The Sigma 18-300mm 3.5-6.3 DC HSM OS Macro is another impressive addition to the Sigma Global Vision Contemporary line. With a 16.6x zoom ratio covering focal lengths from wide to telephoto, this lens also offers a 1:3 macro ratio. The Sigma 18-300mm Contemporary was designed for APS-C cameras where it equates to a 27-450mm lens and incorporates state-of-the-art Sigma technology. An enhanced optical stabilizer (OS) compensates for camera shake, while an optimized hyper sonic motor (HSM) ensures quiet and fast autofocus. Four FLD (performance equal to fluorite) paired with 1 SLD glass elements capture incredible sharp and contrasted images, all the way through the focal length. Utilizing top quality glass, the Sigma 18-300mm Contemporary controls aberration, even at the telephoto end to produce high quality images. Working with the USB dock, this lens allows for firmware updates when available and adjustment of focus parameters.
A high ratio zoom lens often requires compactness and enhancement of additional features, to be capable enough to cover various shooting scenes with convenience and versatility. Even with a high ratio zoom lens, our goal is to satisfy enthusiastic photographers with the versatility of the lens and its optical performance. Therefore, we sought for the point where all the pieces, such as specification, performance and size, fall into place, and this lens is the fruit of this journey. Enjoy the performance of a high ratio standard zoom lens that has "the highest standard for excellent image quality based on each concept", of which product lines SIGMA has renewed and established with SIGMA Global Vision.
[Contemporary] Latest technology for high optical performance and compactness High performance line corresponding with various photography situations
SIGMA is organizing all its interchangeable lenses into three product lines; Contemporary, Art and Sports. Among the three, the Contemporary line is a high performance line which incorporates the very latest technology making it possible to accommodate both high optical performance and compactness for use in various photography situations. SIGMA has solved the difficult problem of keeping the size and weight down without compromising optical performance and function with the latest technology.
Excellent optical performance that satisfies experienced users.
This lens incorporates 4 FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements, which have performance equal to fluorite plus 1 SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element. It enables this lens to minimize the chromatic aberration, especially toward the telephoto end, and provide clear image quality with high color fidelity.
*FLD glass is the highest level low dispersion glass available with extremely high light transmission. This optical glass has a performance equal to fluorite glass which has a low refractive index and low dispersion compared to current optical glass. It also benefits from high anomalous dispersion. These characteristics give excellent correction for residual chromatic aberration (secondary spectrum) which cannot be corrected by ordinary optical glass and ensures high definition and high contrast images.
Accumulated lens technology leads to superior image quality
The most appropriate optical glass elements are selected to optimize all focal lengths of the lens. From wide angle to telephoto and macro, it offers superior image quality throughout the entire zoom range. It compensate for the distortion very well, especially at wide-end, and carries extraordinary expressive capability from the center to the corners.
From an early stage in the lens design process, flare and ghosting have been measured to establish an optical design resistant to strong incident light sources such as backlighting. SIGMA's Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting to help photographers produce sharp and high contrast images even in backlit conditions.
The degree to which light is refracted by glass depends on the light's wavelength. This fact causes different colors of light to focus at slightly different points. The result is chromatic aberration, the color fringing that is particularly noticeable in telephoto lenses. Most chromatic aberration can be removed by combining a high-refractivity convex lens element with a low-refractivity concave element. Yet residual chromatic aberration known as “secondary spectrum” may still remain.To minimize this secondary spectrum, which can be a serious issue with conventional lenses, SIGMA lenses feature up to three types of exclusive low-dispersion glass offering superior performance: ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion), SLD (Special Low Dispersion) and FLD (“F” Low Dispersion). In particular, FLD glass offers ultra-low dispersion in combination with high transmittance and the anomalous dispersion characteristics of fluorite. Meticulous deployment of these types of exclusive low-dispersion glass and optimization of power distribution gives SIGMA lenses superlative image rendition undiminished by residual chromatic aberration.
A high ratio zoom lens often requires compactness and enhancement of additional features, to be capable enough to cover various shooting scenes with convenience and versatility. However, SIGMA still believes that image quality is what matters the most. When travelling with minimal equipment the lens needs a wide zoom range especially as a telephoto lens may be needed unexpectedly without time to switch lenses. Even with a high ratio zoom lens, our goal is to satisfy enthusiastic photographers with the versatility of the lens and its optical performance. Therefore, we sought for the point where all the pieces, such as specification, performance and size, fall into place, and this lens is the fruit of this journey.
Newly developed OS system for better compensation
By reviewing the system construction and the algorithm of firmware, approximately 3.5 steps higher compensation has been achieved.
* Based on CIPA's guideline. Measuring at telephoto end, when it is attached to the camera with APS-C image sensor.
For comfortable and smooth use with the high zoom ratio, 16.6 times, it incorporates a bigger HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) which is newly developed for this lens. It is powerful enough to ensure high speed and quiet AF.
