Sigma’s Game-Changing 18-35mm f/1.8 Zoom Lens to Cost Just $799

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Sigma shook up the camera world back in April by announcing its new 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM lens — the world’s first zoom lens with a fixed maximum aperture of f/1.8. It turns out the revolutionary lens will have a revolutionary price tag as well: the company announced today that the lens will cost just $799.

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By comparison, Canon’s 16-35mm f/2.8 II lens (FF) costs $700 more at $1,499, its 17-55mm f/2.8 EF-S lens (crop) costs $1,060, and Nikon’s 17-55mm f/2.8 lens (crop) costs $1,450. Sigma’s new offering will be both significantly faster and significantly cheaper.

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As we reported a couple of months ago, the lens will be designed for APS-C format cameras, and will be the equivalent of a 27-52.5mm f/1.8 lens when used on a crop sensor body. All existing zoom lenses in this range max out at an aperture of f/2.8, so Sigma’s new offering will allow photographers to capture more than an additional stop of light.

In addition to the game-changing aperture, the lens will also feature a rubberized connector, a new lens hood, a new lens cap, a new AF/MF switch, a snappy AF motor, a manual focus override option, a brass mount, and a rugged build. Photographers will also be able to fine tune the lens using Sigma’s innovative USB mount and calibration software.

If you have $799 to spend on a new lens, you’ll be able to pick up a Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM starting in early July 2013 for Sigma and Canon mounts. Nikon, Sony, and Pentax mount versions will be released some time afterwards. You can also preorder the lens today over at B&H.

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