Sigma - Frequently Asked Questions Page 1 of 5

General Questions Digital Questions Lens Questions Camera Questions Flash Questions

1. Does Sigma intend to produce lenses for A: Yes, in fact Sigma has already introduced a number of new
the new Minolta Maxxum 7 with the "D" lenses, the first few at Photokina, in the Fall of 2000, which include
function? this new capability, necessary for certain functions of Maxxum 7,
Maxxum 5 and Maxxum 4 type cameras. The first of such lenses, are
the 20mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical RF, the 24mm f/1.8 EX DG
Aspherical Macro and 28mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro ultra-fast,
ultra-wideangle lenses. Other lenses include the 24-70mm f/2.8 EX
DF, 24-70mm f/3.5-5.6 HF, 100-300mm f/4 APO EX IF, a new 15-
30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX DG and a new 20-40mm F2.8 EX DG. The latest
lenses include the new 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 Compact Hyperzoom
Macro and the 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Compact Hyperzoom. Also,
Sigma fs new, dedicated flash unit, the EF500 DG Super for
Minolta, will also incorporate this new capability. Other future new
lenses will also include this capability.

2. Can the 1.4X EX and 2X EX teleconverters A: Yes, the EX dedicated teleconverters can be used with the 50-
be used with the 50-500mm f/4-6.3 zoom 500mm EX zoom lens, as well as with several other current
lens? And I’ve been told that Sigma’s telephoto and zoom lenses. In fact the following current Sigma
teleconverters can only be used with lenses can be used with the EX teleconverters.
certain lenses. Just which lenses can be
used, and will they still be autofocus? LENS Converter Effective Effective Focus Maximum
Focal Aperture Function Macro
length Ratio

