Sigma Japan has announced a new wide angle zoom lens, the 12 - 24 mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM. This lens is clearly aimed at providing a good wide angle range for digital SLR's as well as ultra wide angle for film SLR's. On the Sigma SD9 (1.7x crop) this lens would provide the same field of view as a 20-41 mm lens, on the Canon EOS-10D/300D this would be approx. 19-38 mm. This new lens will be available in Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Pentax (non-HSM) and Minolta (non-HSM) mounts and has an estimated Japanese list price of 99,000 YEN ($901 at todays exchange rate).

Sigma 12 - 24 mm F4.5 - F5.6 EX DG ASPHERICAL HSM

Specifications

Focal length 12 - 24 mm
Minimum aperture F22
Maximum aperture F4.5 - F5.6
Construction 16 elements in 12 groups (4 SLD, 3 aspherical)
Focusing System Internal Focusing
Angle of View (35 mm) 122° - 84.1°
Number of Diaphragm Blades 9 pieces
Minimum Focus Distance 28 cm (11 in)
Maximum Magnification 1:7.1
Lens Hood Petal Hood
Dimensions (dia x len) 87 (3.4 in) x 100 mm (3.9 in)
Mounts (AF) Sigma, Canon, Nikon (D), Minolta (D)*, Pentax*
* Non-HSM
Weight 615 g (22 oz)