[Dave]

Sigma has just announced the 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro HSM and 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Macro HSM lenses, which incorporate Sigma's HSM autofocus technology, making them compatible with Nikon's D40 and D40x SLRs :thumb With this useful focal range, plus macro could the 17-70mm model be the perfect 1st lens ?

Press Release:

Sigma 17-70mm Macro and 18-50mm Macro

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro HSM and 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Macro HSM for Nikon.

The inclusion of HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) into the 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro and 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Macro, originally released to the market in January 2005 and November 2006 respectively, now allows quiet and high-speed auto-focusing with all Nikon DSLR cameras.

17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro HSM

This revolutionary lens has a minimum focusing distance of 20cm (7.9in) throughout the entire zoom range. A maximum magnification of 1:2.3 enables extreme close-up photography. An impressive achievement for a standard zoom lens. The new lens design and multi layer lens coating reduce flare and ghosting, a common problem with digital cameras. A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) lens and two aspherical lens elements provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations and produce a high level of optical performance throughout the entire zoom range.

Specifications:

* Lens Construction 15 Elements 12 Groups
* Angle of View79.7-22.9 degrees
* Number of Diagram Blades7 Blades
* Minimum ApertureF22
* Minimum Focusing Distance20cm (7.9”)
* Maximum Magnification1:2.3
* Filter Size72mm
* Lens HoodPetal type
* Dimensions79mm(3.1”) x 80mm(3.1”)
* Weight490g (17.3oz)
* SRP £289.99
* Available fittingsNikon AF



18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Macro HSM

This lens has a large aperture of F2.8 throughout the entire zoom range, a minimum focusing distance of 20cm (7.9in) and a maximum magnification of 1:3, making it ideal for close-up photography.

Specially designed to suit the characteristics of digital SLRs, it incorporates both glass-mould and hybrid aspherical lens technology which offers extremely high image quality as well as a compact and lightweight construction. Minimal vignetting and superior peripheral brightness is ensured.

A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass and Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) lens elements provide excellent correction of colour aberrations. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, a common problem with digital cameras.

Specifications

* Lens Construction15 Elements 13 Groups
* Angle of View76.5-31.7 degrees
* Number of Diagram Blades7 Blades
* Minimum ApertureF22
* Minimum Focusing Distance20cm (7.9”)
* Maximum Magnification1:3
* Filter Size72mm
* Lens HoodPetal type
* Dimensions79mm(3.1”) x 83.2mm(3.3”)
* Weight535g(18.9oz)
* SRP£389.99
* Available fittingsNikon AF



Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size or 35mm SLR cameras.

The appearance and specifications of the product are subject to change for improvement without notice.

[VinnyP]

I had the old 18-50 2.8 and it was a cracker the only thing it needed was HSM