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Sigma's follow-up to the refresh of another one of its Merrill cameras, the DP1, is a Quattro version. The dp1 Quattro features the same 19mm f/2.8 lens (28mm full-frame equivalent) as the DP1 Merrill, but it uses the sensor and image processor found in the dp2 Quattro.
We expect image quality and performance to be in line with the dp2, and the camera's design is identical, so you can peruse that review to get a good idea about what to expect from the dp1 Quattro. Pricing hasn't been announced, but we expect it to sell in the same range as the dp2—$999.
Sigma is also releasing some new lenses as part of its Global Vision line. It's been two years since the last Photokina, and at the last show, Sigma announced its Global Vision lens strategy, which separated its lineup into optics designed for general use (Contemporary), fine art (Art), and capturing fast moving action (Sports). To this point, the releases under these banners haven't overlapped in terms of focal length, but by announcing a pair of 150-600mm zooms, one in the Sports line and one in the Contemporary series, Sigma is finally putting the Global Vision plan to good use.
The 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports is the larger of the two lenses, coming in at 11.4 by 4.8 inches (HD) and 6.3 pounds, and its design incorporates 24 lens elements in 16 groups. There are two FLD elements and three SLD elements, and a minimum focus distance of 8.5 feet, which gives the lens a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5. It will be available in Sigma, Canon, and Nikon mounts.
The Contemporary version of the lens is smaller (10.2 by 4.1 inches) and features a less complicated design that uses 20 elements in 14 groups with one FLD and three SLD elements. Its minimum focus distance is a little longer, 9.2 feet, but Sigma states that it too supports 1:5 magnification, but doesn't yet have a final weight for the lens. The lens will be offered for Sigma, Canon, Nikon, and Sony SLRs.
Both versions of the lenses work with full-frame cameras, are protected against dust and splashes, and feature an optical stabilization system that uses an accelerometer to detect panning. They also include a zoom lock, manual focus override, and HSM focus motors. Pricing and availability are not yet available.
Sigma is also releasing a long zoom lens for APS-C cameras - the 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary. It features a 16.6x zoom ratio, 1:3 macro magnification, and optical stabilization. Its field of view is equivalent to a 27-450mm lens on a full-frame camera, which means that it can capture wide angles and bring distant objects into close view. A dedicated close-up lens filter (AML72-01) will be available as an optional add-on; using it will improve the magnification to 1:2.
The 18-300mm is priced at $579 and will go on sale in October. The close-up filter is priced at $55. Sigma will offer the lens for Sigma, Nikon, Canon, Pentax, and Sony cameras. The Pentax and Sony versions won't include optical stabilization, as those camera systems utilize in-body stabilization.
All of the new lenses are compatible with the Sigma USB Dock and are eligible for Mount Conversion.
In addition to the new lenses, Sigma is adding the TC-1401 and TC2001 teleconverters to its lineup. Offering 1.4x and 2x magnification, they are priced at $349 and $399, respectively.
Sigma is also going to offer filters for its lenses. Water Repellant Protector and Protector filters will protect the front element of the lens without altering image quality, and the WR UV Filter will do the same and cut out some ultraviolet light. There's also going to be a WR Circular PL Filter, which can turn to change the way that light enters the lens in order to shoot through glass and minimize reflections. All filters will be available in 13 different thread sizes.