Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM lens announced

Sigma has introduced the new 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM superzoom lens for DSLR cameras with APS-C image sensors, which has been added to the Contemporary series.

One of the companies which is expected to reveal a horde of lenses at Photokina 2014 is Sigma. Well, the list may not be as big as some people would have hoped it to be, but the 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM is official and it promises to be one of the most versatile optics for DSLRs with APS-C-sized sensors.

Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM lens has been unveiled for APS-C cameras and will offer a 35mm equivalent of 27-450mm.

Sigma introduces new “Contemporary” all-round lens for APS-C DSLR cameras

Say “hello!” to the latest addition to the Contemporary lens line-up. Sigma has revealed the 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM optic for APS-C cameras. It will offer a 35mm focal length equivalent of about 27-450mm.

This is an all-round lens with a 16.6x optical zoom. Usually, these products are not known for delivering a high image quality. However, the Japan-based corporation has added four FLD (F Low Dispersion) elements and a single SLD (Special Low Dispersion) element into the lens, therefore chromatic aberration will be kept to a minimum.

Sigma has added that the optic will also provide rich colors, while the photos will be very “clear”. A Super Multi-Layer Coating cuts down reflections, so ghosting and flare will not pose any problems either.

Advanced macro capabilities, which can be enhanced by a special accessory

The Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary lens comes with macro capabilities, as its name is suggesting. They will allow photographers to capture amazing close-ups with a magnification rate of 1:3 and will allow the lens to focus on subjects located at a distance of only 38 centimeters / 15 inches.

Its macro features can be enhanced courtesy of the AML72-01 lens, which can be easily attached to the 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 optic. This way, the magnification rate will increase to 1:2. Potential buyers should be aware that the AML72-01 accessory will be sold separately for $55 this October.

Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM lens will be released in October

The company is planning to release the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM lens in October for a price of $579.

Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Sony, and Pentax photographers will be able to mount this optic onto their APS-C DSLR cameras. However, the Sony and Pentax versions will not support optical image stabilization.

Nevertheless, all units will employ a Hyper Sonic Motor, which makes sure that the autofocus is quick and silent.