Sigma announces another lens

Sigma has introduced another lens: the 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG/HSM high magnification ultra-telephoto zoom lens, with a 10x zoom ratio from 50mm to 500mm. The lens is optimized for digital cameras. The lens uses four special low dispersion glass elements and the ultra-quiet HSM motor for Af high-speed AF function.

Click on the headline of this story for the full Sigma press release and all the specs.

High Magnification Ultra Telephoto Zoom Lens, with a 10x zoom ratio from 50mm to 500mm, optimized for digital SLR cameras.

Most effective coating for minimizing flare and ghost with digital SLR cameras.
Triple-cam Rear Focusing System ensures high precision throughout the whole focus range.
Uses four SLD (the special low dispersion) glass elements for superior optical performance.
Accepts both 1.4X and 2X APO EX Tele-Converters, the lens can be used as a 1000mm ultra-telephoto zoom lens.
Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 50-500 F4-6.3 EX DG/HSM lens.

This high zoom ratio lens is optimized for digital SLR cameras and capable of covering a wide range of focal lengths from 50mm standard to 500mm ultra telephoto. This ultra-zoom lens employs a seven-group zoom system, which provides a high zoom magnification of 10x. Triple-cam Rear Focusing System ensures high precision throughout the whole focus range.

The new lens coating reduces flare and ghost, which is a common problem of digital cameras and also creates an optimum color balance.

This lens uses four pieces of SLD (the special low dispersion) glass for excellent correction of color aberration. A zoom lock switch eliminates "zoom creep" during transportation, a convenient addition when traveling. The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) models provide quiet high-speed AF function, as well as full-time manual focus capability., The rear focus mechanism produces a non-rotating front lens element which accepts a bayonet "Petal-type Hood", which prevents extraneous light from degrading the image quality.

By adding an APO teleconverter (sold separately), you can use this lens as a 140-700mm F7.3-8.8 MF ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a 1.4X EX teleconverter, or as a 200-1000mm F10.4-12.6 MF ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a 2X teleconverter. (Teleconverters can be used in 100mm - 500mm focal length range)

Specifications:

Focal Length: 50-500mm
Minimum Aperture: F22
Lens Construction: 20 Elements in 16 Groups
Angle of View: 46.8 - 5
Number of Diaphragm Blades: 9pcs
Minimum Focusing Distance: 100cm - 300cm (39.3" - 118.1")
Maximum Magnification: 1:5.2
Filter Size: 86mm
Lens Hood: Petal Hood
Dimensions: Diameter 95mm (3.7") x Length 218.5mm (8.6")
Weight: 1842gr/64.9oz
SRP: 899.99
Fittings: Sigma, Canon and Nikon-D, Konica Minolta and Pentax

NB: The appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.