The Sigma 18-300mm 3.5-6.3 DC HSM OS Macro is another impressive addition to the Sigma Global Vision Contemporary line. With a 16.6x zoom ratio covering focal lengths from wide to telephoto, this lens also offers a 1:3 macro ratio. The Sigma 18-300mm Contemporary was designed for APS-C cameras where it equates to a 27-450mm lens and incorporates state-of-the-art Sigma technology. An enhanced optical stabilizer (OS) compensates for camera shake, while an optimized hyper sonic motor (HSM) ensures quiet and fast autofocus. Four FLD (performance equal to fluorite) paired with 1 SLD glass elements capture incredible sharp and contrasted images, all the way through the focal length. Utilizing top quality glass, the Sigma 18-300mm Contemporary controls aberration, even at the telephoto end to produce high-quality images. Working with the USB dock, this lens allows for firmware updates when available and adjustment of focus parameters.

• Lens construction: 17 elements in 13 groups
• Minimum aperture (W): F22
• Filter size: φ72
• The angle of view (35mm equivalent): 76.5° - 5.4°
• Minimum focusing distance: 39cm/15.4in.

16.6x High Ratio Zoom Lens, incorporating 4 FLD glass elements to prioritize the optical performance
A high ratio zoom lens often requires compactness and enhancement of additional features, to be capable enough to cover various shooting scenes with convenience and versatility. Even with a high ratio zoom lens, our goal is to satisfy enthusiastic photographers with the versatility of the lens and its optical performance. Therefore, we sought for the point where all the pieces, such as specification, performance and size, fall into place, and this lens is the fruit of this journey. Enjoy the performance of a high ratio standard zoom lens that has "the highest standard for excellent image quality based on each concept", of which product lines SIGMA has renewed and established with SIGMA Global Vision.

[Contemporary] Latest technology for high optical performance and compactness High-performance line corresponding with various photography situations

SIGMA is organizing all its interchangeable lenses into three product lines; Contemporary, Art and Sports. Among the three, the Contemporary line is a high-performance line which incorporates the very latest technology making it possible to accommodate both high optical performance and compactness for use in various photography situations. SIGMA has solved the difficult problem of keeping the size and weight down without compromising optical performance and function with the latest technology.

Excellent optical performance that satisfies experienced users.

This lens incorporates 4 FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements, which have performance equal to fluorite plus 1 SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element. It enables this lens to minimize the chromatic aberration, especially toward the telephoto end, and provide clear image quality with high colour fidelity.

*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 the ordinary optical glass and ensures high definition and high contrast images.

Accumulated lens technology leads to superior image quality

The most appropriate optical glass elements are selected to optimize all focal lengths of the lens. From wide-angle to telephoto and macro, it offers superior image quality throughout the entire zoom range. It compensates for the distortion very well, especially at wide-end, and carries extraordinary expressive capability from the centre to the corners.

Flare and ghosting reduction
From an early stage in the lens design process, flare and ghosting have been measured to establish an optical design resistant to strong incident light sources such as backlighting. SIGMA's Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting to help photographers produce sharp and high contrast images even in backlit conditions.

Exclusive low-dispersion glass
The degree to which light is refracted by glass depends on the light's wavelength. This fact causes different colours of light to focus at slightly different points. The result is a chromatic aberration, the colour fringing that is particularly noticeable in telephoto lenses. Most chromatic aberration can be removed by combining a high-refractivity convex lens element with a low-refractivity concave element. Yet residual chromatic aberration known as “secondary spectrum” may still remain. To minimize this secondary spectrum, which can be a serious issue with conventional lenses, SIGMA lenses feature up to three types of exclusive low-dispersion glass offering superior performance: ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion), SLD (Special Low Dispersion) and FLD (“F” Low Dispersion). In particular, FLD glass offers ultra-low dispersion in combination with high transmittance and the anomalous dispersion characteristics of fluorite. Meticulous deployment of these types of exclusive low-dispersion glass and optimization of power distribution gives SIGMA lenses superlative image rendition undiminished by residual chromatic aberration.

Latest technology for high optical
performance and compactness
Newly developed OS system for better compensation
A high ratio zoom lens often requires compactness and enhancement of additional features, to be capable enough to cover various shooting scenes with convenience and versatility. However, SIGMA still believes that image quality is what matters the most. When travelling with minimal equipment the lens needs a wide zoom range especially as a telephoto lens may be needed unexpectedly without time to switch lenses. Even with a high ratio zoom lens, our goal is to satisfy enthusiastic photographers with the versatility of the lens and its optical performance. Therefore, we sought for the point where all the pieces, such as specification, performance and size, fall into place, and this lens is the fruit of this journey.

Newly developed OS system for better compensation

By reviewing the system construction and the algorithm of firmware, approximately 3.5 steps higher compensation has been achieved.

* Based on CIPA's guideline. Measuring at the telephoto end, when it is attached to the camera with an APS-C image sensor.

Newly Developed Hyper Sonic Motor
For comfortable and smooth use with the high zoom ratio, 16.6 times, it incorporates a bigger HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) which is newly developed for this lens. It is powerful enough to ensure high speed and quiet AF.

TSC (Thermally Stable Composite)

Conventionally it is considered essential to leverage the qualities of metal and polycarbonate in camera and lens layout design. A first for the industry, the barrel of the new series of SIGMA lenses features a new TSC (Thermally Stable Composite)* that offers minimal thermal shrinkage combined with exceptional hardness. It also offers 25% greater elasticity than polycarbonate. Since its thermal shrinkage is low, TSC matches well with metal parts, further contributing to the high-precision construction of the lens.

*TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) offers thermal expansion characteristics similar to those of aluminium. Parts made with TSC deform less, making possible lens construction of extremely high precision. As compared to polycarbonate containing 20% glass, a commonly used material, TSC offers approximately 70% higher elasticity. As compared to polycarbonate containing 30% glass, it offers 25% higher elasticity. (Comparison is between SIGMA-produced components.)