Fast Sigma full-frame prime lenses with apertures around T1.5, designed for low-light shooting and shallow depth of field.
Technical Details
Focal Lengths
| 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 35 | 50 | 85 | 135 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T1.5 | T1.5 | T1.5 | T1.5 | T1.5 | T1.5 | T1.5 | T1.5 |
| 0.28m | 0.32m | 0.35m | 0.40m | 0.52m | 0.70m | 1.15m | 1.85m |
| 1.18kg | 1.22kg | 1.26kg | 1.34kg | 1.52kg | 1.68kg | 1.88kg | 1.95kg |
| 95 | 95 | 95 | 95 | 95 | 95 | 95 | 95 |
| 92° | 85° | 72° | 62° | 43° | 30° | 18° | 12° |
| ◀━━━━━▶ | ◀━━━━▶ | ◀━━━▶ | ◀━━━▶ | ◀━━▶ | ◀━▶ | ◀▶ | ◀▶ |
PL/EF · 95mm Front · 300° Focus Travel · T1.5 · Full Frame
History & Development
Sigma announced the Cinema line in 2016 at NAB, building on the success of their Art photography lenses. The first focal lengths (20mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm) were released in 2017, followed by the 135mm in 2018. Unlike more expensive cinema series like Zeiss Master Prime or Cooke S4i, Sigma consciously positioned these lenses in the mid-price segment, ranging from 3,500 to 4,500 Euros per lens. In 2019, Sigma expanded the offering with zoom lenses and additional focal lengths.
Practical Use in Film
The constant T1.5 aperture allows for extreme low-light shooting without ISO compromises and produces pronounced bokeh on full-frame sensors for portrait shots. DoPs appreciate the consistent color rendition across the series, enabling seamless focal length changes without color matching. The lenses are particularly suitable for available-light documentaries, music videos, and commercials. Netflix productions like "Dark" have utilized Sigma Cinema Primes for night scenes. Their comparatively moderate price makes them attractive for independent productions and smaller production companies.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to Zeiss CP.3 (T2.1) or Canon Sumire (T1.3-T2.4), the Sigma lenses offer a consistent T1.5 at a lower cost. Cooke S4i lenses achieve T2.0-T22 but cost two to three times as much. ARRI Signature Primes open up to T1.8 but are priced significantly higher. The Sigma series positions itself between consumer photo lenses with cinema adapters and high-end cinema glass, offering professional mechanics and optical quality for budget-conscious productions.