Highway 89 North to Burney Falls CA. (shot taken right after the Subway Cave/Hatcreek area.) Sigma 17-50 OS lens with Polarizer, 1/6 second f/18, 640 ISO,, 34mm, handheld. © 2012 Michael Keel.

This week’s Fan Photo of the week is by Michael Keel. He tells us:

I’m a 35 yr old travel writer/photographer. The main magazine I write for is WHOA (what’s happening with original artists). I have been making photos since I was 13, inspired by my grandfather. whowas in the California Camera Club and Sierra Club back in the 1930′s. Amongst my travel writing and wildlife photography projects, this photo is from my personal project loosely titled, “My Childhood – Scenes of Northern California.” That hopefully may turn into a book; that’s the plan, but who knows–money is scarce these day. I was on a particular dirt road my grandfather taught me to drive on when I was about 13/14, or actually, just turn up dirt and make dust-clouds. At about 5:30pm, as I was pulling out back onto the main road to head back to my campsite, I turned my head to the right, and saw this fantastic scene of glowing light through contrails, clouds, and faint mountain tops. I grabbed my camera and carefully stepped into the middle of Highway 89 (we are talking logging trucks traveling at about 80MPH; I had to step a few times.) I wanted to get some good depth so I set the aperture to F/18, I was also freezing, so I upped the ISO for caution of my shaky hands.

I really like this shot, kind of fits the theme of the book, searching, remembering; memories go on forever. As a family, we spent many summers, 3-4 times a year up in the Lassen Volcanic National Park area. It is where I feel at home with my photography and it is a place I feel my childhood was left or existed. A lot changed through the years with our family, especially with our father being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I hope through these photos, others can relate in a similar way, and that they also serve the purpose of promoting preservation, conservation and restoration. This area means so much to me that there is not enough words or digital space to describe the feeling.

Highway 89 North to Burney Falls CA. (shot taken right after the Subway
Cave/Hatcreek area.) Sigma 17-50 OS lens with Polarizer, 1/6 second f/18, 640 ISO,, 34mm,
handheld.

Check out his Facebook Page!

The Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM, first in the Art line of lenses announced at Photokina as part of the Sigma Global Vision is now available at an estimated street price of $899.

“We’re thrilled to break into this category of lenses with a product from our new Global Vision,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “We’re confident that our A1 quality control system, coupled with the industry’s first USB dock, will differentiate our lens in the category. Since it’s so versatile – ideal for scenes including landscapes, portraits, close-ups and studio photography – we think that it will be a hit.”

Read the full press release for more on the features and functions of this professional-quality lens.

Each and every 35mm F1.4 DG HSM lens manufactured will be tested with Sigma’s proprietary A1 MTF testing procedure, which employs the 46 megapixel Merrill Generation Sensor for exceptional quality control. Learn more about A1 MTF testing here.

Check back in a few weeks for a hands-on blog post with sample shots showcasing the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM.

SIGMA DP2 Merrill

Editorial reviewers and photographers around the globe have been amazed at the exceptional image quality of the Sigma DP2 Merrill.

Here’s a sampling of recent quotes that have caught our eye about this amazing compact camera.

The Absolute Sounds

“In optical quality, Reichmann claims it plays second fiddle to no other  ‘standard’ lens from any other manufacturer including Leitz and Zeiss.”

“The DP2 Merrill has a unique and extraordinary sensor and an equally extraordinary lens”

“In my experience no other camera, short of a 4×5 or a medium-format digital rig with a high-res back, has outdone it in image quality under the right circumstances.”

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On the Sigma Global Vision site, you may read and learn about every aspect of the evolution of Sigma. In this occasional blog series, we discuss aspects of the Global Vision in greater depth.

The Global Vision explains:

There are three requirements for outstanding lenses: fine design, precise manufacturing and inspection that ensures compliance with all specifications. Sigma lenses are born of well-thought-out design concepts and sophisticated, advanced Japanese manufacturing technology: the final clincher is our lens performance evaluation.

