The popular Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Lens has been improved with closer focusing capabilities - as close as 7.9" (20cm) - and has a maximum magnification rating of 1:3, ideal for close-up photography. The characteristics of digital SLR cameras were taken into consideration when designing the lens power layout. The advanced lens design corrects various aberrations. This lens provides the utmost correction against lateral chromatic aberration, which is a serious problem for digital SLR cameras.
This lens is also specially coated to get the best color balance with a digital camera, while also cutting down flare and ghost caused by reflections from the digital image sensor and lens. It has correction for vignetting, and superior peripheral brightness is ensured. Ideal as a standard quality zoom lens with added macro capability, this lens provides an equivalent range of approx. 27-75mm when used with a Pentax digital SLR camera (*).
DC lenses are exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras. The image circle (rear of lens) is made to match the smaller dimensions used for the image sensor on digital cameras. As a result, these lenses are also more compact and lightweight, and are better matched to digital SLR cameras.