As technology progresses and filming becomes more complex, the need for metadata has pushed many lenses forward with their mechanics. This past year, Sigma announced that we would no longer be producing passive PL Prime lenses and instead begin producing /i technology PL Prime lenses.
“Optimized for large-format camera systems and 8K shooting, the FF High Speed Prime Line lenses deliver stunning image quality in compact construction. A new addition to this prime lens lineup comes with electronic contacts that supports Cooke’s /i Technology communication protocol for Art Prime PL mount lenses.” – Sigma Corporation
What is /i technology
“Cooke’s /i Technology enables film and digital cameras to automatically record key lens data for every frame shot and provide it to post-production teams digitally. It streamlines production and post, saves time and cost, and eliminates guesswork while enabling greater creative freedom.” – cookeoptics.com
When filming, certain lens data is required for the Director, DP, AC, script supervisor, post-production team and VFX artists. With metadata now in the Sigma Cine PL Prime lenses, that information can be recorded digitally and saved to the footage. Depending on the camera, /i technology lenses will be able to record focal length, focus distance, T-stop, Zoom, depth of field, horizontal field of view, entrance pupil position and frame rate. Post-production and VFX artists especially will benefit from accessing this information immediately. They can digitally record vital lens settings accurately, frame-by-frame, all synced to Timecode, instead of having to manually write down lens settings for every shot, eliminating human error.
There are a variety of camera brands that have /i technology integrated such as ARRI Alexa & LF, RED, SI 2K, Sony Venice (F55, F5, F65, F35, F3), Aaton Penelope, and Arricams. So you can go in confidently knowing the Sigma /i PL Primes will be compatible with most on set cameras.
Top Gun: Maverick
Prototypes of this /i Technology-compatible FF High Speed Prime lens were used for shooting “Top Gun: Maverick”, soon to be released, showing that the new lens is already in commercial applications.
“When Claudio (Miranda) was doing a lens test for Top Gun 2 (Maverick) he reached out to Sigma about the ability to get /i on the High Speed Primes. He loved the lenses and how they rendered, but he absolutely had to have /i for the production. Sigma Corporation made a custom prototype set of lenses for him to use on Top Gun. Out of this experience, the /i PL mount were born.”
Brian Linhoff , Sigma Photo Tech Rep
Lens Conversion Service
Sigma Burbank supports a lens conversion service that will convert passive PL mount Sigma Cine Primes to a /i PL mount. If you find yourself in need of amplifying your workflow with metadata, then the conversion service will allow that without needing to buy brand new lenses. If you’re interested in the lens conversion service or wish to know pricing then please reach out to:
Sigma Burbank Service Department
213-699-0561 | serviceca@sigmaphoto.com
It’s fascinating to learn how Sigma has incorporated electronic data communication into their FF High Speed Prime Line lenses to enhance accuracy and efficiency on set. The ability to record and access metadata information, such as focus and aperture settings, is a game-changer for filmmakers. It’s impressive to see Sigma’s commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of cine lens technology. I can’t wait to see how their i-Technology will continue to evolve and improve the filmmaking process.