180mm f/3.5 1.4X 252mm f/4.9 AF* 1.4:1

Macro

180mm f/3.5 2X 360mm f/7 MF 2:1

Macro

300mm f/2.8 EX 1.4X 420mm f/4 AF 1:5.4

300mm f/2.8 EX 2X 600mm f/5.6 AF 1:3.8

500mm f/4.5 EX 1.4X 700mm f/6.3 MF** 1:5.5

500mm f/4.5 EX 2X 1000mm f/9 MF 1:3.9

800mm f/5.6 EX 1.4X 1120mm f/8 MF 1:6.3

800mm f/5.6 EX 2X 1600mm f/11 MF 1:4.4

50-500mm f/4- 1.4X 140- f/7.3-8.8 MF 1:3.7

6.3 EX*** 700mm

50-500mm f/4- 2X 200- f/10.4- MF 1:2.6

6.3 EX *** 1000mm 12.6

70-200mm f/2.8 1.4X 98-280mm f/4 AF 1:5.6

EX

70-200mm f/2.8 2X 140- f/5.6 AF 1:3.9

EX 400mm

80-400mm 1.4X 112- f/6.3-7.84 MF 1:3.6

f4.5-5.6 EX OS 560mm

80-400mm 2X 160- f/9-11.2 MF 1:2.5

f4.5-5.6 EX OS 400mm

100-300mm f/4 1.4X 140- f/5.6 AF 1:3.6

EX 420mm

100-300mm f/4 2X 200- f/8 MF** 1:2.5

EX 600mm

120-300mm 1.4X 168- f/4 AF 1:6.1

f/2.8 EX 420mm

120-300mm 2X 240- f/5.6 AF 1:4.3

f/2.8 EX 600mm

300-800mm 1.4X 420- f/7.8 MF 1:4.9

f/5.6 EX 1120mm

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Sigma - Frequently Asked Questions
3. How good is your new 50-500mm Super
zoom?
4. I have heard that you will introduce a 18-
125mm zoom for digital camera soon. Is
this true?
5. I bought a Sigma 14mm f/2.8 HSM lens
for my Nikon cameras. It works fine with
my N90S, but it will not autofocus with my
N60. Why is this?
6. Does Sigma make lenses for digital
cameras.
7. Are Sigma lenses compatible with my new
Canon Elan 7 camera? The Digital Rebel?
How about EOS 10D.
8. Will Sigma lenses be compatible with my
Nikon F100 and the new N75 or N55? How
about new D70 digital camera?
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300-800mm 2X 600- f/11.2 MF 1:3.5
f/5.6 EX 1600mm
* For Canon, Nikon and Sigma AF cameras, Autofocus operates from 47" to Infinity,
Manual focus must be used from 47" to 18"; for Minolta and Pentax AF cameras,
Manual focus only can be used.
** MF for all cameras, except Canon EOS 3 and EOS 1v, which can autofocus with
this combination.
***Zoom control range is limited to 100-500mm, when the teleconverters are used
with this lens.
Corrected effective aperture will be displayed on the camera’s digital display, and TTL
exposure will be normal, when these teleconverters are used with the lenses listed
above.
A: The Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 APO EX zoom lens is an excellent
super-zoom lens. In fact it was recently judged "the Lens of the Year
2000/2001" by TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) in Europe.
This prestigious award is confirmation of the superior performance,
versatility, and value of this new super zoom. In spite of its amazing
10:1 zoom ratio, its optical performance is outstanding. In fact
Popular Photography magazine (July 2000 issue) said, in their
objective review, " cthe lens is remarkably sharp at all focal
lengths, probably the sharpest extremely long focal length zoom we
have ever tested c". And with the HSM autofocus drive (Canon,
Nikon and Sigma AF models only) it is incredibly quiet and quick
when autofocusing, and you can focus manually without having to
disengage the AF mode. In addition, this lens can be used with
Sigma’s two EX teleconverters for additional versatility (manual
focus only).
A: Yes, Sigma has introduced a new 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC zoom
lens.. The IF (Internal Focus) design allows for a non-rotating front
barrel, which is very convenient for polarizing filter and petal shape
lens hood use.
A: Sigma’s HSM lenses are similar to Nikon’s own AF-S (Silent Wave
Motor) type lenses. Only certain model Nikon AF cameras can use
this type lens and maintain AF function. These cameras include: F5
series, F4, F100, N90S, N90, N80, N75, N70, N65, N55, D1, D1H,
D1X, and D100. Models like the N60, N50, N8008, N6006, etc. can
only be used for manual focus, with this type lens. However, all
other functions (metering, exposure, etc.) will be normal with this,
and other Sigma HSM lenses.
A: Sigma presently offers a number of lenses designed specifically
for digital SLR cameras, which can also be used with 35mm SLRs.
They are mostly wideangle and widezoom type lenses with large
apertures (e.g. 20mm f/1.8, 24mm f/1.8, 28mm f/1.8, 24-70mm
f/2.8, 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5), and feature superior light distribution, so
that there is minimal light fall-off or vignetting, even when used at
maximum aperture. These lenses are designated DG type, and are
part of Sigma’s EX series of lenses. Remember that the digital
imaging device is generally much smaller than a 35mm negative, so
the lens will have a longer "effective" focal length. The conversion
factor is generally about 1.5X, so a 14mm lens effectively becomes
about 21mm when used on these digital cameras. As a result, there
are few choices available for wideangle lenses, or even fast "normal"
lenses, for these digital cameras. These new DG lenses help fill this
void.
A: All current production Sigma lenses for Canon autofocus cameras
are fully compatible with the new Elan 7, Digital Rebel or EOS 10D
camera. If you have a question about a particular lens, please
