Sorry if this sounds like a silly question but as i understand it, the DC tag on Sigma lenses seems to connotate that the lens is for digital SLRs only, which in my mind means non-full sensor digital cameras like my 30D.

But then I read in a magazine that you can use it both on non full sensor cameras and full sensor cameras like the 5D.

Is this correct? Does this mean if I upgrade to a 5D I can still use the same lens and it will effectively act without the cropping factor ie my 17mm to 70mm Sigma DC lens will now effectively be a true 17mm to 70mm lens if I use it on a 5D. Tama ba or are there any side effects? or can you actually use them as I mentioned? Has anyone here used a DC lens on a full sensor camera?

Sorry for this question, just want to know.


Joey Z

Hi Jimmy,

There are 2 types of lens designed by Sigma for Digital cameras namely:

1. DG Lens - These are large aperture lenses, with an abundant peripheral illumination. They are designed to suit the characteristics of digital SLR cameras and to also retain superior performance with traditional 35mm SLR Film cameras.

2. 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 designed gives these lenses the ideal properties for digital cameras. The compact and lightweight construction is also an added bonus. (Source - Sigma Lens Catalogue).

Let me try to answer your inquires:

1. You can try using your lens with a 5D Body before making any major investment. You have to remember that there is only a slight difference between the 5D and 1D Mark 2 (8 megapixel camera not the 16 MP). The former is ideal for portraits and studio use while the latter is for covering events like weddings.

2. In theory, the image sensor of the 5D will act like a film-based SLR. I haven't tried using it. There are 5D users in this forum who are more qualified to answer this. Good Luck and do update us with your actual findings.

I now turn over the floor to the other DPP members. Best Regards.

Hi,

If you use a DC lens on a full frame camera it will Vignette because it was designed for crop sensors.

Regards,
Roy

I have the 17-70 DC which causes vignetting on a 1D so I'm sure it would be worse on a 5D. HTH :)

Thanks guys, this really clears it up. So effectively, if I upgrade to a full sensor camera I also need to invest in new lenses. I guess I won't be upgrading for a while harharhar.

Joey