Sigma Corporation Releases Two New Lenses in 18-50mm and 50-200mm Ranges

Both Lenses Equipped With Unique Systems to Eliminate Camera Shake and Ensure Quiet and High-Speed Auto Focus

RONKONKOMA, NY--(Marketwire - June 22, 2009) - Sigma Corporation, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider for some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, is pleased to announce the availability of two new, high-value lenses: the 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM and the 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM.

A unique feature in these lenses is Sigma's own Optical Stabilizer (OS) function, which eliminates camera shake in the viewfinder and provides sharpness at lower shutter speeds. The company offers both lenses in Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Pentax and Sony mounts, and is the only manufacturer to provide lenses with the OS system for Pentax and Sony digital cameras.

Both lenses incorporate Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements, are outfitted with an inner focusing system to provide high image quality throughout the entire zoom range, provide Super Multi-Layer Coating to reduce flare and ghosting, and include Hyper-Sonic Motors (HSMs) to ensure quiet and high-speed auto focus.

"We've become known for our high-quality, interchangeable lenses, but we certainly haven't lost sight of the need for high-performance and high-value 'kit' lenses," said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. "These lenses have been manufactured with Sigma's usual high standard of quality and they, undoubtedly, offer the best optical performance in their respective classes."

As an upgrade to its predecessor, the 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM is a large aperture, standard zoom lens that is dedicated to digital SLR cameras with APS-C size image sensors. It is currently the only lens in this category to offer internal focus and internal zoom, meaning that the lens does not extend while zooming. The combination of the F2.8 aperture and the OS, or anti-shake function, makes it easy to capture exceptional photos in low light with this lens; the wide angle is well suited for indoor photography. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 11.8 inches (30cm) throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.1.

On the other hand, the 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM is a compact, high-performance telephoto zoom lens that allows the use of shutter speeds up to four stops slower than normal for steady, handheld photography. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 43.3 inches (110cm) throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.5. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making it suitable for use with circular polarizing filters.

The 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM and 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM are both currently available for $500 MSRP in stores nationwide. To locate an authorized Sigma dealer nearest to you, visit www.sigmaphoto.com/where/where.asp.

For information about Sigma Corporation of America, visit www.sigmaphoto.com.