Sigma has always been that go-to lens for quality, reliability, and price advantage, compared to other high-end cinema lenses. And the company has just moved its cine lens lines forward again, at IBC 2019—and in a way, back in time. First, Sigma released a new PL to L-mount lens adapter to add PL lenses to cameras such, as the Sigma fp. Second, the company has updated its popular FF High Speed Prime lens line to a new Art Prime line, which include Cooke /i technology. And last and definitely not least, a new FF Classic Prime line has been introduced, which includes two sets of 10 Classic Art primes, one with measurements in feet and the other in meters that combine the high-tech, high-resolution abilities of the FF High Speed Primes but also adds a classic cine look.
FF High Speed Art Primes with Cooke /i Technology
Sigma's current line of FF High Speed Primes has had everything you need in pro cine lenses—fast aperture, common 95mm front diameter, 0.8 MOD gear, full-frame coverage, optional luminous markings—until the release of its latest Art Primes that feature all those same powerful features plus Cooke /i technology. The Art Primes retain the same high-quality cine optics, full-frame sensor coverage, and high 6-8K resolution support as the rest of the line, and now with /i, all key lens information can be synced with compatible cameras—a boon for streamlining your post process, especially when working with VFX. Just as the FF High Speed Primes, the Art Primes come in 14, 20, 24, 28, 35, 40, 50, 85, 105, and 135mm focal lengths. The 14 and 135mm models share a maximum T-stop of T2, and the rest of the line shares a consistent T1.5.
Focus setting, T-stop, frame rate, focal length, focus distance, depth of field, and more can be saved to the video recording or separately to an SD card. That means no more guessing! On set, this data can be read continuously to help focus pullers immensely—they need to judge the distance of their subject to the camera. In post, the /i metadata can help digital imaging and visual effects when designing 3D or virtual models within the shot. All the Art Primes feature a PL mount with contacts that pass the lens metadata to the camera.
Go Back in Time with FF Classic Art Primes
Some time-travel stories transport the hero into the past without any trace of present technology, but some stories allow the hero to go back in time where they use new technology within a classical society because they both enhance one another. Sigma's new FF Classic Art Prime line of cine lenses are like those hero time travelers, transported from the past into the future and merged the latest technology with the classical cinema look.
The Classic Art primes feature non-coated optical elements to produce dramatic low contrast, flare, and ghosting that you might see in a classical Hollywood drama. New glass coatings help achieve a crisp image and improve durability, and the 9-blade iris creates soft, stunning bokeh. Suiting professional cine camera needs, the lenses cover full-frame and large format sensors, support up to 8K resolution, and feature a 43.3 image circle. Each lens features Cooke /i metadata communication via PL mount contacts, just like the new FF High Speed Art Primes. Each lens is compact in form, with cine lens features like a common 95mm front diameter, 82 or 86mm filter threads, and the same east-to-read focus and distance markings as the FF High Speed line, measured in feet.
Sigma's line of Classic Art Primes in 14, 20, 24, 28, 35, 40, 50, 85, 105, and 135mm focal lengths. The 14 and 135mm models share a maximum T-stop of T3.2, and the rest of the line shares a consistent T2.5.
PL Mount Lenses on L-Mount Cameras
Finally, Sigma has considered the use of PL mount cine lenses for use with L-mount cameras, such as the Sigma fp, so Sigma’s engineers have come up with the MC-31 PL Mount Converter. The durable converter is constructed with an aluminum body and a brass locking ring, and it attaches to the Sigma fp camera using a screw to make sure the mount is secure. You can remove the screw thread in case your PL mount lens needs a tighter fit. There are also two shim adjustment points that can be adjusted with the included shim kit, if your lens needs some fine tuning. It can be mounted on a tripod with its detachable mounting thread, creating a more stable setup. Similar to the FF High Speed Lens line option, the MC-31 converter features luminous paint markings, so changing your lens is made easier in low-light conditions.
Be sure to check out all of Sigma's new releases later this year on the B&H Photo website and make sure to visit the B&H Photo SuperStore when you're in New York City.
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