Digital SLR Blog

Firmware version 1.01 is now available for the Sigma DP2. The latest upgrade improves AF accuracy and decreases the issue of intermittent camera freezes under certain conditions. For more information go here.

The Sigma DP2 is now available from retailers in the UK with an SRP of £599.99. Sigma has released two dedicated accessories for the DP2 which are the VF-21 Viewfinder (£114.99) and the HA-21 Hood adapter (£19.99).

SLR Gear has reviewed the Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM APO lens and you can read their analysis here. The lens scored brownie points image quality as the it turned out to be sharp, and the reviewer found the distortion was negligible and light falloff almost non-existent.


Says the reviewer:

“Our tests show the Sigma 300mm ƒ/2.8 to perform very well: sharpness is very good, CA is optimized for use at ƒ/2.8, there's virtually no distortion and light falloff is almost non-existent. Optically, the lens stands well on its own”.

Firmware update for the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM lens is now available for download. The  update improves the performance and compatibility of the Four Thirds system. For more information go to http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/support/soft/firm/index.htm

The Sigma DP2 is now available for pre-order on all the major online retails. Both Amazon and B&H are in fact quoting $649 for the camera, which should be available by May according to B&H.

[Via Photography Blog ]

Curious about the much anticipated Sigma DP2 compact camera? Then head over here to check out the 17 sample images taken by four different photographers. Some of the images however have been “retouched” and don’t exceed ISO 200.

The SIGMA 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM lens was unveiled at the PMA 2009.  The lens has a maximum aperture of F3.5 throughout the entire zoom range and  has a wide angle of view from 102.4 degrees. The on board ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements and a SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element provide excellent correction of color aberration.

SPECIFICATIONS (For Sigma mount)
*Lens Construction:13 Elements 10 Groups *Angle of View:102.4°-63.8° *Number of blades:7pcs *Minimum Aperture:F22 *Minimum Focusing Distance Distance:24cm/9.4in *Maximum Magnification:1：6.6 *Filter Size:Ø82mm *Lens Hood:Petal-type hood *Dimensions:Ø87.3mm×88.2mm/3.4in×3.5in *Weight:TBD
*The apperarance and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Sigma aficionados can check out a fully functional pre-production model of the Sigma DP2 at the Focus on Imaging Event in Birmingham. The camera borrows design cues from the DP1 however it does feature an improved menu system and, ISO settings up to 3200. Head over to Sigma User for more details.

Dpreview has reviewed the Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM lens and have mixed feelings about it.  While  the 'do-it-all' travel lens does come recommended however at times the lens was a sub-par performer especially when it came to optical stabilization.T he F6.3 maximum aperture at 200mm also compromises autofocus performance according to the reviewer.

Says the reviewer:
“Overall, then, this isn't a lens for pixel-peepers who above all else demand critical corner-to-corner sharpness in every shot. But for more normal users looking for a versatile, all-in-one travel lens within a budget”.

The Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS is a new HSM lens has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7 inches) at all focal lengths and a maximum magnification of 1: 3.4 reproduction ratio. The lens is ideal for close-up photography and is available in mounts for Sigma, Nikon, Canon, Sony and Pentax.


Features
* Equipped with Sigma’s own unique OS (Optical Stabilizer) technology
* Four SLD elements and three aspherical lenses provide high image quality throughout the entire zoom range
* Minimum focusing distance of 45cm/17.7 inches and a maximum magnification of 1:3.4 makes it ideal for close-up photography
* Super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM lens  that was first spotted at the Photokina 2008 will retail for £799.99. The lens will be available in Sigma, Nikon, Canon, Sony and Pentax mounts.

[Via Dpreview ]

The newly announced Sigma Electronic Flash Macro EM-140 DG supports all popular digital and film SLRs. The flash is ideal for photographing subjects in fine detail as it features a shadowless mode and hence can be used for scientific and medical applications. High Speed Synchro and Exposure compensation functions are also available for advanced flash photography and 55mm and 58mm adapter rings are included with the flash.

[Via DC Views ]

Dpreview tested out the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM lens which was announced this March. The lens performed exceptionally well as vignetting was hardly noticeable even in wide apertures. The solid build quality was another area where the lens managed to impress the reviewer. However the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM lens isn’t perfect since  it won’t be available in a Four-Thirds mount and according Dpreview it’s quite heavy for a 50mm F1.4.

“It’s important to understand that this lens is currently very much at the start of its product lifecycle, and if the price drops to a level much closer to the other 50mm F1.4s, then it will be quite simply a steal.”

Sigma unveiled the Sigma HC-11 Hard Case for the DP1 camera recently. The Sigma HC-11 is made from leather and has been designed to shield the camera from damage as it offers enhanced protection. Sigma hasn’t announced the price or availability as of now.

 [Via Photography Blog]