Suhit Gupta
05-26-2004, 04:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/news/18_125f3556_dc.html' target='_blank'>http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/news/18_125f3556_dc.html</a><br /><br /></div>"Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 18-125mm F3.5-5.6 DC. This zoom lens was exclusively designed for use with digital Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras and has 6.9 times high magnification zoom ratio. A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and two pieces of aspherical glass elements produce high level of optical performance through the entire zoom range and also this has resulted in a compact, lightweight lens that features a length of 77.7mm (3in.), maximum diameter of 70mm (2.7in.), weight of 385gr (13.5oz) and filter size of just 62mm."<br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/sigma18-125.jpg" /><br /><br />"The new lens coating reduces flare and ghost, which is a common problem of digital cameras and also creates an optimum color balance. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 50cm (19.6in.) at all focal lengths and has maximum magnification of 1:5.3. It is equipped with inner focusing system, since the front of the lens does not rotate, "Petal-type hood" and a circular polarizing filter can be easily attached and used. This lens is also equipped with Zoom Lock Switch that eliminates "Zoom Creep"."<br /><br />Looks like a very nice lens, especially for the price range. It is available now for approximately $400, but is only available in the Sigma AF, Canon AF and Nikon AF-D lens mounts. This announcement, coupled with the new <a href="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5450&highlight=">24-60mm F2.8 EX DG lens</a> that Sigma announced last week makes for two good zoom lenses from Sigma.