s Optical Stabilization (OS) function as well as FLD glass. Sigma’s newest lens covers a focal length from 17mm wide angle and has minimum focusing distance of 11 inch.

Canon users can avail of this as this Sigma lens has compatible mount. You can purchase the 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM lens for US$980. Nikon, Sony and Pentax mounts in a few weeks.

According to Sigma “This lens is a must-have for any photo opportunity,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America.  “The fast aperture allows for shooting in low, existing light or at maximum range with a flash. This is an ideal, all-purpose lens for everyday shooting.” Sigma’s FLD glass, which is used in the new lens, has an extremely high light transmission and anomalous dispersion, making it the top level of low dispersion glass available.

With a performance equal to fluorite glass, this optical glass has a low refractive index and low dispersion compared to current optical glass. These characteristics offer excellent correction for residual chromatic aberration (secondary spectrum), which cannot be corrected by ordinary optical glass and ensures high-definition and high-contrast images.

In addition, the 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM also offers one hybrid aspherical lens and two glass mold elements for excellent correction of distortion and astigmatism.

It has Super Multi-Layer Coating to reduce flare and ghosting with superior peripheral brightness and Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) to provide quiet and high-speed auto focus. The lens’ rounded, seven-blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to out-of-focus areas and its inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for use with the supplied petal-type lens hood and circular polarizing filter’s.’