Could Sigma's new T1.3 cine lenses hint at super-fast photo primes?
Image: Sigma Sigma has announced an ambitious series of super-bright cinema lenses, due later this year, raising at least the possibility of some of the designs making their way across to the photo space. The Aizu Prime series of cinema lenses all cover a 46.3mm diagonal, making them suitable for use on "large-format" cinema cameras such as the Arri Alexa LF, slightly larger than what photographers would think of as 'full-frame.' The series will include twelve lenses covering the 18mm to 125mm focal lengths, starting with eight lenses in the 25-75mm range. All the lenses will have T1.3 maximum apertures. However, while it's plausible that some of these designs could be adapted to sit alongside the company's 35mm F1.2 and 50mm F1.2 Art photographic lenses, sadly, Sigma says all the lenses "feature an optical system developed exclusively for cinema applications." They are also priced at $8300 each. The eight initial lenses will each be available in either PL or Sony E mounts, with choice of distance scales marked using metric measurements or feet. All eight lenses feature gears focus and iris control, have similar dimensions and share the same 95mm front diameter. Alongside the Aizu Prime line, Sigma has also announced a 28-45mm T2 cine zoom, based on the optical formula of its 28-45mm F1.8 DG Art lens and a 24-105mm T3 zoom, derived from the 24-105mm F2.8 DG Art. Both lenses retain their autofocus functions, in contrast to the Aizu primes, which are manual focus lenses. Sigma Corporation Announces Aizu Prime Line, the World’s First Cinema Lens Line to Feature T1.3 Across All Focal Lengths Brilliant at T1.3: Forging new expressions. Here begins a new benchmark for filmmaking. Ronkonkoma, New York - SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is introducing the Aizu Prime Line―the world's first lineup 1 of large-format cinema lenses to achieve an aperture value of T1.3 across all focal lengths. The lineup combines modern sharpness with an organic and naturally soft look, bringing rich texture and depth to visuals. Boasting unparalleled brightness, refined expression, and reliable performance, the Aizu Prime Line embodies the proven technology and quality of “Made in Aizu, Japan” establishing the new standard. The lineup of 12 lenses features a consistent T1.3 aperture across the full range from 18mm to 125mm. The initial release includes 8 lenses with focal lengths from 25mm to 75mm, covering core cinematic production needs. 1. As of June 2025, by Sigma. KEY FEATURES Expressive power for profound beauty A consistent T1.3 across all focal lengths The T1.3 aperture enables exceptionally shallow depth of field and graceful bokeh, seamlessly separating the subject while preserving a natural sense of depth and dimensionality. This refined visual language draws the viewer into the frame with a subtle yet powerful presence. Optical design for the demands of cinema All lenses in the Aizu Prime lineup feature an optical system developed exclusively for cinema applications. While maintaining modern sharpness, they avoid rigid or harsh depictions—delivering a natural, organic look. They provide quiet elegance and depth to the image, with distortion and focus breathing carefully minimized to ensure visual consistency, even in dynamic scenes. Huge perspective range coverage The Aizu Prime Line is designed as a system to cover a wide range of focal lengths from 18mm to 125mm. Initially, 8 core lenses ranging from 25mm to 75mm are being released, followed by 18mm and 21mm wide-angle lenses, and 100mm and 125mm telephoto lenses. This comprehensive system, covering from ultra-wide-angle to telephoto, is adaptable to diverse scenes and compositions. Completely consistent look 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 from 18mm to 125mm. ∅46.3mm image circle The 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. This capability enables uncompromised filmmaking across a diverse range of projects. High-impact close-up expression The short minimum focusing distance enables striking close-up shots. By getting closer to the subject, the Aizu Prime lenses create visual tension and dramatic effects, adding impactful depth to the imagery. Compact. Precise. Reliable. A compact design that unleashes creativity Despite being built for large-format coverage and featuring an ultra-fast T1.3 aperture, the Aizu Prime lenses remain remarkably lightweight. This rare balance of exceptional speed and mobility offers the flexibility and creative freedom demanded by modern productions—from dolly and Steadicam to gimbal and handheld operation. Precise op
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| Image: Sigma |
Sigma has announced an ambitious series of super-bright cinema lenses, due later this year, raising at least the possibility of some of the designs making their way across to the photo space.
The Aizu Prime series of cinema lenses all cover a 46.3mm diagonal, making them suitable for use on "large-format" cinema cameras such as the Arri Alexa LF, slightly larger than what photographers would think of as 'full-frame.'
The series will include twelve lenses covering the 18mm to 125mm focal lengths, starting with eight lenses in the 25-75mm range. All the lenses will have T1.3 maximum apertures.
However, while it's plausible that some of these designs could be adapted to sit alongside the company's 35mm F1.2 and 50mm F1.2 Art photographic lenses, sadly, Sigma says all the lenses "feature an optical system developed exclusively for cinema applications." They are also priced at $8300 each.
The eight initial lenses will each be available in either PL or Sony E mounts, with choice of distance scales marked using metric measurements or feet. All eight lenses feature gears focus and iris control, have similar dimensions and share the same 95mm front diameter.
