Press Releases Sigma

Gentec International Announces Sigma’s New 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM Lens for General-Purpose Photography

Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM lens
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM lens

This video presents “The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM”:

  • If you’re ready to take the next step up in a standard zoom lens, then check out the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
  • With a faster aperture throughout the entire zoom range than the typical kit lens, this is perfect for the photographer who wants the best equipment at an affordable rate
  • Close focusing down to only 8.7 inches away with a magnification ratio of 1 to 2.7 -which is more than one-third — life size, adds to the versatility of this lens
    • This allows you to focus in on a very small objects and details, perfect for studios stills and subjects like flowers and butterflies

Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM lens

Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM lens

PRESS RELEASE

SIGMA’S NEW 17-70MM F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM LENS OFFERS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE PHOTOGRAPHY

TORONTO, ON., January 9, 2013 – Gentec International is pleased to announce Sigma’s new 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM lens, the first lens from Sigma’s Contemporary (C) product line. The new lens reflects the very latest technology and combines outstanding optical performance with compactness. The versatile focal range makes it an ideal choice for general-purpose photography and great for travel or family occasions.

SPECIAL FEATURES

1. Contemporary line lenses can handle all kinds of photo opportunities

Sigma is organizing its interchangeable lenses into three product lines: Contemporary, Art, and Sports. Featuring the very latest technology, and combining optical performance with compactness, the Contemporary line covers a wide range of needs. The 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM is the first product from the Contemporary line, with a wide focal range equivalent to 25.5-105mm on a 35mm lens.

2. Excellent for macro photography
With a minimum focusing distance of 22 centimetres and a maximum magnification ratio is 1:2.8, this lens makes it easy for photographers to take impressive close up photos.

3. 30% smaller than conventional models
By incorporating a smaller OS unit and optimizing the layout of optical elements, the lens barrel has been made more compact. To ensure the highest quality of the new construction, Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) compound material has been incorporated to offer greater durability of the parts, plus smaller zoom and scale rings.

4. Superior image quality throughout the entire zoom range
This lens incorporates two “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass elements, which have performance equal to fluorite, one Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass element, and three aspherical glass lenses to correct both chromatic aberration of magnification and axial chromatic aberration. From infinity to macro, it achieves superior image quality throughout the entire zoom range, surpassing the requirements of the rigorous testing process of Sigma’s new “A1” MTF measuring system.

5. Large F2.8 maximum aperture
The aperture of this lens is F2.8 at the wide end (17mm) and F4 at the telephoto end (70mm), ensuring a bright viewfinder for optimal focusing and composition of images. The large aperture range is useful to allow fast shutter speeds to prevent an object from being blurred, and it offers a smooth background bokeh.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

• Optical stabilizer (OS)
Sigma’s optical stabilizer (OS) system offers the use of shutter speeds up to 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible, which makes it possible to compensate for camera shake even in macro photography where a small blur can be easily compromise a photo. (The closer the lens is to the object, the less effective the OS function. OS function is not incorporated in Sony and Pentax versions).

• Flare and ghosting conscious design
Advanced optical design and Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides sharp, high-contrast images, even in backlit conditions.

• Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM)
The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures quiet, high-speed autofocusing, as well as full-time manual focus override by rotation of the focus ring. With the enhanced AF algorithm, smoother autofocusing is achieved.

• Rounded diaphragm
The 7-blade rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas of the image.

• Brass bayonet mount
A specially treated brass bayonet mount ensures maximum precision, greater strength, and superior durability for long-term use.

• Ease of use
For improved handling, Sigma’s new lenses incorporate rubber for the attachment part of the supplied lens hood and they feature updated designs of the lens cap and AF/MF changeover switch.

• Newly developed “USB Dock” (optional) exclusively for new Sigma lenses
Designed for the newest Sigma lenses, proprietary Optimization Pro software allows photographers to update lens firmware and adjust parameters such as focus.

• Evaluation with Sigma’s “A1” MTF measuring system
Replacing an MTF measuring system using conventional sensors, Sigma now employs a proprietary MTF (modulation transfer function) measuring system (A1) using 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensors. Previously undetectable high-frequency details are now within the scope of Sigma’s quality control inspections. All 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM lenses will be checked using this “A1” system before being shipped.

• Made in Japan
All Sigma’s manufacturing, including molds and parts, is carried out under an integrated production system entirely in Japan. Sigma is now one of the very few manufacturers whose products are solely “made in Japan”, with each product reflecting a combination of expertise, advanced technology, and genuine craftsmanship.

The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM lens has a suggested retail price of $569.95 and will be available for Canon and Sigma in February and for Nikon in March; Pentax and Sony versions will follow.

About Gentec International
Founded in 1990, Gentec International is Canada’s leading consumer accessory products company, supplying a complete range of photo, video, digital, sport optics, home theatre, electronics, wireless, and mobile audio products to the Canadian retail marketplace. Gentec offers a variety of prominent brands and is the exclusive distributor of Klipsch products in Canada. Gentec operates out of a high-cube, state-of-the-art, fully computerized 100,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution centre that offers efficient, seamless service to our customers. With over 90 employees, Gentec covers the needs of its retailers coast to coast using the latest technology systems, streamlined efficiencies, and customer service that is second to none. With a focus on building strong partnerships, Gentec represents the gold standard through the use of a value-added business model, an approach that has made Gentec one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies for five consecutive years. Learn more – visit www.gentec-intl.com.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Focal Length: 17-70mm

Minimum Aperture: F22

Lens Construction : 16 Elements in 14 Groups

Angle of View: 79.7°- 22.9°

Number of Diaphragm Blades: 7 (rounded diaphragm)

Minimum Focusing Distance: 22 cm / 8.7”

Maximum Magnification: 1:2.8

Filter Size: 72 mm

Dimensions: Diameter: 79 mm / 3.1” x Length: 82 mm / 3.2”

Weight: 465 g / 16.4 oz

Mounts (AF): Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, Sigma

Includes: Lens Hood (LH730-03)

Appearance and specifications are subject to change for improvement without notice.

Note: OS function is not incorporated in Sony and Pentax versions.