Press Releases Sigma

Gentec Announces New 30mm F1.4 DC HSM Large-Aperture Lens from Sigma: For APS-C Format DSLR Cameras

Sigma’s new 30mm F1.4 DC HSM large-aperture standard lens:

  • Delivers the “highest level of image quality worthy of the Art line”
    • With the lens’ shallow depth-of-field, photographers can create a range of bokeh in snapshots, portrait, landscapes and more

  • Available for Canon, Nikon and Sigma cameras in June 2013
    • the Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC HSM has a suggested retail price of $529.95

NEWS RELEASE
Sigma: 30mm F1.4 DC HSM lens + hood

SIGMA INTRODUCES THE 30MM F1.4 DC HSM LARGE-APERTURE LENS DESIGNED FOR APS-C FORMAT DSLR CAMERAS

TORONTO, ON., April 15, 2013 – Gentec International announces the new 30mm F1.4 DC HSM lens from Sigma. This large-aperture standard lens, with an angle-of-view equivalent to 45mm on a 35mm camera, is a superb go-to lens for an APS-C format DSLR camera and is ideal for many different types of photographic expression.

Featuring an advanced design and the latest manufacturing technologies, the 30mm F1.4 DC HSM lens delivers the highest level of image quality worthy of Sigma’s new Art line. The photographer can leverage the shallow depth-of-field to create beautiful bokeh in snapshots, portraits, landscapes, and many different styles of photography.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Art line lenses provide the highest level of artistic expression

Sigma is organizing its interchangeable lenses into three product lines: Contemporary, Art, and Sports. The Art line has been designed with an emphasis on artistic expression to meet the expectations of users who value a creative, dramatic outcome above compactness and multifunction. Offering sophisticated optical performance for landscapes, portraits, still-life, close-up and casual snaps, these lenses are perfect for the kind of photography that unleashes the inner artist. While ideal for studio photography, they offer just as much expressive scope when capturing architecture, starry skies, underwater shots, and many other scenes.

Large aperture F1.4 standard lens

With its shallow depth-of-field and angle-of-view close to that of the human eye, this lens stimulates the desire to create and is ideal for many different types of photographic expression. The bright viewfinder also aids focusing and composition of images.

Outstanding image quality for enhanced photographic expression

Advanced optical design minimizes field curvature thereby preventing a loss of image quality at the edges of photographs. The use of a double aspheric lens minimizes spherical distortion, astigmatism, and coma. Coma of point light sources is minimized near the edge of the image, and an attractive round bokeh effect is produced at large-aperture settings.

Rear focus system

The rear focus system prevents focus-dependent variation in aberration to ensure high image quality throughout the entire image. The length of the barrel doesn’t change during focusing, which improves balance and stability for easier handling. Since the front of the lens does not rotate, circular polarizing filters are easy to use.

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.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Minimum focusing distance of 30cm

With a minimum focusing distance of 30 centimetres and a maximum magnification ratio is 1:6.8, this lens is excellent for close-up photography.

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. Full-time manual focus is also possible.

Rounded diaphragm

The 9-blade rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas of the image.

Ease of use

The new ergonomic design offers comfortable grips and unobtrusive yet easy-to-use controls. For improved handling, the design of the lens hood, lens cap, and AF/MF changeover switch have been updated.

Brass bayonet mount

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

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.

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 30mm F1.4 DC HSM lens has a suggested retail price of $529.95 and will be available for Canon, Nikon, and Sigma cameras in June. Like all Sigma lenses, the new 30mm lens is backed by a comprehensive seven-year Canadian warranty.

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, including Optex, Sigma, SanDisk, Manfrotto, Gitzo, National Geographic, Kata, Avenger, Roots, Gary Fong, Black Rapid, Mobifoto, iQ, Sunpak, Energizer, Bushnell, Tasco, and Zeiss. 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.

Learn more – visit www.gentec-intl.com.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Focal Length: 30mm

Minimum Aperture: F16

Lens Construction: 8 Elements in 9 Groups

Angle-of-View: 50.7°

Number of Diaphragm Blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm)

Minimum Focusing Distance: 30 cm / 11.8”

Maximum Magnification: 1:6.8

Filter Size: 62 mm

Dimensions: Diameter: 74.2 mm / 2.9” x Length: 63.3 mm / 3.5”

Weight: 435 g / 15.3 oz

Mounts (AF): Canon, Nikon, Sigma

Includes: Case, Lens Hood (LH686-01)

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