Sigma's new 18-250 F3.5-6.3 DC OS represents one of the best value kit lenses on the market today - with stabilisation, strong performance throughout the zoom range, and a low RRP (as always, search retailers for the best prices these days, but beware of grey importers). David Kilpatrick reviewed the lens for the Sony user group and has provided the review for us - with the lens tested on both sony and Canon equipment. Read below for his in-depth review and conclusions.
The DP range was first announced at Photokina in 2006; with a build up campaign and ongoing development it would be the beginning of 2008 before people could hold and use the pioneering camera. That gestation period saw the development of a new processor and pipeline for Sigma cameras; it also saw the details emerge that the DP was not to be a one-off, but part of a family of large-sensor compact cameras. Unique in the market still, the 28mm “wide” DP1 has been joined by a 41mm “standard” DP2.
With a much shorter period from announcement to availability it looks like Sigma’s ownership of Foveon will allow the firm to react to market demands more effectively - and the DP2 demonstrates how the feedback from early DP1 users has shaped their latest camera.
The new Sigma EX DG 70-200mm f/2.8 HSM Macro II answers some requests from owners of earlier Sigma 70-200mms, and some prayers from owners or want-to-be owners of 'marque' lenses with similar specifications.
The prayer these days is for a sudden favourable shift in the exchange rate, with lenses from Canon, Nikon or Sony in this category now costing as much again as a full-frame DSLR body. Sigma has the answer to that prayer at half the marque price, while now adding the one feature everyone wants, in-lens HyperSonic Motor focusing. Found in all the makers' own 70-200mms, it can now also be found in the Sigma design for all mounts.
Sigma already produce an excellent option for the DP1 and 2 in the form of the VF optical viewfinders - but if you own both cameras, or have to wear glasses, using this design of optical viewfinder can be a little tricky. The Ikodot is a simple folded-wire viewfinder which can be used on any camera as a quick reference for composition, and may suit glasses-wearers far better than many options.
Sigma's DP1 digital compact camera broke new ground by offering a DSLR sensor in a point-and-shoot style body - it also offered the unique mix of a Foveon sensor and a good 28mm lens for only a little more than the equivalent 35mm glass. Despite this very single-purpose approach, Sigma felt that the DP1 could be given more versatility and announced the AML-1 close up lens accessory.
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