Sigma releases 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 for Sony & Pentax

Telephoto zoom lens incorporating Sigma’s original Optical Stabiliser

May 14,2010: The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce that an optically stabilised version of the APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG HSM lens is now available in Sony and Pentax fit.

Sigma’s original OS (Optical Stabiliser) system allows the use a shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible. The effect of lens based stabilisation is visible through the viewfinder so allows the photographer to easily check for accurate focus and ensure there is no subject
movement.

Three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide excellent correction for chromatic aberration. This lens is equipped with the rear focus system that minimises fluctuation of aberrations caused by focusing. It provides optimum image quality throughout the entire zoom range. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range.

The minimum focusing distance of 150cm throughout the entire zoom range and has a maximum magnification of 1:4.2 make it useful for close-up photography. This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), which ensures a quiet and high-speed AF as well as full-time manual focus override.

The addition of the optical 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters produce a 168-560mm F6.3-8 MF ultra-telephoto zoom lens or a 240-800mm F9-11 MF ultra-telephoto zoom lens respectively.

• Incorporates Sigma’s original OS (Optical Stabiliser) system
• Special Low Dispersion glass elements
• Inner focusing system
• HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) motor and full time manual focus
• Minimum focusing distance of 150cm at all focal lengths

Sigma APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM lens specifications

Focal length	120-400mm
Maximum aperture	f/4.5-5.6
Minimum aperture	f/22
Lens construction	15 groups 21 elements
Angle of view	20.4°-6.2°
Closest focus distance	150cm / 59.1in
Maximum reproduction ratio	1:4.2
Aperture blades	9
Filter attachment size	77 mm
Focusing	HSM motor with manual focus override
Dimensions	92.5mm×203.5mm (3.6in × 8in)
Weight	1,750g (61.7oz)
Supplied accessories	• Case • Hood (LH830-01) • Shoulder strap • Tripod socket (TS-31)

Voigtländer Apo-Lanthar 90mm SL II now available in Europe

Voigtländer has announced the European price and availability of its Apo-Lanthar 90mm F3.5 SL II close focus lens in Canon, Nikon and Pentax mounts. Announced in February 2010, the lens is priced at €549 for all the three mounts. In the UK market it is priced at £487.62 for the Canon EF mount and £464.12 for the Nikon Ai-S and Pentax KA mounts. The lens has been redesigned with a smaller body while maintaining the same optical construction and 50cm minimum focusing distance of the previous, SL version.

Samsung posts firmware update for NX10

Samsung has posted a firmware update for its NX10 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Version 1.15 adds features including selectable manual focus assist. It also claims to enhance overall stability of the camera amongst other improvements. The firmware is currently available via the Samsung Imaging website and requires users to register before downloading. As firmware v1.15 addresses some of the criticisms raised in our review of the camera, we plan to revise the review to reflect this.