CES started today in Las Vegas, and with it comes the announcement of pricing and availability of the two lenses we announced last year. The 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM will be available this month and the 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM will be available in February. The 17-70mm will retail for $499 and the 120-300 will retail for $3,599.
- 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM: This new lens from the Contemporary line is 30 percent smaller than conventional models, and features two “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass elements with performance equal to fluorite, and one Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass element. Sigma and Canon mounts will be available this month, Nikon mounts will be available in February, and Sony and Pentax mounts will arrive in March. The 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM will be available for the street price of $499.
- 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM: This new lens from the Sports line will include Sigma’s Optical Stabilization (OS) function, a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), and two FLD and one SLD glass elements. With a new dust- and splash-proof design, this lens will also have a focus limiter, which incorporates inner focusing and zooming that does not require a change to the length of the lens for focus and zoom. Sigma and Canon mounts will be available in February, and Nikon mounts will arrive in March. The 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM will be available for the street price of $3,599.
If the performance of the 35mm f/1.4 that was released late last year is any indication of the performance of these two new lenses, we have a lot to be excited about. Keep it here for more news from CES as we continue to bring you up to date information as it happens all through the week.
I would like to see the DxOMark curves on the 17-70 and have it compared to a constant aperture lens. It appears (my assumption by price point) that Sigma is trying to get some of the "move-up" market to cameras like the Nikon D600. It will be interesting to see the reviews and the curves.
I'm trying to figure who the 120-300 is made for? I guess it would be OK for a volleyball or basketball court. Thoughts?
For that price I would think it's made for everyone don't you think? So inexpensive!
I thought DC lenses are for APS-C lens?
Yes, you are correct. My Bad. I missed that detail. Good Eye, Joven.
I'm thinking the 120-300mm is for people shooting full frame but used to the range of a 70-200 on a crop sensor.
I've been debating the 120X300 F2.8 for a while, but was not impressed when I rented it. It's a good lens; however, the focus was a bit slow, especially when shooting semi-pro to pro sports. I could see this lens for someone who needs the range and doesn't want to spend Nikon or Canon prices. Right now I'm on the fence. Hopefully the newer version will be a bit better. Either way, it's has the potential to be a nice tweener lens.
The make or break feature of the 120-300mm lens will be how fast it focuses. If they are targeting pro sports they need exceptional focusing speed. If it can hang w/Nikon and Canon..this lens will sell like autofocus did in the 80's!
But my guess would be that the focusing speed will hold it back from making it a common lens in pro sports.
Where do you go to rent the sigma, tamron, tokina lenses? I shoot Canon...
We all use BorrowLenses.
Joey, try Lensrentals.com
"If the performance of the 35mm f/1.4 that was released late last year is any indication of the performance of these two new lenses, we have a lot to be excited about."
Don't know about the 17-70, but the 120-300 is (alledgedly) the same optics as the old version, just a new skin and updated AF.
A 120-300mm is what I dream of for ice level hockey images.