The legacy Sigma Zoom-γ 21–35 mm f/3.5–4, the world’s first true wide-angle zoom lens, which incorporates four prime wide-angle focal lengths (21, 24, 28, and 35 mm) into one, was released by Sigma in 1979. The lens is notable for its innovative optical design, solid all-metal construction, and the breakthrough that reduced both cost and the need for multiple lenses on shooting locations. The lens was also noted for its 'ZEN' finish, a non-reflective urethane resin coating claimed to resist scratches and chemicals.
The lens is a 12 elements in 12 groups construction with a floating-element system to minimize astigmatism and flare, 6-iris blades (camera-controlled on Canon EF, Minolta/Sony A, Sigma SA mounts; aperture ring + auto on Nikon F), has a closest focusing distance of 0.5 meters, takes 67mm filters, and comes with a built in floral hood. The Nikon F version measures 87.5 × 104.5mm, weighs 480 grams, and has received ratings of Sharpness (8.5), Aberrations (8.5), Bokeh (9.0), Handling (9.0), and Value (9.0) on PentaxForums.
The lens is said to be seen in a few iterations as well. The two-ringed version, as seen here, is an update of the earlier and original push-pull zoom, the Sigma Zoom 21-35mm f/3.5~4.2, which was released in the late 1970s or early 1980s. A later autofocus (AF) version, the Sigma Zoom-γ AF 21-35mm f/3.5~4.2, with a 77mm filter thread, was introduced in 1985.
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On the Nikon D200, an APS-C DSLR with a 1.5x crop sensor, the Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm f/3.5~4 lens has a field of view equivalent to approximately a 32-53mm lens on a full-frame camera. On the four-in-one configuration, the lens can be equated to having a wide-angle 35, 40, 45, and 50mm standard normal combined, a range versatile enough for the lens to be used for land and cityscape, street shooting, story-telling and documentaries, or just (albiet the kit being a slight heavyweight) as an everyday lens.
Reviews indicated that the lens exhibits good central and edge performance from f/5.6 to f/8, and thanks to its floating-element design, remarkably low distortion. The lens is best used stopped down to f/5.6–8 for optimal sharpness and contrast.
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