Sigma Unveils Aizu Prime T1.3 Cinema Lenses
Japanese manufacturer Sigma Corporation has introduced the Aizu Prime Line, a new series of full-frame cinema lenses featuring a constant T1.3 aperture across all focal lengths. The lineup includes twelve prime lenses, spanning focal lengths from 18mm to 125mm and is designed for use on large-format cinema cameras with a 46.3mm image circle, such as the ARRI Alexa LF and VistaVision systems.
The Aizu Prime Line is being released in phases. The first wave includes eight lenses: 25mm, 27mm, 32mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm and 75mm; the second wave will introduce wider 18mm and 21mm lenses, along with longer 100mm and 125mm telephoto options.
The initial eight lenses share unified physical specifications, including 95mm front diameters, and are available in either PL or Sony E mount versions. Among them, close focus distances vary going from 0.31 to 0.73 meters, as well as the physical features: they range in length from approximately 125mm to 128.8mm and weigh between 1.6 and 1.7 kilograms.
Specifications for the four remaining lenses are still being finalized.
Each lens in the series is fully manual focus and features an optical design developed specifically for cinema. Sigma emphasizes characteristics such as shallow depth of field, smooth bokeh and minimized distortion and focus breathing, with the aim of achieving a consistent and natural image across the lineup. The lenses are designed to maintain uniform color balance, contrast and flare control, contributing to visual consistency throughout a production.
The lenses are compatible with ZEISS eXtended Data technology, enabling real-time capture of lens metadata and supporting workflows that include distortion and shading correction, particularly beneficial in post-production and visual effects environments.
Sigma has confirmed that the eight lenses launching initially will be available in August, each priced at $8,299. There is no official release date yet for the four additional focal lengths. Although the Aizu Prime lenses share some characteristics with Sigma’s Art series photographic lenses, the company notes that these designs are purpose-built for cinema and not intended for adaptation to autofocus systems or still photography.
