Camera
Sigma releases 70-200mm DG DN OS: internal zoom tele lens for mirrorless
Sigma has announced the 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS lens for full-frame Sony E-mount and Leica, Sigma and Panasonic L-mount cameras that it’s been promising for some weeks now.
Its latest 70-200mm design features an internal focus design and sits in the company’s “Sports” series of lenses. It uses dual “High-response” linear actuators to drive two focus groups. This helps the lens achieve a minimum focus distance of 65cm (25.6″) at its widest focal length (100cm (39.4″) at the long end).
It features 20 elements in 15 groups, including 6 ‘fluorite-like’ FLD elements, 2 super-low dispersion elements and 3 aspherical lenses. It includes the latest iteration of Sigma’s stabilization algorithm, which provides up to 7.5EV of correction at the wide end and 5.5EV at the long end, per CIPA standard testing.
For video shooters, Sigma says the internal focus and internal zoom design results in minimal change in center of gravity during operation, making it easier to use on a gimbal. It also says focus breathing has been minimized at both ends of the zoom, and there’s an aperture ring that can be declicked to allow smooth transitions.
The lens weighs 1345g (47.4oz) in the L-mount form, and 10g (0.3oz) lighter for E-mount. It includes a detachable, Arca-Swiss compatible tripod shoe and a barrel-type hood made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic.
The lens will available from December 7th 2023 at a recommended price of $1499, making it significantly less expensive than most camera makers’ own-brand lenses.
SIGMA Announces Release of 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports Lens
Ronkonkoma, NY, November 16, 2023 – SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is pleased to announce the official release of the highly-anticipated SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports lens.
A reliable and lightweight large-aperture telephoto zoom lens designed exclusively for full-frame mirrorless cameras, the 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports is available for Sony E-mount and Leica L-Mount. Combining high-speed AF, remarkably effective OS, exceptional mechanical reliability, and superior optical performance, this high-performance lens is purpose-built to meet the rigorous demands of professionals, and is suitable for a wide range of styles and genres including nature, wildlife, photojournalism, action sports, wedding and portraits. The lens will retail for $1,499 USD and will be available through authorized retailers on December 7, 2023.
Dust and splash-proof construction, high-performance optical stabilizer (OS), and an inner zoom mechanism that does not affect barrel length, are all features designed for the most demanding photographic conditions. It is also the first SIGMA DN zoom lens to be equipped with an aperture ring (click/declick type).
Streamlined optical design and a multi-material structure featuring magnesium and TSC have resulted in a lightweight lens body. A new compact tripod collar and foot also help minimize weight, as does a CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced plastic) lens hood. Compared to the 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports for DSLR cameras (1,805g for SA mount), the 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports is significantly lighter (1,345g for L-Mount).
Featuring Dual HLA-driven floating focus for fast, accurate AF, the focus lens is driven using a high-thrust HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) as the focus actuator, and a floating focus is used to achieve high-speed AF drive. The floating configuration of this lens, in which the two focus groups are driven in opposite directions, reduces the amount of movement of each focus group to about half that of a single group focus system, achieving extremely fast AF that is highly responsive. The latest OS2 stabilization algorithm achieves image stabilization performance of 7.5 stops at the Wide end and 5.5 stops at the Tele end.
The SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports has very minimal focus breathing on both the wide and tele ends, making it a powerful lens for video applications. The minimal change in center of gravity enables stable shooting in all situations, including handheld, on a tripod, and with a gimbal. During zooming, five groups are moved to suppress aberration fluctuation, achieving high optical performance throughout the zoom range.
S | Sports
SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS
Performance, reliability, and mobility at its highest level.
- High-speed AF and optical stabilizer function that maximize superior optical performance
- Top-level build quality condensed into a highly mobile lens
- A wealth of functions to assist professionals
Available mounts: L-Mount, Sony E-mount
Launch date: December 7, 2023
Packed with all the technology SIGMA has to offer.
The large F2.8 aperture provides stable and high descriptive performance at all zoom and focus ranges. The high-speed AF with a dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) based on a floating focus structure, and the Optical Stabilizer function with the OS2 algorithm with up to 7.5 stops of correction effect*, ensure that users can take the right shot when there is no room for error. The highly mobile lens with high durability, rigidity, and texture is equipped with a wealth of functions to assist comfortable shooting, including an inner zoom mechanism for easy handling, as well as an aperture ring and switches with various customization functions. The flagship SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports, combined with the best of SIGMA’s latest technologies to meet the high-level demands of professionals, has finally arrived.
