Sigma has announced new addition to its digital optimized DG range of zoom lenses in the form of the APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG/HSM. This fast telephoto zoom sports a fixed F2.8 aperture throughout the range, HSM technology for high speed silent focus and four SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements. A new 'digitally optimized' coating is claimed to minimize flare and ghosting when used on a D-SLR, and the lens will be available in Sigma AF, Canon EF, Nikon D, Konica Minolta and Pentax AF mounts.

Press Release:

APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG / HSM

Fast maximum aperture telephoto lens optimised for digital SLR cameras.

• Four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements produce excellent image quality throughout the entire zoom range.
• New coating and lens design minimise flare and ghost.
• Inner focusing and inner zooming systems retain external dimensions for ease of handling.
• The HSM models provide silent, high-speed and precise auto-focusing with full time manual focus override.

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG / HSM lens.

This telephoto zoom lens has a large maximum aperture of f2.8 which remains constant throughout the zoom range and it is optimised for digital SLR cameras.
Two pieces of SLD (the special low dispersion) glass in the front lens group and another two in the rear group offer excellent correction of chromatic aberration. High optical performance is demonstrated throughout the entire zoom range.

The new multi layer lens coating and lens design reduce flare and ghost, which is a common problem with digital cameras and also creates an optimum color balance.

An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the petal-type lens hood supplied and circular polarising filters. Since focusing and zooming do not change its overall length, ease of handling and operation is assured. A rotating tripod mount can be conveniently detached if required.
The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures a silent, high-speed AF function as well as full-time manual focusing capability for Sigma, Canon, and Nikon-D mount lenses.

The lens can be used with the 1.4x EX or 2.0x EX Apo Tele Converters (optional), becoming a 98-280mm F4 Autofocus telephoto zoom lens or a 140-400mm F5.6 Autofocus telephoto zoom lens respectively.

Specifications:

Focal Length: 70-200mm
Minimum Aperture: F32
Lens Construction: 17 Elements in 14 Groups
Angle of View: 34.3°- 12.3°
Number of Diaphragm Blades: 9pcs
Minimum Focusing Distance: 180cm(70.8”)
Maximum Magnification: 1:7.8
Filter Size: 77mm
Lens Hood: Petal Hood
Dimensions: Diameter 86.2mm (3.3”) x Length 184mm (7.2”)
Weight: 1270gr/44.7oz
Fittings: Sigma, Canon, Nikon-D, Konica/Minolta and Pentax
SRP: £799.99

NB: The appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.