Sigma’s Redesigned Lens Filters
Four newly redesigned Sigma lens filters are coming this November, with the company updating both their optical design and filter frames to reduce their impact on photo quality. The lineup includes the WR Ceramic Protector PTC-21, WR Protector + UV PUV-21, standard Protector LPT-21, and WR Circular PL Filter CPL-21. The Ceramic Protector is designed mainly around impact resistance, while the PUV-21 combines UV protection with a water- and oil-repellent coating. The circular polariser gets the same coating as well.
There are a few physical changes compared with Sigma’s previous filters too. The inside surfaces of the frames have been given an updated treatment to reduce internal reflections, while the overall construction has been slimmed down, particularly on the larger 95mm and 105mm versions. That is important when using filters on ultra-wide-angle lenses, where thicker filter frames can creep into the corners and cause vignetting. Sigma says the new filters are slim enough to avoid that problem and still work normally with its existing lens caps. And while Sigma only officially talks about compatibility with its own lenses, these are standard threaded filters, so they are not limited to Sigma glass.
The PTC-21 Ceramic Protector will come in 67, 72, 77, 82, 95, and 105mm sizes. The PUV-21, LPT-21, and CPL-21 add 52, 55, 58, and 62mm options to that list. Interestingly, the 46mm size available in Sigma’s current filter lineup appears to be disappearing. Sigma has not announced pricing yet, but for reference, its current 77mm WR Circular Polariser costs $169, while the existing 82mm WR Ceramic Protector costs $160. The redesigned filters will be available from November 5.
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