Sigma Revamps Nikon Lenses with Hyper Sonic Motors

Optically speaking, third party lenses can be as good as the Nikkors or Canon EFs, but they sometimes lack features like optical stabilizations and ultra-fast motors. Sigma is trying to compensate for this by upgrading its lineup with new and improved versions, albeit for now just for Nikon DSLR owners.

The company has just announced the 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC HSM and the 55-200mm F4-5.6 DC HSM, which are basically improved solutions of the Sigma 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC and 55-200mm F4-5.6 DC.

The novelty for both is the HSM (hyper sonic motor) drive, which improves focusing speed and noise level. In case you were wondering, Sigma's technology accomplishes the same tasks as the Nikon's SWM (silent wave motor) does.

The 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC HSM is designed for APS-C sensors and therefore cannot work with full-frame cameras. However, in Nikon's case this is not an issue since the second largest DSLR manufacturer does not have a full-frame model. Given the 1.5x crop factor, the lens produces a picture angle equivalent to that of a 27-75mm lens mounted on a 35mm full-frame camera.

The 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC HSM is also fitted with an aspherical lens to correct spherical aberrations and distortions inherent to this focal range. In terms of maximum aperture, things are not that great, the f/5.6 value at the tele end being highly insufficient for serious indoor shots. The 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC HSM will be available for around $260 (MSRP price).

The 55-200mm F4-5.6 DC HSM is also built for APS-C sensors, the equivalent picture angle being identical to an 82.5-300mm lens mounted on 35mm full-frame camera. This one does not have any special glass to control aberrations and benefits only from the super multi coating. The 55-200mm F4-5.6 DC HSM will be available for around $320 (again MSRP price).

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