Inside Sigma’s Vision: LensVid Interviews CEO Kazuto Yamaki at IBC 2025

Lensvid sat down with Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki — here are a few key takeaways:

1. 2025 Lens Lineup

Nine new autofocus lenses: 200mm f/2, 12mm, 17–40mm, 300–600mm, 135mm f/1.4, 20–200mm, plus two cine zooms (28–105mm, 28–45mm).
Small, motivated R&D team of photographer-engineers; long tenures enable efficient development.
Market is saturated; innovation is essential for adoption and survival.

2. 135mm f/1.4 Highlights

First 135mm f/1.4 AF lens on the market, about 1.4 kg.
Challenge: top optical quality while keeping size and weight reasonable.
No optical stabilization; relies on camera IBIS which performs well up to ~150–180mm.

3. 20–200mm Zoom

Versatile travel range starting at a very wide 20mm; addresses users accustomed to smartphone wide angles.
Aim: high optical quality with useful close-focus at some focal lengths.

4. Cine Lenses (Autofocus)

Two AF cine zooms (28–105mm and 28–45mm) inaugurate a mirrorless-focused cine line.
No immediate plan for cine primes, but strong customer interest may influence future development.
May reuse still-lens optics if they satisfy video needs (e.g., minimal focus breathing).

5. AI and Industry Outlook

Current AI termed “baby AI”; role will grow but creativity remains human-led.
AI creates from existing data; truly new, innovative work still requires human creators and real cameras.

Key Takeaway: Sigma is aggressively innovating with passionate engineers, launching bold optics while keeping human creativity at the core.