Sigma announced yesterday an HSM version of their 17-70 mm and 18 – 55 mm lenses using the Nikon lens mount. HSM stands for Hyper Sonic Motor, which promises quieter and faster focusing. Both lenses are specifically tailored for Nike Digital SLR cameras.

The 17-70 mm model features a minimum focusing distance of 20 cm (7.9 inches). The cameras maximum aperture ranges from F.2.8-F4.5 and a minimum aperture of F22.

The 18-50 mm model has an aperture range from F2.8 to F22.

A wide-angle lens is an indispensable piece of equipment for a wide range of photographers. Those using the Nikon system should consider picking up the Nikkor AF-s 12-24 (18-36 35mm equivalent). Photozone recently reviewed the lens stating,

“The Nikkor AF-S 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED DX proved to be a very good performer. Its center resolution figures are exceptionally high and apart from 12mm @ f/4 the border quality is also impressive though a little less field curvature may be desirable at 12mm. CAs as well as the distortion characteristic are very good for an ultra-wide zoom lens whereas vignetting is about average due to the reduced APS-C image circle. The build quality is, in principal, very fine but you would usually expect a little more from a lens in this price class. The primary competitor is probably the Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4 AT-X Pro – a lens which is just as sharp but with a higher degree of CAs and worse flare in contra light – all at less than half the costs and combined with a better build quality. Costs aside it’s a close race between the two with a slight edge for the Nikkor regarding optical quality. When taking the very different price tags in account the decision may be a little more complicated.”

Imaging Resources posted a positive review of the recently released Nikon D40x. Among the improvements on the model is the 10-megapixel sensor which according to the review handles well during low light situations, providing limited noise at 1600 ISO, while expectedly high levels of noise do appear at 3200 ISO. Another thing of note in considering the D40 or the D40x, they can take any Nikon lens however you will not be able to use auto focus with non AF-S lenses. The kit lens also had some issues, Imaging Resources states, “Though the Nikon D40x’s kit lens is pretty good, and also fast and quiet, we were a still disappointed that the significant flare we saw in the D40 persist out toward the corners, even in the middle of its zoom range. Chromatic aberration was also fairly high at wide angle, but none of these minor problems were differed significantly from other comparably priced kit lenses. The lens performed very well in most circumstances, so it’s worth the price. But the beauty of the SLR is that you can change the lens, or in this case you can even buy a more versatile lens kit for just a little more, with the 18-135mm kit.”

The overall review is positive with the reviewer adding the camera to the site’s list of recommended cameras.