* Based on CIPA guidelines (Measured at 70mm and 200mm with a 35mm full-frame image sensor)
[Key Features]
1. High-speed AF and optical stabilizer function that maximize superior optical performance
The SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports, developed with professional use in mind, offers not only high optical performance, but also high-speed AF with a dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) and an optical stabilizer function with up to 7.5 stops. The Sports line lenses offer high optical performance, and all functions are based on state-of-the-art technology.
High descriptive performance at all zoom and focus ranges
The latest optical design, which employs luxurious glass materials including 6 FLD and 2 SLD elements of special low-dispersion glass, delivers high resolving power throughout the entire zoom range. Three aspherical lenses are used, as they are now indispensable for superior optical performance and streamlined lens construction. The exceptionally high precision of the aspherical lenses, which take advantage of the technical capabilities of SIGMA’s only production facility, the Aizu factory, further improves optical performance. The incorporated floating focus is advantageous in improving short-range performance, ensuring a stable, high-level image quality throughout the entire range from the minimum focusing distance to infinity.
High-speed AF with a dual HLA
The SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports with floating focus has a structure in which the two focus groups move in opposite directions, thereby reducing the amount of focus lens movement by about half. In addition, the use of an HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motor in each of the two focus groups enables high-speed autofocusing. In addition to being fast and accurate, the lens also employs a control program that is designed to be quiet, so users can shoot movies comfortably without worrying about noise.
OS2 algorithm in optical stabilizer function
The latest OS2 optical stabilization algorithm provides an extremely high image stabilization effect of 7.5 stops at the wide end and 5.5 stops at the telephoto end*. The lens is equipped with two OS modes: Mode 1 is suitable for general shooting, and Mode 2 is ideal for panning shots of motorsports and other sports. In Mode 2, SIGMA’s Intelligent OS, an algorithm specially designed for panning shots, enables effective image stabilization even when the camera is moved vertically or diagonally, irrespective of the horizontal and vertical orientation. This ensures that the subject’s movement can be captured without losing the panning shot effect.
* Based on CIPA guidelines (Measured at 70mm and 200mm with a 35mm full-frame image sensor)
Designed to minimize focus breathing
The lens has been designed to suppress focus breathing. The change in angle of view due to focus shift is minimized, creating a natural-looking focus shift when recording video.
Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
Flare and ghosting, which reduce image quality, are addressed under all conditions of incident light based on the most advanced simulation technology. High backlight resistance enables clear and sharp images under any lighting conditions.
2. Top-level build quality condensed into a highly mobile lens
SIGMA is committed to excellent build quality in all its lenses. Among them, the SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports, which is part of the Sports line, offers not only high weather resistance performance for shooting in harsh environments, but also improved quality and durability through the use of cutting-edge materials in appropriate places based on a streamlined optical and mechanical design. At the same time, a high level of mobility is also realized, resulting in a professional equipment that can be used with confidence over the long term.
High quality and durability despite its small size and light weight
The latest optical and mechanical design streamlines the lens configuration and internal structure, resulting in a significantly smaller and lighter body than the previous SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports model. The body, including the hood, features a “multi-material structure” that optimally arranges materials such as magnesium, CFRP*1, and TSC*2. Even with enhanced mobility, the lens features SIGMA’s renowned excellent build quality, including high durability, reliable rigidity, and various control rings and switches that have been carefully designed to feel good.
* 1 CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), a light but strong material used in the interior and exterior fittings of aircraft, among many other applications.
* 2 TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) is a type of polycarbonate with a thermal expansion rate similar to that of aluminum. It has high affinity to metal parts which contributes to high quality product manufacturing.
Adoption of inner zoom mechanism
The zoom mechanism employs an inner zoom. Since the total length of the lens does not change with zoom operation, it is easy to handle when shooting hand-held, highly stable when installed on a gimbal, and resistant to dust and water droplets.
Weatherability of Sports line specifications
The mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring, switches, switch panel and exterior connection are all dust and splash resistant* to prevent dust and dirt from entering the lens. Further, the front element of the lens features a water and oil repellent coating to facilitate maintenance when water droplets or dust adhere to the lens.
* The structure is designed to be dust and splash resistant, but not waterproof. Be careful not to bring the lens in contact with a large amount of water. Water inside the lens may cause major damage and even render the lens unrepairable.
3. A wealth of functions to assist professional photographers
In addition to an aperture ring, a magnesium tripod mount, and various switches, the highly mobile lens has a wealth of functions available, enabling a more comfortable and versatile shooting experience for users.
