Description
Sigma’s dedicated optical stabilisation system offers a 4 stop blur correction with a 2 mode setting
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM
Produced in their legendary Aizu facility in Japan, Sigma presents their 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM telephoto zoom lens. Building on 50 years of innovation in precision optics design and craftsmanship, the 70-200mm is a large aperture zoom lens optimised for mid-long distance photography. It packs several state-of-the-art optical and design features which work to counter issues commonly found in this type of lens. As a result, deep and ultra sharp images are produced throughout the entire zoom range, making it a great value offering to any photographer.
The Lens Design
Design features make up the foundation of the Sigma 70-200mm lens. A commonly found problem in long distance photography is camera shake and to help counter, Sigma has built in a dedicated Optical Stabiliser system (OS) with a 2 mode function. The system offers an effective blur correction over 4 stops, helping to stabilise the image. It is also linked to the viewfinder, allowing for more accurate previews. Each mode tweaks the OS settings to suit different situations with mode 1 designed for general photography and mode 2 for panning. A large maximum aperture (f/2.8) ensures a fast shutter speed capability which avoids any over exposure.
2 FLD and 3 SLD lens elements help to counter various colour and optical aberrations, ensuring images are clear, sharp and high resolution
In a bid to keep the lens as compact and lightweight as possible, several commonly found external functions have been reengineered into the internal construction, making the 70-200mm lighter and smaller than its competitors. The two key internal functions are Sigma’s in-house developed inner focus system and a new generation inner zoom mechanism. A common benefit of both functions is that they eliminate the need to extend the barrel and in doing so, reduce unnecessary light loss. Furthermore, the front lens does not rotate and in staying fixed, can accommodate a hood (used in conjunction with the supplied hood adapter) and the use of Circular Polarising filters, both helping to counter light related issues such as glare. If preferred, a full time manual focus function is also available. The lens features Sigma’s exclusive Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) which works to auto focus images in a fast, accurate and silent manner. Combined with the optical stabiliser system, the lens has an extraordinarily efficient focussing capability over long distances. The lens is manufactured to Sigma’s high standards with a constructed from strong but lightweight polycarbonate, layered in a hard-wear paint finish.
Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass helps to counter chromatic aberration
Superior lenses: Where FLD meets SLD
In all forms of lens construction, Sigma puts the highest emphasis on the quality and craftsmanship of the internal optics. The 70-200mm lens stays true to this promise with the use of F Low Dispersion (FLD) glass. FLD glass is prized for having performance equal to fluorite glass and is the highest quality low dispersion glass in the world. The 70-200mm lens includes two FLD lens elements which work in conjunction with three Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements to counter various colour and optical aberrations which are commonly found in zoom lenses, such as chromatic aberration. This optical configuration also ensures that light transmission occurs at its best even at higher zoom ranges where light loss can be a common problem. The resulting images speak for themselves in terms of sharpness, contrast and resolution. 9 Diaphragm blades produce a much more desirable Bokeh effect
The Alternate Optical Composition
As well as containing five top quality lens elements, several other optical features can be found in the 70-200mm lens. First and foremost is a 9 blade diaphragm which constructs a desirable blur (bokeh) effect on out of focus areas. The diaphragm also smoothes out intense back lighting, making them appear as rounded highlights as opposed to areas of over exposure. This effect helps to over emphasise the foreground subjects and smooth out the background, creating a well balanced image. Finally, Sigma applies Super Multi Layer coatings to all lens elements, which work to create an optimum colour balance by reducing the damaging effects of ghost and flare. The coatings also help to maximise light transmission to the DSLR’s sensor.
A Lens Most Applicable For......
Packing so many design features and a first class optical configuration, the Sigma 70-200mm lens has a wide range of potential uses. High levels of light transmission combined with a dedicated OS system make the lens ideally suited to mid-long distance photography. This can include various forms of wildlife, especially thanks to the quiet auto-focussing, as well as sports related pursuits, e.g. motor racing. The lightweight and compact structure of the lens, for its focal class, make it more portable and easy to fit into a bag than normal and therefore ideal for taking on holiday or days out. The solid focussing and OS systems also make the lens perform well when using it for handheld photography or alternatively a removable tripod collar can be used to fix the lens (and DSLR) to a tripod for extra stability. If you are after a lightweight, compact and good performing mid-long range telephoto lens, then the Sigma 70-200mm is the best choice for you.
A range of separately available Sigma APO teleconverters can be used in conjunction with this lens. The converters substantially increase the focal length of the lens to create even more powerful zoom capabilities.
Specification
The F2.8 zoom lenses are the essential equipment for many professional photographers. 70-200mm F2.8 lenses in particular are expected to perform at their best in various challenging scenes, from news to sports, landscape, and portraits. The SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports has high optical quality, a tough design and excellent handling - all of the features required by professional photographers and high-end amateurs. The all-round, ultimate 70-200mm F2.8 is now available.
To make the lens lightweight while maintaining robustness, magnesium is used to ensure high mobility. As a lens from the Sports line, the dust- and splash-proof structure together with the water- and oil-repellent coating on the front lens ensure safe use even in the most challenging shooting conditions. The SIGMA 70–200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports also incorporates Intelligent OS* with an acceleration sensor and the latest algorithm capable of panning in all directions. The high-speed AF, thanks to the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) with an updated algorithm, captures instantaneous photography movement. The front and rear lenses incorporate a water and oil-repellent coating that allows water to be wiped away easily and prevents oil and fat from sticking to the surface, even in challenging shooting conditions. At the same time, the maintenance of the lens surface becomes easier.
This lens features a highly effective dust- and splash-proof structure with special sealing at the mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring, and cover connection, allowing photographers to work in all types of weather. This lens incorporates Intelligent OS adopting the latest algorithm to deliver an image stabilization effect of 4 stops. To help minimize the weight associated with a hyper telephoto lens, the lens barrel is made with a magnesium alloy. Both lightweight and tough, this alloy contributes to the outstanding maneuverability of SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports.