Lenses
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Sigma 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 DL Aspherical Macro & 17-35mm f/2.8-f/4 EX
Lenses, Test Reports
Peter K. Burian • Nov 01, 1999 • 0 comments

The single most prolific lens manufacturer these days, Sigma announced a full 10 new lenses this spring, ranging from an 8mm circular fisheye to the new APO 800mm f/5.6EX HSM. This group included the two zooms tested here, both in the affordable category.
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Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM: A Fast, Full-Frame Prime
Equipment Reviews, Lenses
Steve Bedell • Aug 09, 2012 • Published: Jul 01, 2012 • 0 comments
The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM lens (average price: $969 on various Internet sites) is designed for full-frame cameras; with an APS-C multiply by your usual factor. At about 25 oz, I’d describe the lens as substantial, but not hefty. One of the reasons for the weight is the build—11 elements in eight groups, including the use of SLD glass, Sigma speak for Special Low Dispersion. The big chunk of glass on the end requires a 77mm filter. As to handling, Sigma has gone from their black “crinkle” finish to a smooth black rubberized finish that feels great to the touch. It’s plastic, not metal, but based on my experience with previous Sigma lenses, I’ve found them to be built to professional standards and can take a lot of abuse.
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Sigma AF 100-300mm f/4.5-6.7 DL And AF 28-105mm f/3.8-5.6 UC-III Aspherical IF
Lenses, Test Reports
Peter K. Burian • Aug 01, 2000 • 0 comments

Although most photographers tend to discus the big, fast, pro lenses, the vast majority actually sold are affordable zooms. Sigma makes both types, including their latest APO models like the AF 800mm f/5.6EX with Hypersonic autofocus and the modestly...
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Sigma AF 105mm f/2.8 EX Macro Lens
Lenses, Test Reports
Peter K. Burian • Aug 01, 1999 • 0 comments

As a manufacturer of a wide range of lenses from 8-800mm, Sigma's line also includes true macro lenses for extreme close-up photography. Both of the current models will produce a full life-size rendition of the subject without accessories: the AF...
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Sigma AF 14mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical HSM
Lenses, Test Reports
Peter K. Burian • May 01, 1999 • 0 comments

Until recently, most photographers considered a 19mm or 20mm focal length as the ultimate in ultra-wide, but this is rapidly changing. Thanks to the new technologies for making more affordable aspherical elements, much shorter lenses are becoming readily...
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Sigma AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DL Macro Super And APO Macro Super
Lenses, Test Reports
Peter K. Burian • May 01, 2000 • 0 comments

Sigma AF 70-300mm & APO Macro Super

Sigma's two most successful zooms--70-300mm models with extreme close focusing ability--were recently upgraded and labeled with the "Super" designation. Both...
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Sigma AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 DL Macro
Lenses, Test Reports
Peter K. Burian • Jan 01, 1998 • 0 comments

Although many of Sigma's new lenses incorporate the latest technology and/or premium grade optics, this manufacturer continues to compete aggressively in the market for affordable zoom lenses. In addition to its APO, Aspherical, and HSM series, Sigma...
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Sigma AF APO 500mm f4.5 EX HSM
A Super Tele For A Wide Range Of SLRs
Lenses, Test Reports
Peter K. Burian • Aug 01, 2002 • 0 comments

Ask any group of professional sports or wildlife photographers to name their favorite lens, and most will mention a "fast" 500mm f/4 model with internal focusing and low dispersion glass elements. Ideal in many respects, such lenses offer several advantages.
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Sigma AF APO Macro 180mm f3.5 EX IF
Lenses, Test Reports
Peter K. Burian • Jun 01, 2001 • 0 comments

Although 50-105mm focal length macro lenses are by far the most popular, many advanced nature photographers prefer longer lenses. Consequently, many camera manufacturers make a premium grade 180mm or 200mm macro lens. Now Sigma offers one, too...
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Sigma APO 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Lens; A Long Range Zoom with Image Stabilization
Lenses
George Schaub • Jul 24, 2008 • Published: Jul 30, 2008 • 0 comments

The Sigma APO 150-50mm lens is a moderately fast, super-telephoto zoom designed to work with both APS-C and full-frame DSLR cameras. It offers quite useful close focusing (7.2 ft) and two modes of what they deem "optical stabilization" (OS.) Weighing in at 67.4 oz you always know its there, but then again this is one impressive piece of...
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Sigma Wide Angle Zoom
AF 15 to 30mm f3.5 to 4.5 EX DG Aspherical And AF 20 to 40mm f2.8 EX DG Aspherical
Lenses, Test Reports
Peter K. Burian • Apr 01, 2002 • 0 comments

The Sigma engineers never seem to take a break, coming up with new lenses with surprising frequency. Late last year, they released two short zooms that certainly attracted a lot of attention. Their AF 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX DG Aspherical boasts the...
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Sigma's 120-300mm f/2.8 APO HSM Zoom Lens
Killer Long Zoom At An Attractive Price
Lenses, Test Reports
Jay Abend • Feb 01, 2004 • 0 comments

Long, fast, good lenses are expensive. They're also worth it. Whether you shoot sports, live performances, wildlife, people, or just need to reach out into the distance for that perfect shot, a really good telephoto lens is a must.

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Sigma's 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 EX OS APO
First Independent-Brand Lens With Optical Image Stabilizer
Lenses, Test Reports
Peter K. Burian • Nov 01, 2004 • 0 comments

All Photos © 2004 Peter K. Burian, All Rights Reserved

Until recently, only Canon and Nikon offered interchangeable lenses with a camera shake compensating system called Image Stabilizer (IS) and Vibration Reduction (VR), respectively (see the discussion on IS and VR lens technology in our August 2004 issue, or on our website at: www.shutterbug.com).
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Sigma’s 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS Lens; The First Multipurpose Sigma Zoom With A Built-In Image Stabilizer
Lenses
Peter K. Burian • Dec 01, 2007 • 0 comments

Although Sigma released their first lens with a built-in Optical Stabilizer (OS) system in the spring of 2004, the company employed this technology in only one pro-grade lens, the 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6. That has changed with the introduction of a more compact/affordable (digital-only) 18-200mm OS zoom. Sigma will not comment about future plans, but a reliable source indicates that...
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Sigma’s 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Lens; The Whole Nine Yards
Lenses
George Schaub • Dec 01, 2009 • 0 comments

There is an underlying desire in every travel or street photographer to be able to carry one lens to cover all contingencies.
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