Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Now Available

This rectilinear lens, which was first introduced at PMA 2010 in February, is the widest angle zoom lens on the market today. The 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM is designed specifically for APS-C size image sensors and has an equivalent angle of view of a 12-24mm lens when used on digital cameras of that sensor size. The lens is currently available in Canon mount at all authorized Sigma dealers for the MSRP of $1,100, and it will be available in Sigma, Nikon, Sony and Pentax mounts in the coming weeks.

“As the manufacturer of the first ultra wide angle lens, there are a number of reasons why we are incredibly excited about the arrival of this lens. The fact that it produces a wide-angle view of nearly 121.2 degrees, depending on what camera you are shooting with, is definitely at the top of that list,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. “Another feature that we are extremely proud of is this lens’ use of our company’s new FLD glass, which boasts performance equal to fluorite glass, but without the added weight.”

FLD glass is the highest level, low dispersion glass available with extremely high light transmission. With a performance equal to fluorite glass, this optical glass has a low refractive index and low dispersion compared to current optical glass. It also benefits from high anomalous dispersion. 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 to having four elements of the FLD glass, the 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM also offers one hybrid aspherical lens and two glass mold elements for excellent correction of distortion and astigmatism. It incorporates an inner focusing system to produce high-definition images throughout the entire zoom range, and has Super Multi-Layer Coating to reduce flare and ghosting with superior peripheral brightness to produce high-contrast images. The lens’ Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) provides quiet and high-speed auto focus, as well as full-time manual focus capability.

The 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM has a minimum focusing distance of 9.4 inches throughout the entire zoom range to create exaggerated perspectives and help photographers emphasize the subject. Its compact construction measures up to an overall length of 4.2 inches and a maximum diameter of 2.9 inches.

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.

Specifications for the 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM

Lens Construction	15 elements, 11 groups
Angle of view	114.5 – 75.4
Number of diaphragm blades	7 blades
Minimum aperture	F22
Minimum focusing distance	9.4 inches/24cm
Maximum magnifications	1:7.8
Dimensions	Diameter 3.0 inches x 4.2 inches/75mm x 105.7mm
Weight	19.6 ounces/555g
Corresponding AF mounts	Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax
NOTES: Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size or 35mm SLR cameras.   ·       AF will not function with Pentax ist* series and K100D DSLR cameras that do not support HSM. ·       Filters cannot be attached to this lens. ·       The appearance, specifications, and the like of the product may be subject to change for improvement.