Photokina 2006, which ends today, has seen the release by Sigma of six new designed-for-digital interchangeable lenses.

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October 1, 2006: Photokina 2006, which ends today, has seen the release by Sigma of six new designed-for-digital interchangeable lenses.
Four new lenses have been added to Sigma’s line-up for Four Thirds system cameras: a large aperture wide-angle 24mm F1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro, the compact telephoto zoom lens APO 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG, the large aperture ultra-telephoto zoom lens APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM and the large aperture zoom lens 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Macro. The introduction of these new lenses increases our lens line-up for Four Thirds mount to a total of eleven models.
The 24mm F1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro covers an angle of view equivalent to 48mm on a 35mm camera and features two aspherical lenses for correction of distortion and aberrations. It boasts a floating focus system that covers from 18cm to infinity plus a Dual Focus (DF) system that makes the lens easy to hold and eliminates focus ring rotation during auto-focusing. This allows the lens to be used with angle-critical filters and the supplied petal-type lens hood. Only 87.9 mm long and with a diameter of 83.6mm, this lens weighs 520 grams and accepts 77mm filters.
Sigma’s compact APO 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG is only 189 mm long with a diameter of 83.52 mm and weight of 1280 grams. It covers angles of view equivalent to 270-800mm on a 35mm camera and uses the latest lens coating technology and lens design to reduce flare and ghosting. One aspherical lens and three Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements are included for correctiing various aberrations. The rear focusing system is fast and supports use of angle-critical filters and lens hoods. A removable tripod collar is included as a standard component.
Providing a focal length range equivalent to 600-1600mm on a 35mm camera, the Sigma APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM features internal focusing. Two ELD glass elements in the front lens group reduce chromatic aberration and the latest lens coating technology. The HSM (high-speed motor) provides ultra quiet, high-speed autofocusing as well as full-time manual focus override. This lens is designed to accept a 46mm circular polarising filter in a rear filter holder.

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The 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Macro maintains its f2.8 aperture throughout its zoom range. A minimum focusing distance of 20cm and a maximum magnification of 1:3, makes it ideal for close-up photography. Its design incorporates both glass-mould and hybrid aspherical lens technology for superior peripheral brightness, extremely high image quality as well as a compact and lightweight construction. Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass elements provide excellent correction of colour aberrations. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting. Internal focusing allows this lens to be used with angle-critical filters and lens hoods. This lens is also available with Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma and Sony mounts.

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Sigma-18-200mm-lens

The new 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS lens. This high zoom ratio lens is exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras and features Sigma’s proprietary OS (Optical Stabiliser) plus two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and two aspherical lenses provide for correcting all types of optical aberrations. The OS system uses two sensors inside the lens to detect vertical and horizontal movement of the camera and compensates for camera shake. Super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, while internal focusing allows the lens to be used with circular polarising filters and the petal-type lens hood supplied.
Sigma lenses are distributed in Australia by C. R. Kennedy & Company. Visit www.crkennedy.com.au for more information.