Sigma has released details of a new protective filter with 10x the strength of normal filters and a water-repellant coating.
The new Water Repellant (WR) Ceramic Protector is highly shock-resistant and scratch-resistant and is the first to use a new Clear Glass Ceramic material that has been made with a special heat treatment that evenly precipitates microcrystalline spinel throughout the glass. This glass was developed by specialist manufacturer, Ohara Inc. While featuring the high transmittance required of optical devices, this advanced new material combines greater hardness than chemically strengthened glass and greater flexibility than sapphire crystal glass.
The new filters are ten times stronger than conventional glass filters and three times the strength of filters made with chemically strengthened glass. They are also 50% thinner and up to 30% lighter than previous Sigma filters. A water-resistant coating has been applied to the surfaces to repel dust and oil, enabling fingerprints to be easily removed.
The new filters will be offered in popular diameters and is compatible with all Sigma lenses and other lenses that accept front filter threads that are 67mm-105mm diameters. As with all of Sigma’s lenses, the filter is checked with Sigma’s own Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) measuring system, “A1” in the company’s factory in Japan.
Local distributor, CV.R. Kennedy & Company tells us these filters will be available in Australia. We’ll provide details of the local release date and pricing when they become available.
