Although current Olympus, Pentax, and Sony DSLR cameras are equipped with sensor-shift stabilizing devices, Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic continue to rely on lens-based Anti-Shake systems. That’s why we’re still seeing new lenses such as Sigma’s 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM with the company’s latest Optical Stabilizer (OS), said to offer a four shutter speed step advantage over the non-stabilized model. A versatile zoom, it’s also compact (72 mm filter size) and quite affordable considering the OS system, Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and aspherical elements, super multilayered coating, and ultrasonic HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) autofocus system. This lens is available in Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony/Maxxum mounts but the OS device will not function when it’s used on any Pentax or Sony DSLR camera with a shake reduction system.
A fine alternative to an inexpensive 18-55mm kit lens, Nikon’s new AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR zoom offer greater versatility and image quality; it’s also equipped with the latest Vibration Reduction (VR) stabilizer. The new VR II system is said to provide a four shutter speed step advantage to minimize the risk of blurring caused by DSLR camera shake. This is a high-quality lens with Silent Wave Motor (SWM), two pieces of Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass, three aspherical elements plus Super Integrated Coating (SIC) to minimize flare and ghosting. The rounded seven-blade diaphragm opening gives out-of-focus background elements a more natural appearance. This zoom is quite compact (67mm filter size) and not very heavy (17 oz) in spite of the VR system and rugged construction.
A multi-platform telephoto with most DSLR cameras, Sigma’s heavy (67 oz) APO 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM zoom will often be mounted on a tripod using the included accessory. Even so, it can be used handheld so Sigma has incorporated their Optical Stabilizer in the barrel. That device is said to provide a four shutter speed step advantage, very useful because the maximum apertures are quite small. This is an impressive lens in other respects, too, including three SLD glass elements are rear (internal) focusing to provide optimum image quality. Super multilayered coating reduces flare and ghosting while the ultrasonic HSM motor provides high-speed autofocus with a Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, Maxxum, or Sigma DSLR.
The Image Stabilizer system in the Canon pro lenses is effective when the equipment is mounted on a tripod, making this a logical feature with the new multi-platform EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM telephoto. As you might expect, this moisture – and dust-resistant lens – with a magnesium-alloy barrel – incorporates all the best of Canon’s latest technology, including fluorite and UD elements for superb image quality. All of that also applies to the similar EF 200mm f/2L IS USM telephoto designed for low-light photography; other benefits include close focusing to 6.2 ft and a circular aperture system that enhances its background blur rendition.