SIGMA Autofocus Cine Zooms Shown Introduced – Manual and Autofocus in One

by Dave KratzSeptember 17^th, 2025

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At IBC 2025, SIGMA stepped into new territory with the launch of their first two SIGMA autofocus cine zooms. Known for bringing stills optics into the cinema world through their Art-derived designs, SIGMA is now taking the next step by blending reliable autofocus with cine-friendly mechanics. We were on the ground in Amsterdam to see the lenses in person and hear from SIGMA about how this line is meant to serve both solo operators and larger productions.

The SIGMA Autofocus Cine zooms also received a CineD Best-of-Show Award at IBC during the convention. Our awards highlight products that stand out for innovation, usability, and real-world value for filmmakers. While plenty of shiny new gear appears at IBC every year, only a few pieces earn that distinction, and SIGMA’s AF Cine Line was one of them.

SIGMA Autofocus Cine Zooms

IBC always brings a wave of new gear, and SIGMA was just one highlight on the floor. You can explore all of our IBC 2025 coverage here to catch up on the other announcements and interviews we brought back from Amsterdam.

The first lens in the series is the 28–45mm T2 FF Cine Zoom. Optically, it is based on SIGMA’s 28–45mm f/1.8 Art lens, but the housing has been reworked for cinema use. At the booth, the company pointed out the practical differences: a 200-degree focus throw, hard stops, and a linear focus response rather than the progressive feel of a stills lens.

These adjustments let filmmakers use the lens like a traditional cine zoom for precise manual work. They can switch on the autofocus motor when speed or flexibility is required. This design gives them both options without forcing them to carry two sets of glass.

Manual and autofocus in one

According to SIGMA, the 28–45mm T2 behaves just like a classic cine lens in manual focus mode, with repeatable control and accurate focus markings. In autofocus mode, the focus ring is electronically disengaged, and the camera takes over. The manufacturer noted that if you switch from AF back to manual, the lens will jump to wherever the focus ring is set, so operators need to be aware of this behavior. They also explained that the distance scale is only accurate when working in manual focus.

SIGMA has updated the iris ring as well. In addition to stepless manual control, the ring has an “A” position that lets the aperture be controlled electronically from the camera body.

A second SIGMA Cine Zoom on the way

SIGMA also showed a prototype of the 28–105mm T3 FF Cine Zoom. Like the shorter zoom, it borrows optics from the Art series and adds a cine housing. This lens is slower at T3 and has an extending design, but offers a much broader focal range.

Why two zooms start at 28mm

At first glance, it might look like SIGMA duplicated focal lengths, but each zoom serves a different audience. The 28–45mm T2 is the speedster of the family, bright at T2 and internally zooming, so its size and balance don’t change. That makes it ideal for rigs, gimbals, or setups where consistency matters.

The 28–105mm T3, on the other hand, is the multitasker. It starts in the same wide range but keeps going, giving you far more reach at the expense of aperture speed and with a barrel that extends as you zoom. If the 28–45mm is the lens you’d trust for a carefully planned setup, the 28–105mm is the one you’d grab for a day when you have no idea what’s coming. Two lenses, same starting point, different personalities.

SIGMA 28-45mm Autofocus Cine Zoom key features

• Full-Frame Cine Lens with T2-16 Aperture
• 28-45mm Zoom Range
• Autofocus and Manual via Switch
• 11.8″ Minimum Focus Distance
• 95mm Front Diameter, 86mm Filter Size
• 11-Blade Iris for Soft Bokeh
• Markings in Feet

The 28–45mm T2 packs a bright aperture, close focus ability, and a compact cine housing with a 95mm front. Filmmakers get the choice of smooth manual control or responsive autofocus, along with an 11-blade iris for pleasing bokeh.

Price and availability

Autofocus has become increasingly reliable in stills photography, and SIGMA is now bringing that technology to cine lenses while keeping manual precision intact. The 28–45mm T2 is already available for pre-order and will begin shipping in November, and the 28–105mm T3 is expected in early 2026.

Both new autofocus cine zooms will ship in Sony E mount and Leica L mount. The shorter zoom has already entered production, while the longer zoom remains in the prototype stage.

The SIGMA 28–45mm T2 FF Cine Zoom is available for pre-order for $3,399, and the 28–105mm T3 FF Cine Zoom should be available in early 2026, though no price is listed yet.

For full specifications and additional details, head over to SIGMA’s website.

Guys, what do you think? Let us know in the comments whether autofocus has a place in your own productions.