The Lens Makes the Photograph

At the heart of photography

Ever since Sigma’s founding,

we have always believed that a photo is only as good as the lens. It follows that choosing a new lens opens up fresh possibilities for photographic expression. This philosophy has inspired Sigma’s quest for

lens system perfection throughout our 50-year history.

Today, Sigma’s unique line of products has won the acclaim of sophisticated photo enthusiasts around the world, reflecting the technological mastery and rich experience that goes into each and every lens. It is a direct result of our dedication to photographic excellence

meshing with the photographer’s desire to capture the perfect shot.

More options for more photographers

Given a wide variety of optically superior lenses, the photographer can select the one that will best achieve a particular goal. A broad range of lenses also stimulates photographic creativity. This is why we want to give freedom of choice — and the expressive potential it brings — to as many photographers as we can. Our products employ innovative technology to provide solutions to the issues faced by every photographer with a strong creative urge.

Tools of inspiration and imagination

At times we have ventured to introduce products for which there was no precedent. Many of these world’s firsts, we are proud to say, have revealed new dimensions for photographic exploration and contributed to the very culture of photography.

Take the wide-angle zoom lens for example. In the field of mountain photography, devotees were quick to applaud Sigma’s innovative compact and lightweight wide-angle zoom lenses which greatly expanded focal-length options under the most challenging conditions. Today the wide-angle zoom has become

a well established category in its own right. But at the time, “wide angle” meant a prime lens, and nobody even considered the need for variable focal length. That Sigma saw things differently and had the technology to create a new genre is a true reflection of our inventive spirit regarding the tools of photography.

Pioneering tomorrow’s lens technology

Photographs can express intensely personal visual experiences as seen by the mind’s eye. At Sigma we seek to respond to the diverse demands of photographers who are bewitched by the photographic medium’s rich trove of creative possibilities. This is why our

product development and R&D efforts are based on a policy of in-house development for the key technologies that we consider most important.

For our lenses, we not only design the optics and mechanisms, but also the firmware, electronic circuits and systems, and even the high-precision molds. From the smallest screw

to the completed product, Sigma uses a comprehensive integrated manufacturing system to deliver state- of-the-art products of the highest quality to markets around the world. Furthermore, our speedy and flexible small-lot production lines let us satisfy real user needs with solutions developed from unique vantage points.

Supported by this highly adaptable system, Sigma’s unconventional manufacturing approach focuses on continuous improvement of advanced processing and fabrication technology, while creating greater freedom of design through novel solutions to challenging optics issues.

Our goal is to give form to the photographer’s imagination by developing tools that bring images to life. When we are successful, the result can be an awe-inspiring experience for both the creator and the viewer. However much photographic technology may evolve, Sigma’s starting point remains unchanging. In the final analysis, it’s all about creating great photographs.

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