Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki reveals two lenses and other tidbits in video interview

Still from interview with Sigma CEO
(Image credit: LensVid)

Sigma's CEO Kazuto Yamaki has spoken in depth about the development of a pair of new lenses in a Youtube interview with cinematography specialists LensVid at the IBC 2024 trade show. IBC – or International Broadcasting Convention – is an annual show held every September in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The lenses in question are the Sigma 28-45mm T2 Cine and Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art. 

First up, the Sigma 28-45mm T2 Cine lens is a prototype, or 'concept' lens as Sigma prefers it, which was shown mainly to garner feedback from customers. It is based on the full-frame Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8  wide-to-standard zoom lens aimed at stills photographers, essentially shoehorning the same optics into a cine-style housing, with full autofocus but also with the oversized mechanical geared focus rings favored by videographers. 

The Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is a more traditional stills lens that can, of course, also be used for videography. Mr Yamaki explained that the lens was originally envisaged to offer the benefits of a 24-105mm standard zoom with a faster f/2.8 aperture than the more commonplace f/4, but that the prototypes proved to be a little on the bulky side in the R&D stage, so the decision was made to start the focal length at 28mm, resulting in a more manageable package. The lens isn't optically stabilized, again to save weight, while taking advantage of the IBIS systems found in many full-frame mirrorless bodies. Check out the full video below! 

YouTube YouTube
Watch On

In the unusually forthright interview, Mr Yakami also goes on to reveal his thoughts on the future of the Sigma fp line of camera bodies – confessing that he feels duty-bound to continue his father's dream to make cameras, so will continue to develop new bodies. 

He also talks about the tricky technical challenges of designing its own full-frame Foveon sensor that has resulted in the technicians having to go back to the drawing board on the latest incarnation of the device. He says that he does have a timeline for the new generation of sensor, but doesn't feel he is ready to go public with that quite yet, as it is still too early to be sure they can get it into production.

Read more: The best cine lens

Adam Waring
Guides Editor

Prior to joining digitalcameraworld.com as Guides Editor, Adam was the editor of N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine for seven years, and as such is one of Digital Camera World's leading experts when it comes to all things Nikon-related.

Whether it’s reviews and hands-on tests of the latest Nikon cameras and lenses, sharing his skills using filters, tripods, lighting, L brackets and other photography equipment, or trading tips and techniques on shooting landscapes, wildlife and almost any genre of photography, Adam is always on hand to provide his insights.

Prior to his tenure on N-Photo, Adam was also a veteran of publications such as PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, so his wealth of photographic knowledge isn’t solely limited to the Big N.

Read more
Selection of silver Sigma lenses, surrounding the 2025 Sigma logo
The Sigma rebrand has been quietly happening for years – and I think it’s a stroke of genius
Sigma BF
BREAKING: Sigma BF camera announced with 230GB internal memory and single-finger operation – along with 300-600mm f/4 "dream lens" and 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7
Sigma fp L with Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary lens on wooden decking
The best lenses for the Sigma fp and fp L in 2025
Sigma dp3 Quattro
Will Foveon sensors ever return, and does anyone outside Sigma still care?
Sigma APO 200-500mm f/2.8 / 400-1000mm f/5.6 EX DG lens against a green background
12 lenses of Christmas: December 2024 and we saw out the year with a promise of something completely new for the next
Sigma Sports 300-600mm f/4
I predict that the Sigma 300-600mm f/4 will be EXTREMELY popular among wildlife photographers!
Latest in Lenses
Fujifilm Fujinon LA30x7.8 BRM-XB2
Fujifilm announces development of a new 30x zoom broadcast lens ahead of NAB 2025
Rokinon AF 135mm f/1.8
Huge price drops on low-cost prime lenses for Sony and Fujifilm camera users
Canon RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM on the Canon EOS R5 Mark II against a white background
Canon’s bright hybrid prime lens lineup just got wider with the new Canon RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM
The Canon RF-S 14-30mm f/4-6.3 IS STM PZ against a white background
Canon launches a cheap compact lens geared towards video – with a new feature it has never offered before
Viltrox AF 50mm f/2 Air
Viltrox reportedly readying a cheap yet fast 50mm AF lens for Sony and Nikon cameras
James Artaius using a Canon RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM on a Canon EOS R5
Hands-on Canon RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM review: Canon's widest professional prime for the RF mount
Latest in News
Specta Mini drone hovering over a car and four people
Want to get around the DJI drone ban AND save? Meet the Specta Mini – cheap and USA-legal!
Potensic Atom SE drone
Drones deals with the power to impress - these Potensic drones are great!
Fujifilm Fujinon LA30x7.8 BRM-XB2
Fujifilm announces development of a new 30x zoom broadcast lens ahead of NAB 2025
Pergear CFexpress 4.0 Type A Master cards
Pergear launches new super-fast AND super-cheap CFexpress Type A cards
Rokinon AF 135mm f/1.8
Huge price drops on low-cost prime lenses for Sony and Fujifilm camera users
A sleek YoloCam S7 camera body with a vertical sensor, paired with a detachable lens against a dark backdrop
The YoloCam S7 gives a novel twist to the 4K streaming camera for those recording vertical video