Rumor: Four New Sigma Lenses To Be Announced In 2013?

New Sigma Lenses

Sigma appears to be very actively working on new lenses. We just had the announcement of very innovative lens, the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC (sample pics here) with a constant f/1.8.  New Sigma rumors surfaced on the web. It looks as if there will be four new Sigma lenses in 2013:

  • a 135mm f/1.8 DG OS lens (“ART” line-up)
  • a 24mm f/1.4 DG lens (“ART” line-up)
  • an updated 50mm f/1.4
  • one more lens (but no hints here)
[via CR]

 

Canon EOS 5D Mark IIIs Returning From Service With New Firmware

[shoplink 2431]5D Mark III Firmware[/shoplink]

There are various reports in the dpreview forum from users who got their Canon EOS 5D Mark III [shoplink 254](price & specs)[/shoplink] back from service with the upcoming firmware release 1.2.1 installed. This most probably means that the 5D Mark III firmware is ready to get released to the public. We expect Canon to release the firmware on April 30.

The 5D Mark III firmware update will provide clean HDMI output and center focusing up to f/8.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III price check: [shopcountry 254] [via CR]

A Bit Of Everything

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC Sample Pics (Unbelievable F-stop Object)

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC

Gear for Image posted a big bunch of sample pics of the Sigma’s new UFO (Unbelievable F-stop Object), their brand new Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC, and pics shot with the lens. You have to scroll down below the pics of the Sigma for the sample pics. The page will probably take some tine to load. Some more sample pics are here. We covered the announcement here.

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC
Image credit: Gear for Image

Sigma’s press release can be seen here:

To develop a large aperture zoom lens with a maximum aperture of F1.8, it was necessary to solve a variety of technical challenges. As the f-number decreases, so does the depth of focus, making it extremely difficult to minimize spherical aberration, axial chromatic aberration, astigmatism and field curvature. To minimize astigmatism across the zoom range, Sigma leveraged its extensive experience in reducing optical aberrations and designing advanced structural elements. Sigma gained this know-how when it developed such super wide angle zoom lenses as the SIGMA12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM and SIGMA 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM. Ongoing technological innovation at Sigma’s Aizu Factory has also contributed to further enhancements in lens production. Advanced production technologies have made possible a large-diameter molded glass aspheric lens, which teams up with SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements to optimize power distribution and minimize axial chromatic and spherical aberration and field curvature. Thanks to its hard-earned knowledge of lens design and advanced lens manufacturing techniques, Sigma has succeeded in creating a lens that offers F1.8 throughout the zoom range, as well as exceptional image quality at wide open aperture.

[via photorumors]