new lens sigma MACRO 70mm F2.8 EX DG

[badpickev]

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new MACRO 70mm F2.8 EX DG lens. This medium telephoto macro lens is ideal for both digital SLR cameras and 35mm film SLR cameras. The 70mm focal length gives an equivalent field of view as our popular 105mm macro lens when used on digital SLR cameras with an APS-C size image sensor. The design of this lens makes it suitable for taking pictures in all situations from infinity to 1:1 macro, both with natural light conditions or flash. A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) lens and two high refractive index SLD lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations and produce an exceptional level of optical performance. Sigma’s super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, and helps create a natural color balance. The floating focus system provides extremely high optical performance from infinity to 1:1 Macro. A ‘Focus Limiter Switch’ in incorporated on the lens, improving the speed and accuracy of autofocus by limiting the focus range. A screw-in lens hood is included for convenient use of circular polarizing filters.



FEATURES

* Special Low Dispersion (SLD) lens and two high refractive index SLD lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations
* Super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting

* Floating focus system provides extremely high optical performance from infinity to 1:1 Macro

* Equivalent field of view to 105mm macro lens when used on a digital SLR camera with an APS-C size image sensor
THE SPECIFICATIONS

* Focal Length :70mm
* Minimum Aperture :F22
* Lens Construction :10 Elements in 9 Groups
* Angle of View :34.3°
* Number of Diaphragm Blades :9 pcs
* Minimum Focusing Distance :25.7cm (10.1”)
* Maximum Magnification :1:1
* Filter Size :62mm
* Lens Hood crew-in Type
* Dimensions iameter 76mm (3.0in”) x Length 95mm (3.7”)
* Weight :525g/18.5oz

* The appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.

* Nikon and Pentax mount do not have an aperture ring, therefore depending on Camera model some functions may not work.

[Mr. Pickles]

Don't they already have a 105 (to go with their 50, 150 and 180)?

Seems like they want a macro for every 20 or 30 mm's. Cornering the macro market I guess.

[Max@Home]

Seems a nice competitor to Canon's EF-S 65mmF2.8 Macro USM... for the 1.6x shooting Canonians...

(and unlike 'EF-S' including the 'older' ones... nice for you, Mr. P? at least they thought of you(r wallet ) )

I think as the 105 and 150 have a very good reputation, that they want to build on that and offer a lighterweight APS-C limited/specific alternative...

...and I always welcome more choises, power to the consumer! )

...*my* €0.02...

Kindest regards,

Max@Home

[Mr. Pickles]

Indeed, they were thinking of me buying one. Now, where did I put all that extra money

[badpickev]

what i like about this lens is why and who it was designed for. they designed it for the digital crowd. the 105 becomes a 158 or so. so a 70 is the same as a 105. who they designed it for was everyone. yes thank god its not a dc lens. so i can use it on film and digital or if i go to a kodak full frame.

[scoundrel1728]

The thing I dislike about the 50mm is that it only goes up to 1:2 and the longer lenses are really too long to provide reasonable perspective with an APS-C sized imager. This looks interesting, especially if the price is right and the performance of the lens lives up to its hype.

[cameraguy21773]

Originally Posted by scoundrel1728

The thing I dislike about the 50mm is that it only goes up to 1:2 and the longer lenses are really too long to provide reasonable perspective with an APS-C sized imager. This looks interesting, especially if the price is right and the performance of the lens lives up to its hype.

No, the Sigma EX 50mm macro is a 1:1 macro.

[scoundrel1728]

You're right. My mistake. And inexpensive too. Hm-m-m-.....

[Jon]

Originally Posted by badpickev

so a 70 is the same as a 105.

A 70 is not the same as a 105.

A 70 has the same field of view as a 105, assuming the same distance to target. errr, subject.

Sigma has also made their 24-70 f/2.8 a macro.

[scoundrel1728]

Originally Posted by Jon

Sigma has also made their 24-70 f/2.8 a macro.

A true macro lens is one that can provide an image magnification of 1:1 and ideally can be used as a true macro, i.e., reversed on its mount to provide even greater magnification. My personal minimum criterion for a "macro" lens is one that provides at least a 1:2 magnification ratio. At a maximum magnification of 1:3.8, the 24-70 f/2.8 doesn't really qualify as more than a "semi-macro."

[Jon]

Yah, I'm thinking their definition of "macro" is being diluted with the ability to focus "really close up."

*note - NOT a macro-specific knowledgable person here...*

[badpickev]

due out aug 2006

MSRP: $570.00

street price of $275-$350