Two new Sigma 150-60mmmm lenses anounced

One in the consumer oriented Contemporary line and the other in the high end Sport line.

There is a table comparing the two here:
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/107546 ... -hsm-zooms
The Contemporary is in the same class as the Tamron we have been discussing while the Sport is a higher optical and physical grade lens.

Also yet another consumer grade 18-300mm for APS-C cameras.

Finally, new versions of their 1.4x and 2x teleconverters

I assume the contemporary one is to compete with the Tamron and the Sport model to give the IQ that people really want and are willing to pay more to get it? It will be interesting to see test results once they are out.

Scott Fairbairn wrote:I assume the contemporary one is to compete with the Tamron and the Sport model to give the IQ that people really want  and are willing to pay more to get it? It will be interesting to see test results once they are out.

Yup!

Perhaps the Sprot will have USB Dock compatibility and the other not? Will be interesting to see how splitting a single lens in such a way pans out.

Neilyb wrote:Perhaps the Sprot will have USB Dock compatibility and the other not? Will be interesting to see how splitting a single lens in such a way pans out.

That is very likely.  I am certain the Sport will have that capability.

Both these lens are compatible with the Dock, Here is a quote from the press release.

All of Sigma’s Global Vision lenses are compatible with the company’s USB dock and Mount Conversion Service, and undergo individual testing before being shipped. Using the USB Dock allows for advanced customization of AF speed, OS viewing modes, focus limiter and firmware updates. Every Sigma Global Vision lens is tested with Sigma’s proprietary “A1” MTF measuring system prior to shipping to ensure optimal performance and image quality.

my question is how much is the sport lens going to cost? :)it looks pretty interesting

Fair enough. But their A1 MTF measuring system did not stop my 120-300 Sport having a -15 adjustment at the long end and -20 at the short...

I do wonder why we need another 18-300 lens though.. sigh.

Neilyb wrote:Fair enough. But their A1 MTF measuring system did not stop my 120-300 Sport having a -15 adjustment at the long end and -20 at the short...

I do wonder why we need another 18-300 lens though.. sigh.

That's not unique to Sigma - Nikon 500mm f/4 with Nikon 1.4x TC often need that much or more.  Sigma's 150 is uncalibratable on a D810 though.

I still don't understand why lens makers keep making these monster zooms which are challenging from both an optical and handling perspective. Is there there no demand for high quality, weather proof, stabilized 400/5.6 or even 100-400/4-5.6? Canon's offerings are in serious need of an update and we known Sigma (& Tamron) can certainly produce these goods. And it looks like Canon's optical offerings this year are not what a lot of us expected.

Cheers,

Jim

Here's a link to another announcement of these lenses. It's a bit easier on the eyes (white background, large print) than the DP review page (black background, tiny print).
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/pho ... adMoreBttn

Wow, 6.3lb for the Sport - it's definitely heavy.  I am actually having high hopes for the Sport.  Just wish with that kind of weight they would have made it f/5.6 on the long end or even a flat f/5.6 through the whole zoom range would be fine.

Here is Sigma's MTF chart for the Sport lens.  It's actually quite good especially if shooting in a cropped mode like Nikon's 1.2x or DX mode or even the D7100's 1.95x crop mode, or Canon's APS-H or APS-C modes where you won't use as much of the part of the lens where things fall off.  They do indicate a pretty significant reduction in fine detail rendering capability near the edges, especially on larger sensors. Sigma has not published MTF curves for the cheaper Contemporary lens...

By comparison, here is the Nikon 600 f/4 - note the much better edge performance: Disclaimer: these are calculated MTF curves provided by the manufacturers...

I had the 150-600 f5.6 Canon FD lens. It was a terrific lens. It will be interesting to see what this one is like. I agree it would have been nice if this sigma lens was 5.6 straight through.

This sports version contain fluorite element (equivalent)......Which is only available in top notch telephoto prime...Look impressive in Dx as E J said.

E.J. Peiker wrote:Wow, 6.3lb for the Sport - it's definitely heavy.  I am actually having high hopes for the Sport.  Just wish with that kind of weight they would have made it f/5.6 on the long end or even a flat f/5.6 through the whole zoom range would be fine.

The sport is almost big enough in diameter to be f5.6 with a  105mm filter thread vs 95 for the contemporary  (600/6.3 = 95.2.....600/5.6= 107)

absu wrote:This sports version contain fluorite element (equivalent)......Which is only available in top notch  telephoto prime...Look impressive in Dx as E J said.

I am curious about the fld element in these two Sigmas...are they fluorite crystal or Florine coated?  Not saying that Sigma can't use the crystal but I imagine it is expensive, but maybe 3rd party is supplying it like the Nikon 800 5.6.

It is an extra low dispersion glass which is "equivalent" to fluorite:

http://ramrao.com/photography/sigma-fld-glass.html
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/faq/ive-recen ... t-from-eld
It is interesting as they say it has low refractive index and dispersion to be equivalent to fluorite, however the low refractive index means fluorite needs greater curvature and a low dispersion, high index glass may be preferred for lens design.

Pleasantly surprised with the sub $2K price of the Sport lens!

I hope the availability of the sport will be better than the Tamron 150-600.