contact Sigma’s service department (in the U.S.) at (631) 585-1144
or via email at info@sigmaphoto.com.
A: Yes, all current production Sigma lenses for Nikon AF cameras are
fully compatible with these new Nikon cameras. In addition, the
Sigma HSM type lenses can also be used with these cameras (as well
as the N70/F70, N90s/F90x, F4s, F5, D100 and D70 models), and
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Sigma - Frequently Asked Questions
9. I’ve seen advertisements for a new 28-
300mm zoom lens. What is the difference
between it and the earlier model?
10. I’ve heard a rumor that Sigma is making
some new long telephoto zoom lenses. I
need fast lenses for nature photography.
What do you have?
11. I’ve recently seen a reference to ELD
glass being used in Sigma lenses, is this
different from SLD glass?
12. Is the 14mm f/2.8 lens a fisheye lens?
13. Will the 170-500mm APO zoom lens
autofocus with my AF camera?
14. Does Sigma offer any teleconverters?
15. Where are Sigma lenses made?
16. What are the differences between the 70-
300mm F/4-5.6 Macro II and the 70-300
F/4-5.6 APO Macro Super II zoom lenses?
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will provide all the benefits of the HSM technology; quieter, faster
autofocus, plus "full time" manual focus.
A: The Sigma 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Macro lens is an entirely new
design. Its features include closer focusing (a constant 19.7 inches
at all zoom settings), a larger reproduction ratio 1:3, a non-rotating
front barrel (for convenient use of polarizing filters), an all new
optical design featuring Aspherical elements (for better performance
and more metal in its construction (to make it more rugged). It has
been very highly rated in objective reviews.
A: Sigma has recently introduced two new fast ultra-telephoto zoom
lenses to replace three existing lenses. They are 120-300mm f/2.8
EX and 300-800mm f/5.6 EX. These will be part of Sigma’s EX series
of high performance, professionally specified lenses. Both of them
will be APO (apochromatic) lenses and will feature Sigma’s exclusive
HSM autofocus technology for Canon, Nikon, and Sigma AF cameras
for silent, fast AF function and "full time" manual focus. Also, 300-
800mm f/5.6 EX will be unique in that it will feature elements made
of new ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass. Both lenses are
compatible with Sigma EX Apo Teleconverters.
A: Yes, ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass is a new glass
material developed recently by Hoya (the glass maker). It has even
lower dispersion characteristics than SLD (Special Low Dispersion)
glass, which Sigma has been using in its APO lenses (and some non-
APO lenses as well) for many years now. It has other advantageous
properties as well. Sigma is the first camera-maker to use this new
glass it its lenses. It is presently used in the three EX APO ultra-
telephoto lenses (300mm f/2.8, 500mm f/4.5, 800mm f/5.6) and
the 300-800mm f/5.6 Ultra telezoom lens.
A: The 14mm f/2.8 ultra wide-angle lens is a rectilinear type lens. It
is corrected to record straight line (walls, ceilings, floors, telephone
poles, etc.) as straight lines on the film, unlike a fisheye lens. Its
degree of linear distortion is comparable to that of other good 24mm
or 28mm wide-angle lenses, and less than many, therefore it is very
desirable where a distortion free ultra wide angle of view is required.
It is especially desirable for use with digital SLR cameras.
A: The Sigma 170-500 f/5-6.3 APO zoom lens will autofocus with
today’s autofocus cameras, in spite of the fact that its maximum
aperture ranges from f/5 at 170mm to f/6.3 at 500mm.
A: Sigma offers both a 1.4X and a 2.0X autofocus APO teleconverter.
These are dedicated teleconverters, designed for use with certain
compatible lenses (generally, long telezoom and long telephoto
lenses, e.g. 70-200mm F2.8 APO EX, 100-300mm F4 EX Apo, 50-
500mm F4-6.3 EX, 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 EX OS, 120-300mm F2.8 EX,
300-800mm F5.6 EX, 180mm F3.5 EX APO Macro, 300mm F2.8 EX
APO, 300mm F4 APO, 400mm F5.6 APO, 500mm F4.5 EX APO and
800mm F5.6 EX APO), and can maintain autofocus function with
certain larger aperture (faster) lenses.
A: All Sigma products, lenses, cameras and flash units are
manufactured exclusively by Sigma in Sigma’s own factory in Aizu,
Japan. No Sigma Corporation product - lens, camera or flash - is
manufactured outside of Japan. This is very unusual these days, as
most companies have at least some of their products produced
outside of Japan because of cost considerations.
A: The major difference between these two lenses is the optical
performance. The DL Super model features a more conventional,
achromatic optical design and uses one element of Special Low
Dispersion glass (SLD). Its sharpness and contrast are rated very
highly, however it is not quite as good as the APO Super model,
which uses an apochromatic optical design and uses three SLD glass
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elements. This model has been top-rated by independent photo

