Sigma announced a new series of cinema prime lenses for PL and Sony E-mount full-frame cameras. The Sigma Aizu Prime Line features twelve lenses, all with a maximum aperture of T1.3.
Aizu Prime Line
Sigma says that the Aizu Prime Line is the world’s first lineup of large-format cinema lenses to achieve an aperture value of T1.3 across all focal lengths. The company also says the lenses combine “modern sharpness with an organic and naturally soft look, bringing rich texture and depth to visuals.”
Sigma states that the Aizu Prime Line offers “unparalleled brightness, refined expression, and reliable performance.”
Focal lengths
The Sigma Aizu Prime Line lenses will be available with the focal lengths 18 mm, 21 mm, 25 mm, 27 mm, 32 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 65 mm, 75 mm, 100 mm and 125 mm. However, Sigma has confirmed that the initial release will only feature the eight covering 25 mm to 75 mm. As a result, the company has only published detailed specifications for those eight lenses so far. All of these lenses also feature a 46.3 mm image circle, which covers a full-frame sensor.
They will be compatible with some large format cameras, including ARRI Alexa LF Open Gate and VistaVision.
Fast maximum aperture
All of the Sigma Aizu Prime Line lenses feature a fast maximum aperture of T1.3. In addition, all of the 8 lenses confirmed so far have a 13-bladed iris. This should give a smooth, round bokeh in the out-of-focus parts of your image. T-stops (transmission stops) are used on cinema lenses as they refer to the actual amount of light transmitted by a lens. The more commonly used F-stops are just a theoretical calculation and don’t take into consideration any light loss due to the glass elements within a lens. T-stops ensure the consistency needed between lenses on a professional film set.
Design
Sigma has done a remarkable job in ensuring consistency of design across the eight Aizu Prime Line lenses announced so far. All feature the same 95 mm front diameter, 270-degree focus throw and 70-degree iris rotation. The lenses are largely the same weight and size as well, with little variation. The 40mm lens is the lightest at 3.5 pounds (1.59 kg), and the 75 mm is the heaviest at 3.8 pounds (1.72 kg) for the PL mount options.
Also, the lengths of the lenses vary only slightly, from 5 inches (125 mm) to 5.1 inches (128.5 mm), again for the PL mount versions. The Sony E mount lenses are a little larger and heavier, but equally consistent across the focal lengths.
What we think
With the Aizu Prime Line, Sigma is aiming to set a new standard for cinema lenses. The consistency between the different lenses means that you can swap focal lengths without changing any other settings. If you have the full set, it would almost be like working with an 18 to 125 mm zoom lens with prime lens image quality. Additionally, the matching weights and lengths ensure that swapping between lenses on a gimbal requires no rebalancing. The price of the Aizu Prime Line means that most people will be renting, not buying, these lenses. However, these cinema lenses are sure to become a regular sight on film and television productions in the future.
Pricing and availability
The eight Sigma Aizu Prime Line lenses confirmed so far will be available from August 2025 for $8,299 each.
