The Sigma USB Dock paired with Sigma Optimization Pro software brings lens customization to an entirely new level. Photographers can now personally update the firmware of Sigma’s new Global Vision lenses and make performance enhancements including multi-zone microfocus adjustments of +/-20 from the factory default settings.
These adjustments are possible for every DC and DG lens in the Art, Sports, and Contemporary lines. The Sports line of lenses, represented currently by the new 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | S lens, allows for even more performance enhancing tweaks to be applied–autofocus speed, focus limiter, and Optical Stabilizer performance.
Click “Play” to watch a screencast demonstration of Sigma Optimization Pro in action!
And with two custom settings accessible through the on-lens switch, it is possible to have three sets of performance parameters: Factory settings, C1 and C2. Because when it comes right down to it, photography is about personal vision, and while a photographer working a turn on Giant Slalom ski racing is going to want blazingly fast autofocus, with a focus limiter set to cover that certain distance, a wildlife photographer in a blind beside an eagle’s nest waiting for fledglings might want the AF to be a bit more methodical over a different, much closer focus limiter range.
Overall, as the screencast demonstrates, operation is easy and intuitive within the graphical interface of Sigma Optimization Pro. And once the firmware is rewritten, it is, honestly, amazingly satisfying as a photographer to observe the custom changes in effect through the viewfinder! The factory AF speed is swift as it is, but combining the Speed-priority AF setting and a custom focus limiter really makes it fly!
Next up for me is an in-depth hands-on field report with the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports lens in action. Check back around May 9th for that!
Learn more about the new Sigma lens lines, the Sigma USB Dock, and the Sigma Global Vision.