On April 18th Sigma introduced a world’s first offering with the new Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM lens. This lens from their Art line of lenses is the first zoom lens that features an aperture as large as F1.8 throughout it’s complete zoom range.
The lens is designed for use with APS-C sensor cameras like the Sigma SD1. Delivering a equivalent focal length of 27-52mm on 35mm systems. The large F1.8 aperture makes this lens one stop brighter than current fast zoom lens offerings (F2.8), meaning that under the same circumstances you can double the shutter speeds. The narrower depth of field gives you more control over subject separation and create out of focus backgrounds. For the first time this kind of control becomes available in a zoom lens for APS-C.
Other highlights
The lens features HSM (Hypersonic motor) for fast, precise and silent focussing. Using an inner focussing system the lens does not extend when zoomed or focused. And Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting, even in backlit conditions.
Another first is the use of a Thermally Stable Composite, from Sigma’s website:
TSC (Thermally Stable Composite)
A first for the industry, the barrel of the lens features a new TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) that offers minimal thermal shrinkage combined with exceptional hardness. It also offers 25% greater elasticity than polycarbonate. Since its thermal shrinkage is low, TSC matches well with metal parts, further contributing to the high-precision construction of the lens. TSC also makes possible slimmer forms for parts like zoom rings and scaling rings.
The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM is also compatible with the new Sigma USB Dock. This dock enables photographers to update the lens firmware and adjust parameters such as focus. The adjustment is processed with special software (SIGMA Optimization Pro).
Availability
At first this lens will become available in Nikon, Canon and Sigma mount. For now there is unfortunately no information on when this lens will be available or what it’s expected retail price will be.
More info
You can find more info about this lens, including MTF charts, on the Sigma Global Vision website; http://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/cas/product/art/a_18_35_18/
Photos copyright Sigma Corporation
Now that is fast, the new Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 zoom lens: On April 18th Sigma introduced a world’s first offering… http://t.co/IN7WpjJpZk
RT @x3magazine: Now that is fast, the new Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 zoom lens: On April 18th Sigma introduced a world’s first offering … http …
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This is exciting. A few months ago I was thinking how great the Global Vision lens lineup seems and how I wanted to see more lens rollout quickly, and look what has been happening. They are making this a top priority and being really aggressive with great offerings. Sigma is making lenses (with the Global Vision initiative) that will make the SD1(M) produce better photos than ever.
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RT @x3magazine: Now that is fast, the new Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 zoom lens: On April 18th Sigma introduced a world’s first offering … http://…
This is really cool. I really like the non telescoping design that won’t suck dust in. Although a variable one with a longer zoom would be more useful for my purposes say 18-70 F1.8 to F2.8. Glad to see Sigma innovating!
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I have one. The optical quality is top notch but this lens has a very serious issue with focus. Mine is on Pentax mount. it focuses very well on the K5-II in both contrast or phase modes, but on the K3-II it misses a lot, in a random way when in phase detection mode. I tested 2 samples and got the same results. There are many reports about this in the internet. I hope that SIgma fix this somehow.