magazines. The APO Super model is also somewhat more expensive
than the DL Super mode. If you plan to make very large
enlargements from your negatives or slides, the APO Super lens may
be your better choice.

17. Are all Sigma lenses compatible with my A: Generally, all current Sigma AF lenses are compatible with all
AF SLR? current and older models of Canon, Minolta, Nikon (all current Sigma
AF lenses for Nikon AF cameras are fully "D" functional), Pentax PZ
series and ZX series cameras. In addition, some lenses for Pentax AF
may also be compatible with earlier SF series of cameras as well.
Please see the Lens Chart for this and other specific lens
information. Exception include ADI ("D") type lenses for Minolta
Maxxum 7, Maxxum 5, etc, cameras may not be compatible with
original 5000, 7000 and 9000 cameras.

18. What are APO lenses? A: Apochromatic lenses are telephoto and telezoom type lenses
which use special optical designs and optical materials (SLD or ELD
glass) to improve their performance. The result is images which
have greater contrast, sharpness and color definition than a
comparable non-APO type lens . All Sigma apochromatic lenses are
identified by the APO designation in their descriptions. Please see the
Lens Chart for this and other specific lens information.

19. What are Aspherical lenses? A: Many Sigma lenses make effective use of Aspherical lens
elements. This technology allows one Aspherical lens element to
perform the functions of two or more conventional spherical
elements, thus allowing the lens to be made more compact and
lightweight, while retaining high levels of performance. In the 20mm
f/1.8, 24mm f/1.8, 28mm f/1.8 EX DG lenses, for example, these
Aspherical elements eliminate the sagittal coma flare that
accompanies large lens diameters. They effectively suppress the
flare. In zoom lenses, where the wide angle range is extended - such
as the 15-30 f/3.5-4.5 EX DG - distortion control can be enhanced
by the use of Aspherical elements.

20. What are Macro lenses? A: Macro lenses are those which can focus unusually close, providing
large reproduction ratios (e.g. 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, etc.) Sigma offers more
lenses with macro capabilities than any other lens or camera maker.
The choice of which lens to use depends on the application.

The shorter lenses, 50mm and 105mm provide greater magnification (reproduction
ratio) capabilities (1:1 without accessory), and shorter working distances. These are
desirable for photographing inanimate or slow moving subjects or for copy work. The
105mm f/2.8 EX Macro lens can also be useful for portraiture.

Longer Macro lenses like the 180mm f3.5 EX APO Macro can allow even greater
working distance while still providing up to 1:1 reproduction. Greater working
distances are useful when photographing animate subjects which may become
evasive or aggressive if approached closely by a photographer.

Sigma offers several zoom lenses (e.g. 28-80mm, 28-135mm, 70-300mm APO and
70-300mm DL) which combine reproduction ratios up to 1:2 with the convenience
and versatility of a zoom lens. These can be invaluable for general photography
including extreme close-ups, while carrying only one lens around.

21. Does Sigma make lenses for manual focus A: No. Sigma no longer manufactures lenses for most manual focus
cameras ? camera. However, in some cases (e.g. Nikon and Pentax) AF type
lenses can be used for manual focus on the manual focus cameras.

22. What does HSM stand for and what is it? A: HSM stands for Hyper Sonic Motor. It is a new type of motor used
in some of Sigma’s newer lenses. The technology employed is similar
to that used in certain lenses made by other camera manufacturers.
The benefits of HSM system are: virtually silent autofocus function,
very quick responsive autofocus function. Sigma is the only
independent lens maker offering lenses with this technology. We
have a number of HSM type lenses for Canon and Sigma AF
cameras, and we also have several HSM lenses for Nikon AF cameras
(N55, N65, N70, N75, N80, N90, N90S, F100, F4s, F5, D1, D1X,
D1H, D100 and D70, as well).

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Sigma - Frequently Asked Questions
23. I want to do Macro photography. Sigma
offers three different 1:1 macro lenses.
How do I choose which lens to use?
24. Some Sigma lenses are designated "DG".
What does this mean?
25. I have heard rumors that Sigma will make
a 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 EX OS (Optical
Stabilizer) lens. Is this true?
Copyright © 2006, All Rights Reserved
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Page 5 of 5
A: Sigma presently offers 50mm f2.8 Macro, 105mm f/2.8 Macro
and 180mm f/3.5 APO Macro lenses. Each can produce up to 1:1
(Life-size) reproduction images, but at different working distances.
For a given reproduction ratio (a.k.a. magnification), the 50mm lens
provides the shortest working distance, the 105mm lens a somewhat
longer working distance, and the 180mm lens the longest working
distance. If you plan to do a lot of copy work (documents,
photographs, etc.) using a copy stand, the 50mm lens may be the
best choice, because of the limited height of the copy stand column.
The 105mm lens may be better for photographing small 3-
dimentional subjects (eg. jewelry, insects, medical subjects, etc.)
and for shooting portraiture. The 180mm lens would probably be
best suited for shooting animate subjects in nature (eg. butterflies or
other skittish subjects). The 180mm lens can also be used with the
EX teleconverters, for additional Macro magnification and telephoto
power. All three should provide excellent optical performance, and
are fully compatible with current 35mm AF and digital SLR cameras.
A: The DG designation applied to certain newer Sigma lenses
(mostly wideangle and wide zoom type lenses) indicates that the
lens is especially suited for use with digital SLR cameras. The DG
lenses feature improved (more even) light distribution from image
center to edge, especially at maximum aperture, compared to
conventional fast wideangle lenses. This is important in digital
photography, but is also useful in 35mm photography, especially
when slide film is used. Also, the shorter focal lengths are desirable,
because most digital SLR cameras have image sensors whose
dimensions are considerably smaller than a 35mm negative (usually
by a factor of 1.3X to 1.7X), making the lens’ angle of view
equivalent to that of a longer lens on a 35mm cameras.
A: Yes, Sigma has recently introduced this new zoom lens. It is
already available in the US market. Please visit Sigma web site
"LENS" page for the product details.
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