Alongside the Aizu Prime line, Sigma has also announced a 28-45mm T2 cine zoom, based on the optical formula of its 28-45mm F1.8 DG Art lens and a 24-105mm T3 zoom, derived from the 24-105mm F2.8 DG Art. Both lenses retain their autofocus functions, in contrast to the Aizu primes, which are manual focus lenses.
Sigma Corporation Announces Aizu Prime Line, the World’s First Cinema Lens Line to Feature T1.3 Across All Focal Lengths
Brilliant at T1.3: Forging new expressions. Here begins a new benchmark for filmmaking.
Ronkonkoma, New York - SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is introducing the Aizu Prime Line―the world's first lineup 1 of large-format cinema lenses to achieve an aperture value of T1.3 across all focal lengths.
The lineup combines modern sharpness with an organic and naturally soft look, bringing rich texture and depth to visuals.
Boasting unparalleled brightness, refined expression, and reliable performance, the Aizu Prime Line embodies the proven technology and quality of “Made in Aizu, Japan” establishing the new standard.
The lineup of 12 lenses features a consistent T1.3 aperture across the full range from 18mm to 125mm. The initial release includes 8 lenses with focal lengths from 25mm to 75mm, covering core cinematic production needs.
1. As of June 2025, by Sigma.
KEY FEATURES
Expressive power for profound beauty
A consistent T1.3 across all focal lengths
The T1.3 aperture enables exceptionally shallow depth of field and graceful bokeh, seamlessly separating the subject while preserving a natural sense of depth and dimensionality. This refined visual language draws the viewer into the frame with a subtle yet powerful presence.
Optical design for the demands of cinema
All lenses in the Aizu Prime lineup feature an optical system developed exclusively for cinema applications. While maintaining modern sharpness, they avoid rigid or harsh depictions—delivering a natural, organic look. They provide quiet elegance and depth to the image, with distortion and focus breathing carefully minimized to ensure visual consistency, even in dynamic scenes.
Huge perspective range coverage
The Aizu Prime Line is designed as a system to cover a wide range of focal lengths from 18mm to 125mm. Initially, 8 core lenses ranging from 25mm to 75mm are being released, followed by 18mm and 21mm wide-angle lenses, and 100mm and 125mm telephoto lenses. This comprehensive system, covering from ultra-wide-angle to telephoto, is adaptable to diverse scenes and compositions.
Completely consistent look
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 from 18mm to 125mm.
∅46.3mm image circle
The 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. This capability enables uncompromised filmmaking across a diverse range of projects.
High-impact close-up expression
The short minimum focusing distance enables striking close-up shots. By getting closer to the subject, the Aizu Prime lenses create visual tension and dramatic effects, adding impactful depth to the imagery.
Compact. Precise. Reliable.
A compact design that unleashes creativity
Despite being built for large-format coverage and featuring an ultra-fast T1.3 aperture, the Aizu Prime lenses remain remarkably lightweight. This rare balance of exceptional speed and mobility offers the flexibility and creative freedom demanded by modern productions—from dolly and Steadicam to gimbal and handheld operation.
Precise operation and durability
The Aizu Prime lenses offer precise control, exceptional durability, and ease of maintenance. Despite its compact housing, it delivers unwavering reliability in demanding shooting environments. Every mechanical detail—from the wide focus rotation angle to the equal-pitch aperture ring—embodies the engineering expertise cultivated through the Sigma High Speed Prime series.
Supports ZEISS eXtended Data
The Aizu Prime lenses 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.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
[Common specifications]
- Available mounts: PL Mount, Sony E-mount
- Image circle: 46.3mm
| Product Name | Close focus | Front diameter | Length* | Weight* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18mm T1.3 LF | TBD | |||
| 21mm T1.3 LF | TBD | |||
| 25mm T1.3 LF | 0.31 m / 1'0 | 95 mm / 3.7" | 125 mm / 5" | 1.7 kg / 3.6 lb |
| 27mm T1.3 LF | 0.33 m / 1'1 | 95 mm / 3.7" | 125.4 mm / 5" | 1.7 kg / 3.6 lb |
| 32mm T1.3 LF | 0.34 m / 1'2 | 95 mm / 3.7" | 128.5 mm / 5.1" | 1.7 kg / 3.6 lb |
| 35mm T1.3 LF | 0.35 m / 1'2 | 95 mm / 3.7" | 128.6 mm / 5.1" | 1.6 kg / 3.6 lb |
| 40mm T1.3 LF | 0.38 m / 1'3 | 95 mm / 3.7" | 128.8 mm / 5.1" | 1.6 kg / 3.6 lb |
| 50mm T1.3 LF | 0.48 m / 1'7 | 95 mm / 3.7" | 126.3 mm / 5" | 1.7 kg / 3.6 lb |
| 65mm T1.3 LF | 0.61 m / 2'0 | 95 mm / 3.7" | 125 mm / 5" | 1.6 kg / 3.6 lb |
| 75mm T1.3 LF | 0.73 m / 2'5 | 95 mm / 3.7" | 128.1 mm / 5.1" | 1.7 kg / 3.6 lb |
| 100mm T1.3 LF | TBD | |||
| 125mm T1.3 LF | TBD | |||
*The figures are for PL Mount
