Sigma Expands Aizu Prime Cinema Lens Series
Sigma announces three new Aizu Prime cinema lenses: 21mm, 100mm, and 125mm. Each costs $9,799 and will be available in November for PL or Sony E-mount.
Sigma has added three new lenses to its high-end Aizu Prime cinema series, extending the range to wider and longer focal lengths. The new 21mm, 100mm, and 125mm lenses are designed for large-format cameras and will be available starting in November.
According to the report from DPReview, these lenses share the series' signature fast T1.3 aperture. They are built to cover a 46.3mm image circle, which is slightly larger than a full-frame photography sensor.
Filling Out the Prime Series
The new announcements bring the total number of lenses in the Aizu Prime series to eleven. Sigma originally launched the brand last year with eight lenses ranging from 25mm to 75mm. The company had promised a series of twelve lenses, leaving only an 18mm model yet to be released. This expansion provides cinematographers with a more complete set of matched primes, similar to how a team's squad is built for a full season. The goal is to offer consistent optical performance across the entire focal range.
Optical Design and Physical Matching
Sigma states the optical formulas are developed specifically for cinema. The design aims for sharpness while retaining character, with minimal focus breathing and distortion, ensuring reliable performance just as consistent stats are key for a player.
A key feature for film sets is physical consistency. The lenses are designed to match each other in color, contrast, and flare characteristics. Their sizes and weights are also similar, though the 100mm and 125mm models are slightly heavier.
| Focal Length | Weight |
|---|---|
| 100mm | 2.2Kg |
| 125mm | 2.2Kg |
| Other series lenses | 1.6Kg or 1.7Kg |
This uniformity means cinematographers can switch lenses without rebalancing gimbals or resetting follow focus controls. It saves crucial time during production.
Pricing and Availability
The new lenses represent a price increase over the existing models in the series. Each of the three new primes will cost $9,799. The other lenses in the Aizu Prime line cost $8,300 each.
Sigma suggests the higher price may be due to the more exotic focal lengths. The lenses will be available for PL mount or Sony E-mount.
Sigma's expansion of the Aizu Prime series gives cinematographers more tools for large-format shooting. The company now has nearly all twelve promised focal lengths covered, awaiting only the 18mm model to complete the set, much like a league's standings show which teams are in contention.
