Sigma’s long requested and highly anticipated 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS “Sports” lens will arrive for $1,499 on December 7 for Sony E and Leica L mount.
Described as a reliable and large-aperture telephoto zoom lens, Sigma’s new 70-200mm f/2.8 is made specifically for mirrorless cameras. It promises to deliver high-speed autofocus, “remarkably effective” optical stabilization, “exceptional” mechanical reliability, and “superior” optical performance and is made to fit the demands of working professionals.
The lens is constructed of 20 elements arranged into 15 groups including six FLD lenses, two SLD optics, and three aspherical elements to compensate and correct for a wide variety of optical aberrations. It features an aperture range of f/2.8 through f/22 via an 11-bladed diaphragm.
The optical construction of the 70-200mm f/2.8, which Sigma describes as “luxurious,” is designed to minimize ghosting and flaring as well as focus breathing. Flare and ghosting are promised to be reduced significantly and photographers are told to expect high backlighting resistance to enable clear and sharp images regardless of lighting condition. Focus breathing has also been specifically targeted and has been optically suppressed to the point where field of view shift is minimized.
Autofocus is driven by Sigma’s dual high-response linear actuator (HLA). One motor can be found in each focus group which the company says reduces the amount of focus lens movement by half and enables high-speed autofocus capability. Additionally, linear actuators are known to be very quiet so the autofocus should be reliable for video production as well.
On the stabilization front, the lens features Sigma’s OS2 algorithm to provide what it promises is 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,” the company explains.
“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.”
Below are a few sample images captured with the lens, provided by Sigma:
The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS “Sports” lens weighs 47.4 ounces (1,345 grams) with the tripod foot attached, meaning it is not particularly lightweight, although the company says that in use, the center of gravity for the optic does not change much even when zooming.
As mentioned, the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS “Sports” lens will be available to purchase starting December 7 for $1,499.
Image credits: Sigma