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.