Sigma Bring Out A Definitive Lens

Mike Timmins here at the shop has just handed me a new Sigma lens and urged me to write about it. I should be delighted to describe its performance in the field and studio but as it is a Canon mont, and I use Nikon, I am restricted to external observation and hearsay advice.

Looking at it, I am bowled over by the revamped design that Sigma have come up with in respect to the external mount and finish. Over the years i have seen Sigma lenses finished in polished anodizing, flat plastic, and a peculiar half-matte half crackle finish. This lens has the basic body closest to the mount in the polished black anodizing, but then uses what looks like a parkerized surface for the next body stage. The focussing ring has a clean straight milled rubber ring - this is also echoed on the body stage. it is a lens that should look good and mount positively into the camera body.

The tulip lens hood is conservatively- styled and the lens cap has been redesigned for positive grip when you are reaching into it.

The mount is superb. very well finished machine job - you would expect no less from a manufacturer who still makes their lenses in Japan.

As far as the performance - this has apparently garnered a great deal of praise as being better than the rival lenses from the proprietary manufacturers - you will have to Google on over to the DP Review  or the DoX people to see their test charts.

Use for the lens? Studio full length shots. Studio product shots. Bridal groups. Undistorted landscapes.
General street use in low light.

It goes as close as .3 metres and as far out as infinity. You can take pictures of anybody with this lens and be pretty well assured that it will give you good files. I can only sit in patience until a Nikon-mount one comes into stock, and then I can see for myself.

Price? Shhhhhh. Don't tell the other guys. It is a little over half the price of the big-boy rivals. Like, serious savings.

I'm so jealous.

Uncle Dick