SIGMA Debuts AF Cine Zooms with Advanced Autofocus for Production Workflows
SIGMA introduced its AF Cine Line of autofocus zoom lenses, including the 28-45mm T2 and 28-105mm T3, at Cine Gear 2026. These lenses combine cinema-oriented mechanics with advanced autofocus performance, supporting continuous autofocus and subject tracking with compatible camera systems. This development highlights the increasing integration of intelligent tracking and AI into high-end production hardware for improved efficiency in modern workflows.
Key Takeaways
- New AF Cine Line lenses include the 28-45mm T2 and 28-105mm T3, released November 2025 and April 2026, respectively.
- Lenses combine traditional cinema mechanics (0.8 MOD gearing, clickless aperture, limited-rotation focus) with advanced autofocus.
- They support continuous autofocus and subject tracking with compatible camera systems, departing from manual cinema zooms.
- Designed to minimize focus breathing and maintain consistent image quality across the zoom range.
- Available for Sony E-mount and L-Mount systems, built on the optical foundations of SIGMA’s Art-series still lenses.
Why It Matters
The introduction of SIGMA's AF Cine Line signifies a shift in professional cinematography, where advanced autofocus capabilities are now being integrated into high-end cinema glass. This allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in productions relying on gimbal work, solo operators, and virtual environments. The move reflects evolving camera tracking AI and sensor technologies that demand adaptable lens solutions. Watch for competitor responses and further adoption of intelligent tracking features across professional cinema lens offerings.
Additional Context
The move toward autofocus in professional cinematography mirrors broader trends in the camera market. Per PetaPixel (May 2026), Sony continues to dominate the autofocus landscape with its real-time 'Human Pose Estimation' AI, which SIGMA’s L-mount and E-mount lenses are specifically designed to leverage. Additionally, Sony’s February 2026 firmware update for the Burano and Venice 2 systems significantly improved the reliability of phase-detection autofocus in dim lighting, creating a larger market for native AF-compatible cine zooms. Competition is also heating up from the bottom up. DZOFilm and Sirui have spent the last 18 months releasing 'electronic' cine glass, though SIGMA's use of its specialized Art-series optical formulas gives it a distinct advantage in resolving power for 8K and 12K sensors. According to internal SIGMA data shared at NAB 2026, the demand for fast, constant-aperture zooms has outpaced primes in the documentary sector by 22% over the last fiscal year. Furthermore, the 28-45mm T2’s internal focus mechanism makes it particularly suitable for the DJI Ronin 4D system, which has become a staple in fast-paced episodic production. This follows Teradek’s June 2025 release of the RT series update, which allow for better integration between camera AF data and wireless lens control systems, suggesting that even manual focus pullers are beginning to use AF as a 'safety net' or assistive tool during complex tracking shots.
Read full article at provideocoalition.com
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