Development policy
Design, manufacturing, inspection
SIGMA insists on manufacturing that meets
the highest standards on all three counts.
Lens development / Requirements
Design
Enhancing lens performance, defining 3 categories
Having taken our lenses to a new level of performance, SIGMA has adopted a simple product identification strategy that makes it easy for the user to identify the kind of lens for which they are looking. Building on this idea, we’ve reorganized all our lenses into three product lines, each characterized by its own clearly defined concept. From now on, every new lens we develop will be assigned to one of these product lines. This new system is designed to make it easier for users to access the lenses they need.
Customization that lets the user do things their way
Based on these new product lines, we have developed special software (SIGMA Optimization Pro) that can update the lens firmware and adjust parameters such as focus . The focus limiter is also customizable for Sports lenses. Using special USB Dock, the user will be able to connect the lens to their PC, and, using easy-to-operate on-screen controls, fine-tune focus and adjust other parameters to suit their personal preferences.
Craftsmanship
“Made in Japan”
All SIGMA’s manufacturing – right down to molds and parts – is carried out under an integrated production system, entirely in Japan. We are now one of the very few manufacturers whose products are solely “made in Japan”. We like to think our products are somehow imbued with the essence of our homeland, blessed as it is with clean air and water, and focused, hard-working people. We pride ourselves on the authentic quality of SIGMA products, born of a marriage between highly attuned expertise and intelligent, advanced technology. Our sophisticated products have satisfied professionals and lovers of photography all over the world, because our manufacturing is based on genuine craftsmanship, underpinned by the passion and pride of our experts.
Inspection
Every SIGMA lens undergoes performance testing and evaluation using our own A1 proprietary system using the 46MP Foveon X3 direct image sensor
There are three requirements for outstanding lenses: fine design, precise manufacturing and inspection that ensures compliance with all specifications. SIGMA lenses are born of well-thought-out design concepts and sophisticated, advanced Japanese manufacturing technology: the final clincher is our lens performance evaluation.
We used to measure lens performance using conventional sensors. However, we’ve now developed our own A1 proprietary MTF (modulation transfer function) measuring system using 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensors. Even previously undetectable high-frequency details are now within the scope of our quality control inspections. The lenses in our new lines will all be checked using this new system before they are shipped.
Thanks to our new sensors, with their extremely high resolution, you can expect our high-performance lenses to be better than ever.
SIGMA's lenses are designed to project the photographer's personality and passion
Our lenses meet all the requirements in terms of optical performance, operability, toughness, durability and more. By honing their basic performance for extremely high-functionality, we have given them the ability to project highly subjective values and emotions, or in other words, to convey the photographer’s own artistic preferences and passion. This is part of what makes SIGMA lenses so special. In our new lines, we’ll go even farther in this direction, striving for perfection in our products. At SIGMA, meticulous design begins with the details.