We used to measure lens performance using conventional sensors. However, we’ve now developed our own A1 proprietary MTF (modulation transfer function) measuring system using 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensors. Even previously undetectable high-frequency details are now within the scope of our quality control inspections. The lenses in our new lines will all be checked using this new system before they are shipped.

Thanks to our new sensors, with their extremely high resolution, you can expect our high-performance lenses to be better than ever.

At the heart of the A1 measurement system is the same Merrill Generation 46 Megapixel Foveon sensor in the Sigma SD1 Merrill, and the Merrill Generation DP cameras. The incredible resolution of this sensor makes it perfectly suited to this advanced scientific purpose. The lenses to be measured are hooked up to the  image capture device, and the special charts are captured and analyzed using new, proprietary algorithms designed to work in conjunction with the high-resolution sensor. This level of detail analysis is critical for creating lenses capable of meeting the demands of the most detailed image sensors in cameras such as the Sigma SD1 Merrill and the Nikon D800.

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Jack Howard

The days grow shorter and nights get longer. Yes, it’s that season once again, if you can believe it! Holiday Season 2012 is here! And here is our blog posting filled with ideas of great gear from Sigma for all the photographers (yourself included) on your list!

For photographers who want the ultimate image quality in a prime-lens compact camera

The Sigma DP1 Merrill and Sigma DP2 Merrill both boast the same APS-C Foveon sensor as the Sigma SD1 Merrill DSLR in much more compact packages. While these are small cameras, the images are spectacular thanks to fast F2.8 primes, a 19mm F2.8 (28.5mm equiv) on the DP1M and a 30mm F2.8 (45mm F2.8 equiv) on the DP2M. These are the compact cameras for old-school purists who put exceptional image quality first. Check out this test shoot, and these field test shots for more on this amazing pair of cameras. And of course, the Sigma SD1 Merrill features the same sensor in a DSLR body compatible with over forty interchangable lenses!

Check out our great holiday season Instant Savings!

As you hunt for the perfect photographer’s gift, be sure to check out the fantastic Instant Savings on over 20 products in the Sigma line! From wide-angle to telephoto, we’ve got great deals through our authorized retail partners and direct from Sigma, too!

For the brand new parents

30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM

The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is a fantastic lens for natural light photos of babies and young children. The fast maximum aperture gathers lots of light and lets you use faster shutter speeds without having to rely on strobes–just open the blinds a little bit and shoot wide open with this “new normal” lens for APS-C DSLRs, and the memories will be captured with gorgeously shallow depth of field.

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Victor Neves made this shot with his Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG in Scituate, RI.

Victor Neves used the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 plus a Neutral Density filter to make this shot of fall leaves reflecting above a waterfall. He tells us:

I was able to capture this image with great results due to the following factors: It was a cloudy and  drizzly mid morning, with the foliage just starting to turn color, while using a ND filter and the wonderful Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM on my Canon 7D. It is amazing how well this lens suits the Canon! It’s fast and precise focus makes it feel like a more expensive lens for half the price. I took this shot at an ISO 320, F/22, 1/6 sec., 28mm focal length on Shutter Priority. This image was captured at Ponaganset Falls in my hometown of Scituate, Rhode Island.

We’re gearing up for PhotoPlus Expo 2012 in New York this week, and we are very excited to be giving the US audience their first look at the three new lenses announced at Photokina as part of the Sigma Global Vision.

We know that many of our fans won’t be able to trek to the Javitz Center for PPE2012 to share in this excitement in person, so we’ve created a special “Explore the Global Vision” sweepstakes. All you’ve got to do to be entered for a chance to win a Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM lens is answer three questions about the Sigma Global Vision, which you’ll be able to find on the special Sigma Global Vision site.

Visit our Facebook page to Explore the Global Vision for a chance to win a 50mm F1.4!

Enter Here!

Good luck, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus for updates throughout the show!

