Sigma announces ultra telephoto zoom

New optic covers focal range up to 500mm

31 January 2008 16:00 GMT / By Katie Scott

Introducing the whopping Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM.

This new ultra-telephoto lens is built from 21 Elements in 15 Groups, including three SLD glass elements, which correct chromatic aberration. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting.

The lens is equipped with a rear focus system that minimises fluctuation of aberration caused by focusing.

The 150-500mm optic also incorporates Sigma’s OS (Optical Stabiliser) system, which offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed approximately four stops faster.

This means that the lens is said to be ideal for sports, wildlife and landscape photography with handheld shooting.

It also has an HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) motor and full time manual focus.

The lens comes with Sigma AF, Canon AF and Nikon AF at the moment.

Sigma adds that the addition of the (optional) 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters produce a 210-700mm F7-8.8 MF ultra-telephoto zoom lens or a 300-1000mm F10-12.6 MF ultra-telephoto zoom lens respectively.

A removable tripod collar (TS-31) is included as a standard.

No confirmation on the UK price as yet, but we do know that the lens will arrive in April.

Key features at a glance:
- Minimum aperture: f/22
- Minimum focusing distance: 220cm
- Maximum Magnification 1:5.2
- Angle of view: 16.4°- 5°
- Filter size: 86mm
- Weight: 1910g
- Dimensions: 94.7mm(D)x252mm(L)