Technical Image Press Association Honors Sigma Corporation's New 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Lens

RONKONKOMA, NY--(Marketwire - May 18, 2009) - Sigma Corporation of America (www.sigmaphoto.com), a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider for some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, has received the award of Best Entry Level Lens by Technical Image Press Association for its newly available 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM.

The 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM, extended range zoom lens, currently available for Nikon and Canon mounts, incorporates Sigma's exclusive technology, the Hybrid Optical Stabilizer, an anti-shake system providing image stabilization in both the camera body and the viewfinder. In addition to the unique OS system, this DC lens is a dedicated digital SLR camera lens suited for APS-C format, and incorporates Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) functionality to ensure quiet and high speed auto focus (AF).

"Sigma's new 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM lens provides all levels of photographers with smooth zoom action, best-in-class image quality, and innovative OS technology," said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. "We're thrilled that the Technical Image Press Association has recognized our continued commitment to providing our customers with excellent products and unparalleled quality, at reasonable prices."

The 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM was selected for the TIPA award by a panel of 25 editors of leading European photography publications. Judges cited the lens' exclusive optical stabilization (OS) system, along with four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements and three aspheric elements as key factors in their decision process, all of which they said ensure "high quality" results.

Each year, TIPA editors vote for the best photo and imaging products introduced in Europe during the previous 12 months. The judges consider innovation, the use of leading-edge technology, design and ergonomics, ease-of-use, and the price/performance ratio while making their decisions.

The lens has 13.8 times zoom ratio capabilities, exclusive to digital SLR, making it ideal for close-up photography. In addition, an inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making it suitable for use with circular polarizing filters and the supplied petal-type hood.

The 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM is currently available for Nikon and Canon mounts for $800 MSRP in a number of stores nationwide. Within the next few months, the lens will be also be available in Sigma, as well as Sony and Pentax mounts, the first-ever optically stabilized lens offered for those manufacturers' digital cameras.

To locate an authorized Sigma dealer nearest to you, visit www.sigmaphoto.com/where/where.asp. For information about Sigma Corporation of America, visit www.sigmaphoto.com.

About Sigma Corporation of America

For more than 50 years, Sigma Corporation's expertise and innovation has driven the company's core philosophy of "knowledge, plus experience, plus imagination," with an emphasis on producing high-quality, high-performance photographic technology at moderate prices. This family-owned organization is the largest, independent SLR lens manufacturer in the world, producing more than 40 lenses that are compatible with most manufacturers, including Sigma, Canon, Minolta, Sony, Nikon, Olympus and Pentax. Sigma Corporation also produces digital SLR cameras and high-definition digital compact cameras. The company is headquartered in Japan, with offices strategically located throughout Europe, Asia and North America. For information, please visit www.sigmaphoto.com.

Contact Information: Contacts: Christine Moossmann Sigma Corporation 631-585-1144 www.sigmaphoto.com Marisa Carullo Matter Communications for Sigma Corporation 978-499-9250 x 320