TSC (Thermally Stable Composite)
Conventionally it is considered essential to leverage the qualities of metal and polycarbonate in camera and lens layout design. A first for the industry, the barrel of the new series of SIGMA lenses features a new TSC (Thermally Stable Composite)* that offers minimal thermal shrinkage combined with exceptional hardness. It also offers 25% greater elasticity than polycarbonate. Since its thermal shrinkage is low, TSC matches well with metal parts, further contributing to the high-precision construction of the lens.
*TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) offers thermal expansion characteristics similar to those of aluminum. Parts made with TSC deform less, making possible lens construction of extremely high precision. As compared to polycarbonate containing 20% glass, a commonly used material, TSC offers approximately 70% higher elasticity. As compared to polycarbonate containing 30% glass, it offers 25% higher elasticity. (Comparison is between SIGMA-produced components.)
It offers a maximum magnification ratio 1:2 and changeable angles of view enables zoom-macro photography. Just by rotating the zoom ring, it enables photographers to take a close up pictures of subjects such as jewelry and flowers.
The minimum focusing distance of the lens is 39cm, its maximum magnification ratio is 1:3 and the working distance is 14cm, which is similar to macro lenses. In addition to this, a close-up lens, AML 72-01 (optional accessory), is developed exclusively for this product. It makes the rendering very constant across the zoom range, and it enables higher performance in macro photography at 1:2. Even when this close-up lens is attached, the image taken at maximum magnification ratio, at 300mm, infinity, shows very little difference in MTF. * Focus is at infinity, and the shooting range is 80-300mm.
Just by rotating the zoom ring, it enables photographers to take a close up pictures of subjects such as jewelry and flowers. Maximum magnification ratio at respective focal lengths is indicated on the lens barrel, thus it is easy to see what the object size will be at the sensor. Furthermore, in order to secure a clear field of view, the design of this lens is very thorough, even down to the precise position of the engraved letters on the lens.
There are three requirements for outstanding lenses: fine design, precise manufacturing and inspection that ensures compliance with all specifications. SIGMA lenses are born of well-thought-out design concepts and sophisticated, advanced Japanese manufacturing technology; the final clincher is our lens performance evaluation. We used to measure lens performance using conventional sensors. However, we've now developed our own A1* proprietary MTF (modulation transfer function) measuring system using 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensors. Applying this system, we check each lens in our new lines at our Aizu factory, our sole production site. Even previously undetectable high-frequency details are now within the scope of our quality control inspections, allowing us to deliver consistently high lens performance. Our MTF system has the capability to test lenses for full-size 20+ megapixel 35mm digital SLR cameras.
*A1：Aizu １
The 46 effective megapixel (4,800 × 3,200 × 3 layers) and 44 recording megapixel (4,704 × 3,136 × 3 layers) 23.5 × 15.7mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor captures all primary RGB colors at each and every pixel location, ensuring the capture of full and complete color. Using three silicon-embedded layers of photo detectors, stacked vertically to take advantage of silicon's ability to absorb red, green and blue light at different respective depths, it efficiently reproduces color more accurately, and offers sharper resolution, pixel for pixel, than any conventional image sensor. Since color moiré is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required, meaning light and color, generated by the 46-megapixel APS-C X3 direct image sensor is captured with a three-dimensional feel.
Optimizing quality with our integrated production system, SIGMA is focused on making things right, with our own hands and our own techniques. We are now one of the very few manufacturers whose products are solely "made in Japan." We like to think our products are somehow imbued with the essence of our homeland, blessed as it is with clean air and water, and focused, hard-working people. We pride ourselves on the authentic quality of SIGMA products, born of a marriage between highly attuned expertise and intelligent, advanced technology. Our sophisticated products have satisfied professionals and lovers of photography all over the world, because our manufacturing is based on genuine craftsmanship, underpinned by the passion and pride of our experts.
For our new product lines, we have developed exclusive SIGMA Optimization Pro software that allows the user to update the lens firmware and adjust focus position and other parameters. The user will be able to connect the lens to a computer with a special USB DOCK and use easy-to-operate on-screen controls to create personal lens specifications.
MTF
Distortion
Vignetting
Corresponding AF Mounts
[18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM]SIGMA / NIKON / CANON
[18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO HSM]SONY / PENTAX
DC lenses have an image circle that covers APS-C size image sensors. Not for use on digital cameras having image sensors larger than APS-C size or on 35mm or APS film cameras, as vignetting will occur. The angle of view varies depending on which camera the lens is mounted on. To find the 35mm camera-equivalent focal length, multiply the DC lens focal length by the crop factor (digital multiplier) of 1.5, 1.6, or 1.7, depending on the brand of DSLR camera on which the lens will be used. To find which DC lens is equivalent to a full-frame lens, divide the focal length of the full frame lens by the same crop factor. Sony and Pentax mounts are not incorporated with OS function. AF will not function with Pentax ist* series and K100D DSLR cameras that do not support HSM
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