Today the Sigma Photo corporation announced an important new “Art” Series lens for full-frame SLRs: the Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM. The Canon variant of this lens has been one of the most popular lenses for full frame cameras since its release, particularly as a kit lens with the 5D series bodies, but as sensor resolution have increased, the lens design has begun to show its age.
If Sigma’s new offering lives up to the standards of their impressive 35mm f/1.4 and their remarkable 18-35mm f/1.8, then the 24-105 may be a viable alternative… or even an upgrade… over the Canon “L” series glass.
Sigma’s announcement touts, above all else, the lens’s sharpness and suitability for cameras with high-resolution sensors. The lens is not small, weighing just under 2 pounds (31.2oz) and sporting an 82mm filter ring, but all of that size means that there’s room for high quality optics. The design consists of 19 elements in 14 groups, including 3 aspherical, 2 SLD, and 2 FLD elements, with the front element treated with Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer coating to reduce flare, ghosting, and chromatic aberration. The aperture is comprised of 9 rounded blades for smooth bokeh.
And, as the name suggests, the lens makes use of a Sigma’s HSM (high-speed motor), the equivalent of Canon’s USM and Nikon’s silent-wave motor, and the OS designation refers to “Optical Stabilization”, which Sigma usually claims will provide around 3-4 stops of extra stability in low light, although no specific information is provided about the OS on this lens for the moment.
Price and availability are still unavailable.
