This lens incorporates 1 FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements, which have performance equal to fluorite, and 3 SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and compensates for colour aberration at the utmost. Chromatic aberration in particular, which could be visible especially towards the telephoto-end even when stopped down, is corrected by the optimized design of glass elements including FLD lenses.

* FLD glass is the highest-level low dispersion glass available with extremely high light transmission. This optical glass has a performance equal to fluorite glass which has a low refractive index and low dispersion compared to current optical glass. It also benefits from high anomalous dispersion. These characteristics give excellent correction for residual chromatic aberration (secondary spectrum) which cannot be corrected by ordinary optical glass and ensures high definition and high contrast images.

Compared to the SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports, it is more compact and lightweight, enabling easy handling and making it possible to do handheld photography for a longer period of time. The tripod socket is detachable so that the lens can be carried by itself. Without the tripod socket, it also fits well into limited space for storage. Moreover, the tripod socket is made of magnesium which is light and strong at the same time. The tripod socket may be detached and replaced with a rubber protective cover PT-11 to further reduce weight and make handheld photography an even more lightweight and convenient experience. This lens is the optimal choice for photographers who desire hyper-telephoto functionality while staying light on their feet.

The OS (Optical Stabilizer) function features an acceleration sensor to ensure even higher precision. Two OS modes are available: Mode 1 for general photography and Mode 2 for motor sports and other applications requiring panning. In Mode 2, the acceleration sensor teams up with the Intelligent OS and its updated stabilization algorithm to deliver effective stabilization while you move the camera horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—regardless of the position of the lens. This feature helps ensure effective panning and outstanding capture of moving subjects.

Note: This lens is incompatible with film SLR cameras with the exception of the Nikon F6 and Canon EOS-1V.

The new zoom lock switch enables the zoom ring to be locked at any focal length. It can be fixed at the photographer’s desirable focal length, which allows stable shooting whether the lens is positioned upward or downward. It also helps during long exposure photography.

Forefront and rear lenses incorporate a water and oil-repellent coating that allows water to be wiped away easily and prevents oil and fat from sticking to the surface, even in challenging shooting conditions. At the same time, the maintenance of the lens surface becomes easier.

As with the SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM from the Sports line, the lens mount incorporates rubber sealing to protect the mount part from dust and water drops.

The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures high speed and quiet AF as well as full-time manual focus override by rotation of the focus ring. With the enhanced AF algorithm, smoother AF is achieved. The full time manual, which offers further adjustment after focusing with AF mode, is possible. By using USB Dock, you can change and adjust the AF speed at your convenience.

In addition to AF/MF, MO (Manual Override) is incorporated as one of the options of the focus mode switch. By setting it to the MO position, it switches to manual focus by rotating the focus ring even during continuous AF. With AF position, standard full-time manual focus is available. Using the optional SIGMA USB DOCK, it is possible to adjust the MO position’s sensitivity to switch to manual focus.

Customization including firmware updates, focus adjustment, setting of full-time manual operations as well as adjustment of the timing to switch to MF when rotating the focus ring is available with the optional SIGMA USB DOCK, by connecting it with the dedicated software “SIGMA Optimization Pro” on a computer. With this lens, custom mode that can be set depending on the photography situation is available by switching it on the lens. Through custom mode, it is possible to set AF speed, focus limiter where desired focus range can be adjusted, and OS where one of the patterns for optical stabilizer can be selected from “Dynamic View Mode”, “Standard” and “Moderate View Mode”.

Tele Converters that are newly designed to match the new lens line-ups (optional, planned to be released in 2014) can be attached. The addition of SIGMA’s TELE CONVERTER TC-1401 or TELE CONVERTER TC-2001 produces a MF 210-840mm F7-9 hyper-telephoto zoom lens or a MF 300-1200mm F10-12.6 hyper-telephoto zoom lens respectively. In addition, when SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1401 is attached to cameras that are compatible with AF at F8, it is possible to shoot with AF.

* When shooting subjects with low contrast or luminosity value, focus may not be spot on the subject

SIGMA is organizing all its interchangeable lenses into three product lines; Contemporary, Art, and Sports. While offering sophisticated optical performance and expressiveness, our Sports line lenses deliver high action-capture performance, enabling photographers to get the exact shots they want. With these lenses, fast-moving subjects even at distance can be well captured. This high-performance line also offers a variety of functions to aid the photographer in challenging conditions and scenarios. Besides sports photography, these lenses are also perfect for nature shots featuring birds and wildlife, as well as aero photography, trains, motor sports photography and portraits. Another major feature of our Sports line lenses is their wide range of customization options: using the dedicated software, all sorts of settings can be tailored to the personal preferences of the photographer.

SIGMA is working on its full renewal of the products, and the new lens lines share all the following elements.

We used to measure lens performance with an MTF measuring system using conventional sensors. However, we’ve now developed our own proprietary MTF (modulation transfer function) measuring system (A1) using 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensors. Even previously undetectable high-frequency details are now within the scope of our quality control inspections. The SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM will all be checked using this “A1” before they are shipped.

All Sigma’s manufacturing – right down to the molds and parts – is carried out under an integrated production system, entirely in Japan. We are now one of the very few manufacturers whose products are solely “made in Japan”. We like to think our products are somehow imbued with the essence of our homeland, blessed as it is with clean air and water, and focused, hard-working people. We pride ourselves on the authentic quality of Sigma products, born of a marriage between highly attuned expertise and intelligent, advanced technology. Our sophisticated products have satisfied professionals and lovers of photography all over the world, because our manufacturing is based on genuine craftsmanship, underpinned by the passion and pride of our experts.

Over the years, Sigma has manufactured an extremely wide variety of interchangeable lenses. Leveraging our unique know-how and resources, we present our new mount conversion service, which is available for the interchangeable lenses from our new product lines. Sigma will convert the current lens mount internal components, allowing you to continue using your favourite Sigma lens with a different camera body. Thanks to this service, you can use a favourite lens for many years to come, unrestricted by your original choice of camera system.

Note: Sigma’s mount conversion service differs from ordinary repairs and product support and is not offered at your local Sigma dealer or camera store. In order to apply for the service, please contact your nearest authorized subsidiary/ distributer of Sigma.

This lens incorporates a brass made bayonet mount which has both high accuracy and durability. A special treatment to reinforce its strength is applied to the surface giving it greater strength and making it highly resistant to long-term use.

SIGMA’s Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. It provides sharp and high contrast images throughout the entire zoom range.

The 9 blade-rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas of the image.