More Pre-Order Links For Sigma’s UFO (18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM)

More shops have the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 available for pre-order: Adorama | B&H | DigitalRev. Price is $799, I think it is a more than fair price for such an amazing lens, especially if compared to the likes of the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II ($1499) or the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS ($1050). The Sigma is the first lens for APS-C DSLR to deliver constant f/1.8 across the zoom range. Availability: July 31 2013

First impression and hands-on: here (dpreview), here (The Phoblographer) and here. Lens specs:

• Aperture Range: f/1.8-16
• Fast Constant Maximum Aperture
• Designed for APS-C-Sized Sensors
• 35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 28.8-56mm
• Hyper Sonic AF Motor
• Internal Focusing and Zoom Design
• One Aspherical Element and SLD Glass
• Super Multi-Layer Coating
• Canon EF Lens Mount
• Compatible with Sigma USB Dock

Product description (Adorama’s product page):

Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 DC HSM Zoom Lens, Truly a revolutionary product. The Sigma 18-35mm 1.8 DC HSM is the first wide-angle to standard zoom lens to achieve a large aperture of 1.8. Designed specifically for APS-C sized sensors, the Sigma 18-35mm 1.8 translates to 27mm-52.5mm on 35mm camera. Tapping into Sigma’s long history of lens innovations, the 18-35mm 1.8 DC HSM incorporates a wide glass molded aspherical lens with Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass to compensate for aberrations and curvature at the widest angle. Internal focusing and zooming allows for more usability and functionality. The Sigma 18-35mm is ideal for landscapes, portraits, still life, snap shots, casual, and close-ups and the Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures smooth, fast and accurate autofocusing. The use of Thermally Composite Material (TSC) reduces size and weight but increases the lens durability. Its new Global Vision design works with its compatibility with the Sigma USB dock for further customization. A 9 blade rounded diaphragm also creates beautiful background blur. The Sigma 18-35mm 1.8 DC HSM is a new benchmark in photographic history and a must have for every camera bag. USB Dock Compatibility Sigma has developed special software (SIGMA Optimization Pro) that can update the lens firmware and adjust parameters such as focus. ( (USB Dock is sold separately)