Sigma announced five new lenses and new FLD lens optics at PMA this year. They have new OS (Optical Stabilizer) versions of the 50-500mm “Bigma” zoom lens and the venerable 70-200 f/2.8 EX DG HSM professional zoom lens. There’s also a rectilinear 8-16mm super-wide zoom and a 17-50mm f/2.8 zoom with OS image stabilization for APS-C sensor DSLRs. And for the photojournalists and portrait photographers, there’s an 85mm f/1.4 prime lens. For an expert introduction and overview of the new lenses, watch the video we made at Sigma’s PMA booth, below.
The FLD designation stands for ‘”F” Low Dispersion’ glass. FLD glass is supposed to have the same characteristics as the ultra-expensive fluorite glass Canon uses in select “L” lenses – but without the high price tag. It’s also lighter than standard glass elements making it possible to keep lens weight down. Anyone who uses a 70-200mm f/2.8 pro zoom lens knows that lens weight is a big deal.
All five of the new Sigma lenses look excellent. They’re all serious glass and it’s hard to pick out which lens is most important. Most interesting to me is the crazy-wide 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM zoom. It’s equivalent to a 12-24mm lens on a 35mm camera and being a “rectilinear” lens, it’s totally corrected, with straight lines instead of the bulbous curves you get with a fisheye lens. The 8-16mm lens will be excellent for architectural photographers and sports photographers who like to get really, really close to the action. I also think the image-stabilized 50-500mm lens is a big deal. The Sigma “Bigma” 50-500mm zoom has long been one of the best deals for outdoor and wildlife photographers who want a lot of reach in a small, affordable package. Adding OS image stabilization really sets it apart and makes it an even better buy.
Sigma hasn’t announced availability or prices for the new lenses yet. They are supposed to be available in 2010 and we’ll let you know when we learn more.
Sigma 2010 PMA Press Release >>
More 2010 PMA Tradeshow Coverage >>
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The photo shows the lens marked 8-16mm but if you put your cursor over the photo is says 9-18mm. So does the web page description at the top of the browser and the caption below the larger photo you get after you click on the photo on this web page. Somebody’s confused.
Somebody has been busting out way too many PMA photos, videos and articles over the past week. Thanks for pointing out the mistakes. I’ll get it it sorted out
Exellent article and video. I really want to check out the Bigma.
thanks PJ
Suh-weet! Now if only they’d improve their quality control.