Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Lens Reviews (performance is impressive)

Sigma 18-35mm

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM
Get notified when it is in stock at B&H

The world fastest zoom lens (for APS-C sensors) with a fixed aperture, the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM got reviewed. The lens, part of Sigma’s “Art” line-up, caused some hype when it was announced. Sigma called it UFO (Unbelievable F-stop Object). Some hands-on here and here.

Focus Numerique (google translated) tested a pre-production model, and writes:

The results of the new Sigma zoom are impressive and worthy of a professional optical 24×36 mm that opens to f / 2.8 constant! Of course, the best results are obtained with medium apertures between f / 5,6 and f / 8, though the sharpness is present in larger openings also. However there was a decrease of sharpness between the center and edges of images with larger apertures and f / 1,8 particularly.

Digifoto (no translation from Flemish) writes:

We were surprised again after seeing the test photos. You expect from a zoom lens at fully open aperture somewhat lesser performance in the corners. The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 however scored exceptionally well, even at the 18mm f/1.8 corner tightened remains very good. The bokeh of the lens looks very stylish, and distortion remains well within bounds.

Image samples of the Sigma 18-35mm can be seen at Dpreview.

[via SAR]

Canon PowerShot A2300 IS Less than $80 (limited time)

PowerShot A2300

Amazon Deal: For limited time the Canon PowerShot A2300 IS 5x zoom is on sale for less than $80 (click here). Different color option available.

  • 16 effective megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor
  • 2.7-inch TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle
  • DIGIC 4 image processor
  • 720p HD video with dedicated movie button
  • 28mm wide-angle lens (5x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom and 20x combined zoom) with digtal image stabilizer
  • 16.0 MP Image Sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor, 5x Optical Zoom, 28mm Wide-Angle lens
  • 720p HD video recording with a dedicated movie button
  • Smart AUTO with 32 predefined shooting situations
  • Digital IS reduces effect of camera shake and subject movement
  • Help Button provides simple explanations and easy controls of your settings

Canon Rebates Program Still Going On (DSLR, Lenses, P&S, Printers) And Memory Card Deals

Canon Rebates

The Canon rebates program is still going on and will run through June 22nd. Adorama offers a broad range of discounts on the following Canon gear:

Moreover, they have a Lexar 2 pack memory card promotion going on (click here).

  • Lexar 16GB Professional 1000x CompactFlash Memory Card – Two Pack, $40 off – $129 (click here)
  • Lexar 64GB Professional 800x CompactFlash Card – Two Pack, $50 off – $249 (click here)
  • Lexar 64GB Professional 800x CompactFlash Card – Two Pack, $50 0ff – $249 (click here)
  • Lexar 32GB Professional 1000x CompactFlash Memory Card – Two Pack, $60 off – $239 (click here)

More memory card deals at B&H:

  • SONY 16GB SDHC CLASS 10 UHS-1 MEMORY CARD  Max. Read Speed: 94MB/s  –  Max. Write Speed: 45MB/sSave 25%  $19.95 $14.95 (click here)
  • Sony 32GB SDHC Class 10 UHS-1 Memory CardMax. Read Speed: 94MB/s – Max. Write Speed: 45MB/sSave 21%  $31.955  $24.95 (click here)

 

Tokina 12-28mm f/4.0 AT-X Pro Lens Announced

Tokina 12-28mm

Tokina announced a new lens, the Tokina 12-28mm f/4.0 AT-X Pro for APS-C DSLRs with constant f/4 aperture. The lens is priced $599. The Tokina 12-28mm is already listed on B&H (click here) and available for pre-order.

  • Fits Canon APS-C Cameras
  • 19-45mm Equivalency in 35mm Format
  • Aperture Range: f/4-22
  • Silent Drive-Module AF Motor
  • AF/MF Clutch Mechanism
  • Molded Glass Aspherical Lens Elements
  • Ultra-Low Dispersion Glass
[via The Phoblographer]

Product description:

The 12-28mm f/4.0 AT-X Pro APS-C Lens for Canon from Tokina is a wide-angle to standard length zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f/4.0. It is compatible with Canon APS-C cameras and provides a 35mm focal length equivalency of 19-45mm. This compact lens features a one-touch AF/MF clutch operation to switch back and forth between auto and manual focus, for manual focus slide the focus ring back and for autofocus allow to the ring to rest in the forward position. A newly designed GMR (magnetic precision) AF sensor is mounted close to the AF motor and provides fast, accurate AF. The lens’ SD-M (Silent Drive-Module) means that autofocus responds smoothly and silently, which is ideal when shooting HD video.

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