Equipped with an aperture ring
This is the first SIGMA zoom lens for still photography to be equipped with an aperture ring. It is also equipped with an aperture ring click switch and an aperture ring lock switch, allowing for aperture operation suited to the shooting application.
Newly developed tripod socket
The lens body incorporates an Arca-Swiss compatible magnesium alloy tripod socket. The detachable leg is newly designed for the SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports in order to achieve a compact and lightweight design.
Customizable functions
Equipped with a Focus Limiter switch, the lens enables users to limit the focus driving range during AF when necessary, allowing quick and precise focusing.
Further, the lens features three AFL buttons* ready to be assigned to preferred functions using the camera. The AFL buttons are easy to operate regardless of how the camera is oriented or which settings are used. For the L-Mount version, the SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 can be used to set OS operation or focus limiter range for the Custom Mode switch.
* Only on compatible cameras. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used.
Tele Converter for L-Mount (1.4x / 2.0x)
The L-Mount version of the lens is compatible with the SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1411 (1.4x) and TC-2011 (2.0x). Using a tele converter, the focal length can be multiplied by 1.4x and even 2x, for AF-enabled shooting at ultra-telephoto focal lengths of up to 400mm.
Cover-type lens hood included
A lightweight, high-strength, exclusive cover-type lens hood made of CFRP* is included. In addition to its slim design that does not impair the mobility of the lens, the tip of the hood is rubberized to protect the lens from abrasion and scratches caused by placing the lens upside down.
* CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), a light but strong material used in the interior and exterior fittings of aircraft, among many other applications.
[ Additional Features ]
- Lens construction: 20 elements in 15 groups (6 FLD, 2 SLD, 3 aspherical elements)
- OS (Optical Stabilizer) function with the latest “OS2” algorithm
- Inner zoom
- Inner focus system
- Compatible with high-speed autofocus
- HLA (High-response Linear Actuator)
- Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction
* Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections or auto correction functionality may vary depending on the camera model.
* On cameras where lens aberration correction is controlled with ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ in the camera menu, please set all aberration correction functions to ‘ON’ (AUTO). - Supports DMF and AF+MF
- Compatible with AF assist (Sony E-mount only)
- Nano Porous Coating
- Super Multi-Layer Coating
- Water and Oil Repellent Coating (front element)
- Aperture ring
- Aperture ring click switch
- Aperture ring lock switch
- AFL button (3 buttons)
* Only on compatible cameras. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used. - Focus Limiter switch
- Focus Mode switch
- Support for switching between linear focus / non-linear focus ring settings (for L-Mount only)
- Function available on supported cameras only.
- OS switch
- Custom Mode switch
- Dust and Splash Resistant Structure
- LENS HOOD LH860-01
- TRIPOD SOCKET TS-151 (detachable lens foot type)
- Compatible with SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1411 / TC-2011 (sold separately / for L-Mount only)
- Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only)
- Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
- Every single lens undergoes SIGMA’s proprietary MTF measuring system
- 11-blade rounded diaphragm
- High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount
- Mount Conversion Service available
- “Made in Aizu, Japan” craftsmanship
Learn more about SIGMA’s craftsmanship here:
https://www.sigma-global.com/en/about/craftsmanship/
[ Contact ]
For further information, please contact your local authorized SIGMA Service Station listed here:
https://www.sigma-global.com/en/world-network/
[ Information ]
SIGMA Corporation:
https://www.sigma-global.com/en/
Product information:
https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/s023_70_200_28/
Camera
Pentax K-1 and K-1 II firmware updates include astrophotography features (depending on where you live)
Yesterday, Ricoh quietly released firmware 2.50 for its Pentax K-1 and K-1 II DSLRs. However, the features you can expect to gain from this update may depend on your geography.
Ricoh’s English-language firmware pages for the K-1 and K-1 II state that firmware 2.50 delivers “Improved stability for general performance.”
However, astute Pentax users noted that Ricoh’s Japanese-language firmware pages (translation) indicate that the update also includes a limited feature called “Astronomical Photo Assist,” a collection of three new features designed for astrophotography: Star AF, remote control focus fine adjustment, and astronomical image processing.
Star AF is intended to automate focusing on stars when using autofocus lenses. Rather than manually focusing on a bright star and changing your composition, it promises to let you compose your shot and let the camera focus.
