Sigma's new Aizu Primes, the first cinema lenses to be T1.3 across all focal lengths

Sigma has unveiled the Aizu Prime line, billing them as the world’s first lineup of large-format cinema lenses to achieve an aperture value of T1.3 across all focal lengths.

Sigma likes making big swings and the new Aizu Prime line is certainly that. The full lineup of 12 lenses features a consistent T1.3 aperture across the full range from 18mm to 125mm.

That T1.3 aperture enables exceptionally shallow depth of field and 'graceful' bokeh, which should seamlessly separate the subject while preserving a natural sense of depth and dimensionality. Or that's the idea at least.

Initially, 8 core lenses ranging from 25mm to 75mm are being released, which will be followed by 18mm and 21mm wide-angle lenses, and 100mm and 125mm telephoto lenses. Sigma says that consistency of color balance, contrast, and flare characteristics ensures seamless integration between scenes, bringing a high level of harmony to the entire visual narrative across the lineup.

A  large ⌀46.3mm image circle ensures full coverage not only for full-frame and Super 35 formats, but also for the latest large-format cameras such as the ARRI ALEXA LF Open Gate and VistaVision. 

Despite being built for large-format coverage and featuring an ultra-fast T1.3 aperture, the Aizu Prime lenses remain pretty lightweight at an average between 1.6 and 1.7 kg (3.6 and 3.7 lb) for the PL mount at least. The lenses all support ZEISS eXtended Data, offering real-time lens metadata during shooting. It also enables the export of distortion and shading correction data, streamlining workflows for VFX productions.

Pricing and availability

The new Aizu Prime lenses are available in PL Mount and Sony E-mount, and should ship in August for $8299 each.