New Sigma USB Dock and Proprietary Optimization Software

Albert Einstein once said, "“I never think of the future - it comes soon enough.” 

Well, the future is here when it comes to technology helping photographers maximize the quality of their photos.

Sigma has announced their new USB Dock and proprietary Optimization Pro software. Developed exclusively for Sigma’s new Art, Contemporary, and Sports series of lenses, the USB Dock easily connects to a computer via a standard USB connection and allows photographers to update lens firmware and adjust parameters, such as focus. The USB Dock is currently compatible with the 35mm F1.4 DG HSM and 30mm F1.4 DC HSM lenses from the Art line, the 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM lens from the Contemporary line, and the 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM lens the Sports line.

Using the USB Dock, it’s possible to update the lens firmware via the Internet. Multiple focus setting options are also available: four categories for fixed focal length lenses and sixteen categories for zoom lenses (four options for focal length and four options for shooting distance).

In addition, lenses from Sigma’s Sports line include a “Custom Mode Switch” for customizable AF speed (three AF speed modes), focus limiter, and optical stabilizer (OS) function (three OS adjustment modes).

The Sigma USB Dock has a suggested retail price of $59.95 and will be available for Canon and Sigma lenses in May; the Nikon version will follow. Currently, the USB Dock is not compatible with Sigma DN series lenses.