Sigma's Art series expanded into the mirrorless market earlier this year with new models of the 19mm and 30mm F2.8 DN series lenses. Whilst similar in focal length and aperture to the DP 1 and 2 Merrill bodies, these low cost optics are a different design, compatible with Sony's NEX and the Panasonic/Olympus Micro Four-Thirds format. A street price around £160 reflects the competitive nature of the mirrorless market, though with no direct comparison the Sigma lenses occupy gaps in the range offered by Olympus and Panasonic/Leica.

NEX users enjoy a 1.5x crop factor - we've reviewed the lenses on the popular Olympus OM-D body which features a 16Mp sensor, in-camera stabilisation and a 2x crop factor as with other Four-Thirds bodies.

Sigma's long history of producing award winning lenses continues with the latest version of the popular 17-70mm F2.8 DC OS Macro HSM receiving the "Best Entry Level DSLR lens" award, and the striking new 35mm F1.4 DG HSM almost inevitably taking the Best Expert DSLR lens with test performance and reviews suggesting that this classic full-frame model pushes the boundaries of lens design beyond expectations.

Full press releases after the cut.

Sigma UK have announced an impressive loyalty reward for owners of existing Sigma camera bodies - all users of Sigma cameras using the Foveon sensor can claim back up to £300 upon purchase of a DP Merrill or SD1 Merrill between April 22nd 2013 to June 24th 2013. This offer applies to bodies from the SD9 onwards - and crucially owners of any Sigma Foveon camera will qualify for the full £300 off a new Sigma SD1 Merrill. At current prices, the SD1 Merrill body with 18-200 OS Mk II lens can be found from a trusted, official UK reseller (Clifton Cameras) for £1599 inc VAT.

With the rebate, that's bringing an SD1 Merrill with lens at only £1299!

With the latest version of Sigma Photo Pro, and the Monochrome mode, the SD1 Merrill continues to offer unique image quality and the ability to produce infra-red images without permanent modification to the camera. It is the only SLR on the market which is capable of panchromatic monochrome, full colour AND infra-red.

For details of the offer and the claim form, please go to http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/

Sigma have announced a new fast wide-zoom for APS-C sensor cameras. This industry first presents the 28-52mm (approx.) equivalent focal length with a constant fast maximum aperuture of F1.8. As part of the Art series of lenses, recent models such as the 35mm F1.4 suggest that the optical quality will be exceptional. Fast HSM focusing and internal focus and zoom complete the package. At 810g, with a 9-blade diaphragm and 72mm filter, it's clear the emphasis has been on quality rather than trying to make a compact consumer option.

Full press release below:

Sigma UK have announced the USB dock - which comes to suit your chosen camera mount and will communicate with newly released lenses for firmware updates and where applicable, custom parameters - will be available from May and cost £39.99. The first lens to take advantage of the advanced features, the fast 120-300mm F2.8 DG HSM, will also be shipping in May.

The new DP3 Merrill hit the UK with impeccable timing, shown at Focus on Imaging just 5 years after the original DP1 made its debut. Since that ground-breaking original there have been 4 major versions (and several s/x revisions) of the Foveon-based large-sensor compact and now other manufacturers are eying up the segment. With a range of 3 Sigma can fight the competition on versatility by providing everything from wide to telephoto with 100% familiarity for the user. We look at the 50mm DP3 and see if the trend for impeccablke optics has been upset with a bold new focal length.

You know that moment when a new camera comes out and you absolutely know the hardware and sensor of your existing camera are so similar it seems unreasonable that the features on the new model aren't available?

The DP3 Merrill introduced a couple of new modes - direct black and white shooting, and a Face Detection Focus mode.

Sigma have, of course, added those modes to the existing DP Merrill bodies.

Links and details below:

Sigma Photo Pro has been extensively revised since we last featured it. The most recent launch, version 5.5 for Macintosh and Windows, introduces a dedicated Monochrome mode. Has time been kind to Sigma's unique application?

Sigma UK is pleased to announce that not only will they be presenting the latest products and current range at Focus, but their new, larger stand will allow visitors more time to see the newest models from Sigma's "Global Vision" ethos, and the new DP3 Merrill.

Sigma are at stand N3.

Focus on Imaging, the UK's premier photographic trade show, takes place from 3rd to 6th March, at the National Exhbition Centre in Birmingham.

http://www.focus-on-imaging.co.uk