Are you still using your kits lens? Let Sigma expand your photographic horizons and help you easily make better pictures!

If you–or someone you know–owns a DSLR, but are still only using the kit lens and pop up flash, you’ve got to check out this fantastic all-in-one package we’ve put together for the holiday season at a very nice price.

We’re pairing the 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Macro and our EF-610 DG ST Flash together with a combined instant savings of $115!

This amazing kit will seriously expand your photographic horizons and is compatible with the most popular DSLRs from Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma and Sony! Now’s the time to take total control of your DSLR with this true all-in-one package that will instantly expand your reach, range, and lighting options for amazing memories.

The Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Macro all about being ready for anything! This is a compact, versatile all-in-one lens. It offers amazing reach and range–it’s a 13.8X wide angle to telephoto zoom–into a three inch long totally compact package complete with Optical Stabilizer for eliminating camera shake. Wide Angle landscapes, sports action, family portraits, and close-ups of even the tiniest details are what this lens is all about! (Visit the product page and watch the video.)

And the EF-610 DG ST Flash gives the ease of use of the pop-up flash, but with much more light-throwing power. And while it is simple to operate, it offers pro-level flexibility for bounce, swivel, and other creative lighting effects.

And if you think Flash is only for nighttime and dim indoor conditions–think again! This flash is perfect for taming even the harshest midday shadows and adding fantastic “pop” to outdoor portraits at sunset.

Together, this lens and flash combo will instantly expand your creative horizons.

Here’s several ways the 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Macro and EF-610 DG ST Flash blow away the kit lens and pop-up flash to help you making stronger photos

Total Reach and range

• Compared to the standard variable aperture kit lens, the Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Macro offers a high 13.8x zoom ratio equating to 28mm at the wide side to approx 375mm on the long side on most APS-C DSLRs. This zoom range offers creative control for sweeping landscapes to pulling distant subjects in much closer. With a quick zoom of the barrel, you can quickly and creatively recompose as you wish. And Optical Stabilizer helps keep shots sharp at slower shutter speeds by minimizing camera movements.
• And the EF-610 DG ST Flash has a much more light output than a pop-up flash, with a powerful 61 Guide Number at ISO 100. It automatically adjusts its beam spread for optimum performance from 28mm to 105mm, and has a built-in diffuser panel to cover an 18mm field of view for wide-angle shots.
• Combined, this lens and flash is ready for adventure family! Kids move fast, and the ability to zoom wide to take in the whole scene, or very tight, to catch a special expression and soften the background without missing a moment while swapping lenses makes this combo perfect for keeping up with the pace of real life!

Macro and close-up capture

• This lens will capture macro at 1:2.9 magnification at 250mm. That’s one-third life-sized to capture even the finest details and the Optical Stabilizer in the lens will keep the shots sharp for natural light macros. If you want to add light to your macros, the EF-610 DG ST Flash can tilt down to -7º to better aim the light for macro capture with no lens barrel shadow problem typical of using the pop-up flash for macro.
• Close-up capture is great for telling a part of the story in small details, such as a big snowflake on a child’s mitten, or to close-up on a single rose on a table while the newlyweds dance in the background. And of course, for selling anything online through eBay or Craigslist, a close-up shot can really show the quality of an item!

Sports

• Most sports photography happens at a distance, and the long telephoto reach of the Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 will get you much closer to the action than the typical 50mm or 70mm reach of a kit lens. It’s the difference between making a photo that looks like it’s shot from the bleachers and one that looks like you’re right in the action. And for nighttime youth sports, the EF-610 Flash is much stronger to throw light a good distance, and will recycle much, much quicker than the pop-up flash.
• When it comes to sports, freezing the action comes from using the fastest shutter speeds possible. Switching to Sports Program or Aperture-Priority Program will help ensure the camera is trying to balance the exposure while keeping the shutter speed as fast as possible. And switching to Continuous Autofocus will also make sure that the camera is keeping up with the moving action.

