Sigma enters the cine lens market

Sigma's upcoming Cine Lenses (prime lenses pictured)

Sigma becomes the latest manufacturer to offer a line of lenses designed specifically for cinematography.

Initially, Sigma will release two High Speed Zoom Line Super35/APS-C lenses in Japan and the US, expanding offerings to a FF Zoom Line, followed by five FF High Speed Prime Line lenses.

The High Speed Zoom Line includes the 18-35mm T2 and 50-100mm T2 cine zooms. These will initially be available in E mount and EF mounts with a PL version to follow.

The FF Zoom Line announcement at the moment is limited to a 24-35mm T2.2 full frame lens, offered only in EF and E mounts.

Sigma's forthcoming cine zooms

The next phase of Sigma's cine lens roadmap calls for prime lenses in 20mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm and 85mm focal lengths, all with a T1.5 aperture. These lenses will be offered in EF, E and PL mounts.

Common to all of these lenses is a weatherproof design with luminous markings. All have 180 degree focus rotations with consistent 82mm filter size and 95mm front diameter. While all lenses are manual focus and iris, each mount will include electrical contacts to transmit metadata to the camera. All lenses are geared to work with follow-focus controls.

Sigma has not yet announced any pricing information, nor has the company indicated any specific plans for release to markets other than the US and Japan. The High Speed Zoom Lines are slated to ship by the end of 2016, with the other lines to be rolled out beginning in 2017.