Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM Preview

After leaking their own new lens earlier in the week they finally officially let loose with the 24-105 F4 OS lens. This is a very nice range for shooting everything from groups to portraits even with it being an F4. I personally still prefer the 2.8 or better lenses but if you want a range like this, this could be a good option.

Canon currently offers a 24-105 F4 IS for $1,149 and Nikon has a 24-120 F4 VR that sells for just shy of $1,300. My major question comes down to price, where will this SIGMA be priced? My guess is going to be $899 based on the current price of the Canon.

For now I have copied the press release below so you can read all the specs.

********UPDATE******** Sigma Prices this lens at $899 just as I guessed.

Sigma Corporation announces new, optically stabilized 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM lens
Standard zoom with versatile focal range, features stabilization, outstanding image quality

RONKONKOMA, NY — October 16, 2013 — Sigma Corporation of America (www.sigmaphoto.com), a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, today announced its newest addition to the Sigma Art line of lenses for full-frame cameras, the 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM.

True to its categorization as a Sigma Art lens, the new 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM is designed for artistic expression and top-notch image quality. This versatile lens covers the basic shooting range from wide to medium tele with an inner focusing system that eliminates front lens rotation, enhancing the lens stability and allowing the use of circular polarizing filters. It also boasts a constant aperture of F4, and contains Sigma’s proprietary Optical Stabilizer (OS) technology to compensate for camera shake. Moreover, it was designed to surpass the required quality inspection of every Global Vision lens with Sigma’s own modulation transfer function (MTF) “A1” measuring system to create new optical standard to align with the high-spec cameras on today’s market.

“For many years, Sigma users have been seeking a standard zoom lens in this range,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “The 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM is yet another example of Sigma listening to its users and delivering new and innovative products with the highest image quality.”

Amir-Hamzeh added that this new lens combines the largest possible fixed aperture to zoom ratio that will maintain optimal integrity for many kinds of photography, including landscapes, architecture, portraiture and still-life. With a minimum focusing distance of 45cm and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.6, this lens is also excellent for close-up photography.

High-performance glass elements, including SLD, FLD, which is equal to fluorite, and glass-molded single- and double-sided aspheric lenses have been included into the optical system to prevent aberration, field curvature, distortions and color aberration. The 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM lens is also able to suppress chromatic aberration very effectively at the telephoto-end, and can achieve superior image quality throughout the zoom range. Unlike lenses with similar specifications, this lens overcomes low peripheral brightness. Although it is designed for full frame cameras, it also works with APS-C sensors, giving an increase to focal length.

The lens’ Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures a silent, high-speed auto focus function and enables full-time manual focusing capability. The 24-105mm is also compatible with Sigma’s USB dock allowing photographers to update its firmware and change focus parameters using Sigma’s Optimization Pro software. It is also compatible with Sigma’s recently announced Mount Conversion Service.

Specifications:
Lens Construction: 19 elements in 14 groups
Minimum aperture: F22
Filter size: ø82mm
Angle of view (35mm format): 84.1°-23.3°
Minimum focusing distance: 45cm/17.7in.
Dimensions (Diameter x Length): ø88.6mm x 109.4mm/3.5in. x 4.3in.
Number of diaphragm blades: 9 (Rounded diaphragm)
Maximum magnification ratio: 1:4.6
Weight: 885g/31.2oz

About Sigma Corporation

Since 1961, Sigma has worked toward a single, simple goal: To imagine and develop photographic technologies that push the envelope, empower photographers and produce unparalleled imagery. We’ve honored this commitment by maintaining control of our design, research and development, and manufacturing processes in our own Aizu Factory. Our products are built with premium materials and are known worldwide for quality and performance. Our family-owned organization is the largest, independent SLR lens manufacturer in the world, producing more than 45 lenses that are compatible with most manufacturers, including Sigma, Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and Pentax. Sigma Corporation also produces digital SLR cameras and high-definition digital compact cameras. The company is headquartered in Japan, with offices strategically located throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Photography is all we do, and it’s all we’ve done. For information about Sigma and our products, please visit www.sigmaphoto.com.