Sigma Corporation has unveiled the Aizu Prime Line, which is the first cinema lens series worldwide to offer quick T1.3 apertures across all its focal lengths. This professional-grade line features twelve prime lenses, spanning from 18mm to 125mm, all designed to cover full-frame image areas.
These large-format cinema lenses, available in PL and Sony E-mount, promise contemporary sharpness along with an “organic and naturally soft appearance,” according to Sigma. The newly designed cinema prime lenses are tailored explicitly for video use rather than being repurposed optics, enhancing visuals with “rich texture and depth.”
One of the key factors in achieving this is the rapid T1.3 aperture, which allows for a very shallow depth of field, stunning bokeh, and flexibility in low-light settings.
Each lens in the Aizu Prime Line series features a unique optical system crafted specifically for cinema. To deliver a cinematic quality, Sigma has focused on ensuring visuals appear authentic and consistent across the collection. The design also minimizes distortion and reduces focus breathing, which are crucial aspects for filmmakers.
While Sigma has launched a total of twelve Aizu Prime Line lenses, it’s important to note that they will be released in at least two different phases. The initial wave will include eight core lenses ranging from 25mm to 75mm, followed by wide-angle lenses of 18mm and 21mm, along with telephoto primes of 100mm and 125mm. This staggered introduction means that the complete physical…
Specifications are currently available for the first eight lenses, while the details for the other four prime lenses are still being worked out, particularly their front diameters and weights.
Regarding size, the main eight lenses maintain a consistent 95mm front diameter, which supports a smooth workflow. These include the 25mm T1.3 LF, 27mm T1.3 LF, 32mm T1.3 LF, 35mm T1.3 LF, 40mm T1.3 LF, 50mm T1.3 LF, 65mm T1.3 LF, and 75mm T1.3 LF, with lengths measuring between 125 millimeters (5 inches) and 128.8 millimeters (5.1 inches). The weight variation is minimal, with the lightest at 1.6 kilograms (3.5 pounds) and the heaviest, the 75mm T1.3, at 1.7 kilograms (3.8 pounds). These measurements pertain to the PL-mount versions; the E-mount versions will have slight differences. Details for the 18mm, 21mm, 100mm, and 125mm Sigma Aizu Prime Line lenses are still being finalized.
Despite having fast T1.3 apertures, the eight main Aizu Prime lenses are designed to be relatively compact and lightweight, making them suitable for handheld or gimbal workflows, as per Sigma’s claims.
The Sigma Aizu Prime Line lenses utilize manual focus, which is typical for specialized cinema lenses. The core eight lenses have close-focusing distances that vary from 0.31 meters (1 foot) to 0.73 meters (2.5 feet). Sigma highlights that these distances allow filmmakers to achieve “stunning close-up shots,” enhancing visual tension and drama.
While specifications for the wide-angle and telephoto lenses aren’t yet fully disclosed, one certainty is that all 12 Sigma Aizu Prime Line lenses will cover a 46.3-millimeter image circle. This feature guarantees complete coverage for both full-frame and Super35 formats and also accommodates some advanced large-format cameras, such as the Arri Alexa LF Open Gate and VistaVision.
“This capability enables filmmakers to produce without compromise across a variety of projects,” Sigma states.
The Sigma Aizu Prime lenses are compatible with Zeiss eXtended Data, allowing them to transmit real-time lens metadata during filming. This feature supports distortion and shading correction data, simplifying the editing and VFX processes.
Pricing and Availability
The eight primary Sigma Aizu Prime Line lenses, ranging from 25mm to 75mm in focal length, are set to be released in August at a price of $8,299 each. Specific release dates for the additional four lenses have yet to be announced, but PetaPixel will provide updates as soon as they are available.
PetaPixel is currently at CineGear in Los Angeles, where they will have hands-on experience with the new Sigma Aizu Prime lenses. Keep an eye out for their impressions. Additionally, Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki will be featured on this week’s PetaPixel Podcast to discuss the company’s latest offerings, including these new cinema lenses.
Image credits: Sigma