Remote control fine adjustment allows users to adjust focus without touching the lens and requires Pentax’s optional O-RC1 remote. Astronomical image processing will enable users to make in-camera adjustments to astrophotography images, including shading correction, fogging correction, background darkness, star brightness, celestial clarity, and fringe correction.
 |
| Astronomical image processing on the K-1 and K-1 II will enable users to make in-camera adjustments to astrophotography images, including shading correction, fogging correction, background darkness, star brightness, celestial clarity, and fringe correction. |
According to Ricoh, Astronomical Photo Assist is a premium feature that must be purchased and costs ￥11,000 for an activation key (about $70 at current exchange rates).
Although these astrophotography features appear to be Japan-only for now, a Ricoh representative tells us, “Ricoh Imaging Americas confirmed that the premium firmware features for the PENTAX K-1 and PENTAX K-1 Mark II will eventually be available to US customers.”
Firmware update 2.50 for both the K-1 and K-1 II is available for download from Ricoh’s website.
As part of our twenty fifth anniversary, we’re looking back at some of the most significant cameras launched and reviewed during that period. Today’s pick was launched seven years ago today* and yet we’re only quite recently stepping out of its shadow.
The Nikon D850 is likely to be remembered as the high watermark of DSLR technology. We may yet still see impressive developments from Ricoh in the future (we’d love to see a significantly upgraded Pentax K-1 III), but the D850 was perhaps the green flash as the sun set on the DSLR as the dominant technology in the market.
Click here to read our Nikon D850 review
Why do we think it was such a big deal? Because it got just about everything right. Its 45MP sensor brought dual conversion gain to high pixel count sensors, meaning excellent dynamic range at base ISO and lower noise at high ISOs. Its autofocus system was one of the best we’ve ever seen on a DSLR: easy to use and highly dependable, with a good level of coverage. And then there was a body and user interface honed by years of iterative refinement, that made it easy to get the most out of the camera.
None of this is meant as a slight towards the other late-period DSLRs but the likes of Canon’s EOS 5DS and 5DSR didn’t present quite such a complete package of AF tracking, daylight DR and low-light quality as the Nikon did. With its ability to shoot at up to 9fps (if you used the optional battery grip), the D850 started to chip away at the idea that high megapixel cameras were specialized landscape and studio tools that would struggle with movement or less-than-perfect lighting. And that’s without even considering its 4K video capabilities.
In the seven years since the D850 was launched, mirrorless cameras have eclipsed most areas in which DSLRs once held the advantage. For example, the Z8 can shoot faster, autofocus more with more accuracy and precision, across a wider area of the frame and do so while shooting at much faster rates.
But, even though it outshines the D850 in most regards, the Z8 is still based around what we believe is a (significant) evolution of the same sensor, and its reputation still looms large enough for Nikon to explicitly market the Z8 as its “true successor.”
Nikon D850 sample gallery
*Actually seven years ago yesterday: we had to delay this article for a day to focus on the publishing the Z6III studio scene: the latest cameras taking precedence over our anniversary content.
| Photo: Richard Butler |
We’ve just received a production Nikon Z6III and took it into our studio immediately to get a sense for how the sensor really performs.
Dynamic range tests have already been conducted, but these only give a limited insight into the image quality as a whole. As expected, our Exposure Latitude test – which mimics the effect of reducing exposure to capture a bright sunrise or sunset, then making use of the deep shadows – shows a difference if you use the very deepest shadows, just as the numerical DR tests imply.
Likewise, our ISO Invariance test shows there’s more of a benefit to be had from applying more amplification by raising the ISO setting to overcome the read noise, than there was in the Z6 II. This means there’s a bigger improvement when you move up to the higher gain step of the dual conversion gain sensor but, as with the Z6 II, little more to be gained beyond that.
These are pushing at the extreme of the sensor’s performance though. For most everyday photography, you don’t use the deepest shadows of the Raw files, so differences in read noise between sensors don’t play much of a role. In most of the tones of an image, sensor size plays a huge role, along with any (pretty rare) differences in light capturing efficiency.
As expected, the standard exposures look identical to those of the Z6 II. There are similar (or better) levels of detail at low ISO, in both JPEG and Raw. At higher ISO, the Z6III still looks essentially the same as the Z6II. Its fractionally higher level of read noise finally comes back to have an impact at very, very high ISO settings.
Overall, then, there is a read noise price to be paid for the camera’s faster sensor, in a way that slightly blunts the ultimate flexibility of the Raw files at low ISO and that results in fractionally more noise at ultra-high ISOs. But we suspect most people will more than happily pay this small price in return for a big boost in performance.
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