Wildlife

• Whether it’s a buffalo at Yellowstone, or a Yellow Warbler at the backyard feeder, wildlife photography usually happens at a distance. And the long zoom range of the Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 will help you fill the frame without endangering you or the animals.
• Optical Stabilizer can help keep shots of wildlife sharp when the animal is still by minimizing camera shake during shots with slower shutter speeds. But remember, OS works by minimizing camera movement, so it can’t really freeze a fast-moving bird or horse–only a very fast shutter speed does that.

Family Portraiture (Indoors)

• At 18mm, this lens is wide enough to get everyone in the frame, even in smaller rooms. And you can fill the frame at family gathering edge-to-edge and everyone will look natural. And that 13.8 zoom range allows for a lot of creativity and flexibility–the same scene captured at 50mm, 125mm, and 250mm will look very different on the final image, with the background getting more soft and abstract as you zoom in. And around the holiday season, Christmas Trees and other festive lighted displays make beautiful backdrops. Experiment and
• The EF-610 DG ST Flash has a built-in bounce card, which, combined with the swivel and bounce features, help shape, soften and sculpt the light in indoor photos. Using the built-in bounce card, or aiming the bounce-swivel head of the strobe at a light-colored wall or ceiling, to diffuse the light, will eliminate redeye offers much more flattering light for your family moments–posed and candid! Depending on the distance to the light-bouncing surface, you may need to crank up the flash output through the camera menu to avoid some underexposure–experiment, check your LCD and adjust as necessary!

Family Portraiture (outdoors)

• Everything about the reach and range of the 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 also makes it perfect for candid and posed outdoor memories. At the wide end, this lens is great for off-center subjects close to the lens with a sweeping vista behind. And zoomed in some, or all the way to 250mm, will soften the background and really bring the attention straight to your subjects, while also offering enough depth of field to keep everyone’s whole body in sharp focus.
• Flash isn’t just for nighttime and cave-light interiors any more! Outdoor portraiture, at any time of day, can benefit from the addition of an accessory flash. Fill-flash from the Sigma EF-610 DG ST Flash will soften the hard shadows of midday while adding lovely catchlights to eyes. And sunrise and sunset portraits with the flash dialed back through the Flash exposure settings can be downright magical.

Travel, adventures, and on the go

• When the call of the day is maximizing versatility in the smallest possible way, the Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 and EF-610DG ST Flash are a great all-in-one-solution. Whether it’s a day hike through a canyon, or a climb up a world-famous landmark, this compact package is ready for making your memories without needing to lug a much heavier camera bag. Thanks to Optical Stabilizer, you’ll nail sharp shots without the tripod, and the flash can light it up with creative and professional-looking results. Over your shoulder, or slung in a day bag, this combo is ready for your ’round the world or around the block adventures–without weighing you down!

Click here to find an authorized dealer!

This package makes a great gift idea for photographers–feel free to share this blog and special pricing offer with your friends and family who may also be interested!

And be sure to enter the Explore the Global Vision contest for a chance to win a Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM now through October 28th!

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by Jack Howard

Halloween can be an amazing time to make all sorts of cool photos. Between the Jack O’Lanterns, people of all ages in silly or scary costumes, and haunted houses, there’s something great to shoot pretty much everywhere you turn.

Jack O’ Lanterns are one of the most popular Halloween photo subjects, and these present several challenges and several different methods for creating a cool image. Here’s a shot exposed for a relatively short (1/4 second) amount of time to showcase the illumination by the candle light, with the rest of the frame going to deep, deep shadow and dark tones. For this type of shot, a tripod is pretty much a must. Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS Macro, Canon Rebel T3i, 1/4 second, F5.0, ISO 800.

It’s also a great time of year to throw so many of the hard and fast guidelines of photography aside and have some fun by breaking some rules, and employing some cool photo tricks to make Halloween photos that’ll turn some heads. In this blog posting, we’re going to have some fun and give you some ideas on how to capture the spirit of the season.

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