Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki Talks 24-70mm Art, 14mm Art, CINE, Sony and Baseball

We sit down with Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki on his recent visit to Canada and talk about some recently released lenses, plans for the future, the CINE series, the Sony lenses and a bit of baseball.

Interview Questions and Timeline

0:22 – The Sigma ART series has been a huge success, what was the philosophy behind moving to the new Global Vision Series?
1:23 – The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Art lens is about to start shipping. How long has that been in development at Sigma? How many prototypes do they go through? Did you ever try to make a Sigma 24-70mm f/2.0 Art?
2:24 – The Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art lens is about to arrive. What’s the process like for building a lens design that has never been created before?
3:55 – It took new equipment to make the aspherical element for the 12-24mm Art. You were able to reuse it for the 14mm Art. Did you know that would work? Will you be able to use it on future lenses?
5:08 – Camera technology has evolved greatly over the last 100 years, but the way lenses work is very much the same. What do you see in the future of lenses?
6:34 – What was the reason behind entering the CINE lens market?
7:43 – There has been a high barrier to entry in the CINE market for true anamorphic lenses. Are anamorphic lenses a consideration for the future?
8:24 – Is there a particular film shot on Sigma CINE lenses that you enjoyed the most?
9:00 – What did you think of the Sigma ARTisan Series we shot with Canadian filmmakers?
9:26 – A lot of our customers are asking about the Sony E-mount. How are things looking for dedicated FE lenses in the future? Will they be unique designs or new mounts on the existing Global Vision Series lenses?
10:58 – You’ve been CEO of Sigma for five years now. Is there a particular milestone you have been most proud of in that time?
11:54 – If you could go back in time, is there anything you would change in those last five years?
12:43 – You enjoy shooting photos yourself. Which cameras do you regularly bring with you?
12:57 – Is there a particular style of photography you personally enjoy shooting?
13:12 – Do you share your photos online?
13:36 – Are there any photography websites you visit on a daily basis?
13:53 – Do you have any favourite photographers who’s work you enjoy?
14:20 – What’s your favourite part of this visit to Canada?
14:47 – We heard you are a bit of a baseball fan, is that true?
15:12 – Speed Round

Links

Blur / Shot Film shot on Sigma CINE lenses – https://www.sigmaartisans.com/blur-short-film-shot-sigma-cine-lenses/