Using non DG designed lenses on digital cameras

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SIB

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Steven
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I'm curious as to what's special about the "DG" lenses from Sigma that say they are desgined for use with digital cameras. What's different about them from "normal" SLR lenses?

I have a Sigma 105 EX F2.8 Macro lens that is NOT the DG version and it seems to work perfectly well on my Canon 50D and 400D...
 
Something to do with a 'special coating' possibly :thinking:

Can't quite remember, to be honest probably not a great deal, it just signifies that they're a bit newer, might perform a little better etc. If you're happy, ignore the meaningless letters and shoot till your heart's content :D
 
mastertrinity said:
dg means digital so i think its only compatible with apsc sensor DSLR's and DC is for full frame meaning it can be used on any SLR although i think i might have got it the other way around.
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It's the other way around...

Sigma UK Website... said:
DG (DG Lens)
These are large-aperture lenses with wide angles and short minimum focusing distances. With an abundance of peripheral illumination, they are ideal lenses for Digital SLR Cameras whilst retaining suitability for traditional 35mm SLRs.

DC (DC Lens)
These are special lenses designed so that the image circle matches the smaller size of the image sensor of most digital SLR cameras. Their specialized design gives these lenses the ideal properties for digital cameras, the compact and lightweight construction is an added bonus ! including compact and lightweight construction.
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I think DG was largely a marketing ploy by Sigma. I've used several non-DG lenses in the past and not noticed a difference. I also note that neither Canon nor Nikon chose to revamp their entire lens ranges when digital came along.
 
mastertrinity said:
dg means digital so i think its only compatible with apsc sensor DSLR's and DC is for full frame meaning it can be used on any SLR although i think i might have got it the other way around.
Click to expand...

Yup, you've got it the wrong way round, DG lenses are suitable for FF and 35mm while the DC range only cover cropped sensors. HERE'S a list of Sigma's abbreviations.

The major advantage (IIRC) of the "D" designated Sigmas is that they have extra coatings that are supposed to reduce internal reflections that can cause ghosting and extra flare due to the extra reflectivity of a digital sensor compared to film.


ETA... Beaten to it!
 
Cool, many thanks for the responses. As i say, mine is working fine enough for me without have any "D" varient of lettering on it so i'll continue to keep using it :)
 
mastertrinity said:
dg means digital so i think its only compatible with apsc sensor DSLR's and DC is for full frame meaning it can be used on any SLR although i think i might have got it the other way around.
Click to expand...

I think you may have, my Sigma 10-20 is DC and it's no secret that they vignette on ff at the wide ends.
 
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