Ronkonkoma, NY—Sigma Corporation of America announced the official release of the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports lens. Sigma designed the lightweight, large-aperture telephoto zoom lens exclusively for full-frame mirrorless cameras. Moreover, the lens is available for Sony E and Leica L mounts.
“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. It is also suitable for a wide range of styles and genres, including nature, wildlife, photojournalism, action sports, wedding and portraits,” Sigma stated.
Furthermore, dust- and splashproof construction, an optical stabilizer (OS), as well as an inner zoom mechanism that does not affect barrel length are all features to meet demanding photographic conditions. What’s more, this is the first Sigma DN zoom lens with a click/de-click type aperture ring.
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports Details
To begin, the lens has a streamlined optical design and a multi-material structure. Sigma used magnesium and TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) to achieve a lightweight lens body. Further, 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 f/2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports for DSLRs (approximately 4 pounds, SA mount), the 70–200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS | Sports is significantly lighter at 3 pounds for the L mount.
The lens’s 20-element, 15-group optical formula and mechanical design streamline the configuration and internal structure. Thus, it has a significantly smaller, lighter body than the previous Sigma 70–200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports model. The body, including the hood, features a multi-material structure that optimally arranges materials. CFRP is a light but strong material used in the interior and exterior fittings of aircraft. TSC is a polycarbonate with a thermal expansion rate like that of aluminum.
Notable Features
In addition, the lens uses 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. It also uses a floating focus to achieve high-speed AF drive. The floating configuration, where 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. Consequently, it achieves fast, responsive AF. Plus, Sigma’s latest OS2 stabilization algorithm results in image stabilization performance of 7.5 stops at the wide end and 5.5 stops at the tele end.
What’s more, for videographers, the lens has very minimal focus breathing on both the wide and tele ends. A minimal change in center of gravity also enables stable shooting in all situations. This includes handheld, on a tripod and with a gimbal. Additionally, during zooming, five groups are moved to suppress aberration fluctuation.
Sigma also notes the 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.”
Pro-Level Features
The flagship of Sigma’s Sports line combines its latest technologies to meet professionals’ needs. The latest optical design employs luxury glass materials. They include six FLD (fluorite equivalent) and two SLD (special low dispersion) elements thaat help deliver high resolving power throughout the zoom range. Three aspherical lenses are also used. Further, the lens’s floating focus is advantageous in improving short-range performance. It was employed to ensure high image quality throughout the entire range from the minimum focusing distance to infinity. The design also reduces flare and ghosting.
Using Sigma’s latest OS2 optical stabilization algorithm, the lens also offers two OS modes. Mode 1 is suitable for general shooting. Mode 2 is for panning shots of motorsports and other sports. Additionally, mode 2 also adopts Sigma’s intelligent OS to enable image stabilization even when the camera is moved vertically or diagonally. Consequently, photographers can capture the subject’s movement without losing the panning shot effect.
Moreover, to meet the demands of rigorous outdoor assignments, the mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring, switches, switch panel and exterior connection are dust and splash resistant. Further, the front element of the lens has a water- and oil-repellent coating to facilitate maintenance.
In addition to an aperture ring, a magnesium tripod mount and various switches, the lens offers other functions for professional photographers. The lens body incorporates an Arca-Swiss-compatible magnesium alloy tripod socket. The detachable leg is newly designed for this lens to achieve a more compact, lightweight form. Also, the lens provides a focus limiter switch to limit the focus driving range during AF when necessary. Further, it has three AFL buttons photographers can assign to preferred functions using the camera. The AFL buttons are easy to operate regardless of how the camera is oriented.
Other Features
Moreover, the L-mount version of the lens is compatible with Sigma’s TC-1411 (1.4x) and TC-2011 (2.0x) teleconverters. Using a tele converter, the focal length is multiplied by 1.4x and even 2x, for AF-enabled shooting at ultra-telephoto focal lengths up to 400mm. The lens also features an 11-blade rounded diaphragm and minimum focusing distances of 25.6 inches at the wide end and 39.4 inches at the tele end.
Additionally, a lightweight, exclusive cover-type lens hood made of CFRP is included. Along with its slim design, the tip of the hood is rubberized. Thus, the lens is protected from abrasion caused by placing it upside down.
The Sigma 70–200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS | Sports lens in the E and L mounts will reach retail on December 7, 2023. It will have a suggested retail price of $1,499.
