A Year with Sigma Cine Lenses
The Sigma Prime Cine Lens kit was my lensing choice for my first production at The American Film Institute. I’ve used Sigmas previously and have always loved how clean they are. I am very familiar with both the photography and cinema lineup of lenses. I enjoy using clean optics as my neutral and adding filtration to support the story. The size of the Sigmas is great as I’ve used them in smaller configurations for gimbal work and prefer a 95mm diameter vs larger 114 diameters. The 18-35mm lens is a great wide-angle zoom option that I’ve used extensively on projects. I’m not a fan of the Sigma 50-100 because of its breathing. I find it difficult to be as precise when composing a shot because of the breathing. So much of visual storytelling comes from the optics matched with a sensor and I’m constantly choosing Sigma lenses for the stories I tell.
Cycle 1 - CG13A - Lens / Filter test for short film
Arri Amira - 24 fps, 180 Shutter Angle, Apple Prorez HQ, Rec 709
Sigma 35mm Cine Prime - f2.8
Sigma 35mm @ 2.8 - Clean
After testing multiple diffusion filters, I decided to pair the Sigma lenses with a Bronze Glimmer Glass set. The short film I was assigned as the lead cinematographer on is a hype-realistic film that takes place during Christmas. I liked the combination of the sharpness of the Sigmas with the slight warmth of the Bronze Glimmer. For end results, check out Thoughts of Dog in the Narrative section.
Cycle 1 - C1G1A - BTS
Cycle 2 - C2G2B - Lens / Filter test for short film
After testing multiple diffusion filters, I decided to pair the Sigma lenses with a Hollywood Black Magic set. The short film I'ms lead cinematographer on this cycle is a hybrid of Horror and Rom Com genres. I liked the combination of the sharpness of the Sigmas, the slight shift in contrast and halation that the HBM filters give. For end results, check out Sleepover in the Narrative section
Cycle 3 - C3G3B - Classic Lens test for short film
Arri Amira - 24 fps, 180 Shutter Angle, Arri Log C - Converted to Rec 709
Sigma 50mm & Sigma 85mm Cine + Cine Classic Primes - f4
On cycle 3, I used the Sigma Cine Classics and I really liked the way they looked. The gentle warmish tones in the shadows and the slight lift in halation worked for me for this particular story. For end results, check out The Keeper’s Lullaby in the Narrative section.
“I’ve spent the last year with the Sigma Cine line of lenses. The Sigma Cine Lenses have been my lens choice for the three cycles I filmed at the American film Institute. To sum up my findings based on test, I like how clean the image were. I was able to dial in certain looks with filtration based on story. On my last film, I used the Sigma Cine Classics and I really liked the way they looked. The gentle warmish tones in the shadows and the slight lift in halation worked for me. Everyone at Sigma was very welcoming and helpful.”
