Sigma introduces the 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM, a high-performance standard zoom lens designed for ultra-high-resolution image sensors

Sigma introduces the 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM, a high-performance standard zoom lens designed for ultra-high-resolution image sensors
Gentec International, the Canadian distributor of Sigma lenses, announces the new 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM zoom lens, the newest addition to Sigma’s Art line of lenses. Designed to address the evolution of DSLR cameras, the 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM full-size, standard zoom lens brings out the full potential of high-resolution sensors, offering the convenience of a wide to mid-telephoto zoom range while delivering superior image quality. For more information, please contact Samantha Eng, Cohn & Wolfe, at 416-924-5700, extension 4031, or email samantha.eng@cohnwolfe.ca. SPECIAL FEATURES Art line lenses provide the highest level of artistic expression Sigma is organizing its interchangeable lenses into three product lines: Contemporary, Art, and Sports. The Art line has been designed with an emphasis on artistic expression to meet the expectations of users who value a creative, dramatic outcome above compactness and multifunction. Offering sophisticated optical performance for landscapes, portraits, still-life, close-up and casual snaps, these lenses are perfect for the kind of photography that unleashes the inner artist. While ideal for studio photography, they offer just as much expressive scope when capturing architecture, starry skies, underwater shots, and many other scenes. Versatility and performance This lens offers convenience and versatility with its wide to mid-telephoto zoom range for full-size image sensors. The constant aperture of F4, optical stabilizer (OS), and Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) further enhance the performance of the lens, making it ideal for portraits, landscapes, and general photography. Superior image quality To compensate for the astigmatic aberration, field curvature, distortions, and colour aberration that standard lenses with a high zoom ratio tend to show, the 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM incorporates high-performance optics, such as FLD, SLD and glass-molded aspheric lenses. Chromatic aberration is suppressed effectively at the telephoto end, achieving superior image quality throughout the zoom range. The lens also overcomes low peripheral brightness that is common in lenses with similar specifications. Optical stabilizer (OS) Sigma’s optical stabilizer (OS) system offers superior stabilization, making it possible to compensate effectively for camera shake, even in macro photography where a small blur can easily compromise a photo. (The OS function is not incorporated in the Sony versions.) Convenient handling A wide zoom ring ensures convenient handling. Putting the zoom ring in front allows the lens barrel to be more compact. The inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, enhancing the stability and allowing the use of circular polarizing filters. Designed to minimize flare and ghosting Advanced optical design and Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides sharp, high-contrast images, even in backlit conditions. Attaching the supplied petal-type lens hood provides extra protection from flare and ghosting. ADDITIONAL FEATURES Minimum focusing distance of 45cm With a minimum focusing distance of 45 centimetres and a maximum magnification ratio is 1:4.6, this lens is excellent for close-up photography. Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures quiet, high-speed autofocusing, as well as full-time manual focus override by rotation of the focus ring. With the enhanced AF algorithm, smoother autofocusing is achieved. Full-time manual focus is also possible. Rounded diaphragm The 9-blade rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas of the image at large apertures. Ease of use The new ergonomic design offers comfortable grips and unobtrusive yet easy-to-use controls. For improved handling, the design of the lens hood, lens cap, and AF/MF changeover switch have been updated. Brass bayonet mount A specially treated brass bayonet mount ensures maximum precision, greater strength, and superior durability for long-term use. Newly developed “USB Dock” (optional) exclusively for new Sigma lenses Designed for the newest Sigma lenses, proprietary Optimization Pro software allows photographers to update lens firmware and adjust parameters such as focus. Evaluation with Sigma’s “A1” MTF measuring system Replacing an MTF measuring system using conventional sensors, Sigma now employs a proprietary MTF (modulation transfer function) measuring system (A1) using 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensors. Previously undetectable high-frequency details are now within the scope of Sigma’s quality control inspections. Made in Japan All Sigma’s manufacturing, including molds and parts, is carried out under an integrated production system entirely in Japan. Sigma is now one of the very few manufacturers whose products are solely “made in Japan”, with each product reflecting a combination of expertise, advanced technology, and genuine craftsmanship. Mount Conversion Service This lens is eligible for Sigma’s Mount Conversion Service, a paid service that lets you change the mount to use the lens on a different camera body. For program details, visit www.SigmaCanada.ca. Canadian Warranty Like all Sigma lenses, the new 24-105mm lens is backed by a comprehensive seven-year Canadian warranty. The Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM lens has a suggested retail price of $999.95 and will be available for Canon and Sigma in December; Nikon and Sony versions will be available in 2014.   SPECIFICATIONS: Focal Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24-105mm Minimum Aperture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F22 Lens Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Elements in 14 Groups Angle of View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84.1°- 23.3° Number of Diaphragm Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 (rounded diaphragm) Minimum Focusing Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 cm / 17.7” Maximum Magnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1:4.6 Filter Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 mm Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diameter: 88.6 mm / 3.5” x Length: 109.4 mm / 4.3” Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .885 g / 31.2 oz Mounts (AF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Canon, Nikon, Sony, Sigma Includes: Case, Lens Hood (LH876-02) Appearance and specifications are subject to change for improvement without notice. Note: OS function is not incorporated in Sony version.