Since its inception in 1961, Sigma has focused exclusively on creating photography- and video-related products at its one-and-only factory in Aizu, Japan, where research and development, manufacturing and after-sales service activities are uniquely aligned to meet the company’s self-imposed standards of strict quality control. Every component of each Sigma lens is hand produced, assembled and inspected at its Aizu headquarters, the world’s largest full-operation production interchangeable-lens factory.
Probably best known for its high-performance third-party lenses, Sigma divides them into three distinct product lines: Art, Contemporary and Sport. These helpful classifications are intended to guide consumers and professionals toward the products that will best support their preferred style of image making. The Sigma brand is also renowned for its industry-leading cinema lenses. Here’s what separates each category – and what sets them apart from the competition.
Art lenses
With a focus on optical performance and expressive power, Sigma’s Art line lenses are designed to deliver high-level artistic quality. As the name suggests, Sigma’s Art series of lenses are intended for image makers aiming to create photographic works of art, with an emphasis on fine detail, exceptional colour rendering and eye-catching expressive performance. They’re ideal for shooting everything from landscapes and starry skies to portraits and still-life photography. The Art lineup consists primarily of large-aperture primes, along with macro, wide-angle and other premium specialty lenses.
Contemporary lenses
With an emphasis on compactness and wider general appeal, Sigma’s Contemporary lineup of lenses offers a more affordable entry point for fans of the brand and those seeking a practical all-purpose alternative. Consisting mainly of standard and telephoto zooms, these lenses maintain a lower profile in terms of size and weight, without compromising on optical performance and incorporating some of Sigma’s latest technologies. They’re super-portable and ideal for travel photography, casual snapshots, family photos and everyday walk-around use.
Sport lenses
Typically larger, heavier and more ruggedly built with customizable settings, lenses in this high-performance line are equipped with features and functions designed to assist a photographer in challenging conditions and scenarios.
As the name suggests, they’re perfect for sports photography but also the ideal tool for capturing wildlife and nature shots, as well as fast-moving vehicles. Telephoto and super-telephoto lenses, both prime and zoom, are the hallmark of Sigma’s Sports series.
Cine lenses
Retaining the same optical systems as its still lens lineup to leverage similarly stellar optical performance, Sigma’s cine lenses are designed and built for impeccable high-resolution digital cinematography. They employ a freshly updated mechanical structure to meet the latest industry standards, featuring a robust 100% metal body and mounts with electronic contacts. These lightweight and compact cine lenses are known for their ability to deliver the highest possible performance in use on film sets around the world: recent high-end projects, including National Geographic’s Welcome to Earth and the Amazon Original Sound of Metal, were shot using Sigma cine lenses.