Phototrend had a chat with Sigma CEO Yamaki and here are the key highlights summed up by Asobinet:

Why were you able to launch so many products in 2025? Was there an increase in personnel or organizational changes?

• The company has not significantly increased its workforce, instead hiring a small number of employees each year, resulting in an extremely low turnover rate of less than 1%.
• We maintain our development capabilities through the retention of personnel and continuous discussion and improvement.
• As demand for SLR cameras plummeted between 2022 and 2023, the company realized it needed innovative products to survive. Since then, it has thoroughly discussed its strategy and responded through the efforts of its engineers.

What are the reviews and adoption status of the 300-600mm f/4 ?

• It is highly acclaimed by motorsport photographers.
• The performance and optical quality were well received, and the demand was greater than we expected.

Is it difficult to forecast demand?

• It’s extremely difficult. Demand continues to far exceed expectations for the 300-600mm , 200mm f/2 , and 17-40mm f/1.8 lenses.
• Recently, the market has changed dramatically. Although the exact reason is unclear, the gap between popular and unpopular products is widening.
• The exact reason is unclear, but social media may be a factor.

Is the 85mm F1.2 difficult to design?

• Achieving both high performance and compactness and light weight is extremely complex.
• Thanks to our proprietary technology, we have been able to create multiple F1.2 lenses.

What impact will original equipment manufacturers have on releasing low-priced F1.2 and F1.4 lenses?

• It is unclear why other companies intend to work on such products.
• However, we believe that this product is attractive to young people and is a positive trend.
• I think the Canon 45mm f/1.2 is a particularly attractive product at an affordable price.

Photorend has also posted these images of the 85mm f/1.2 that give you an idea of the size of the lens:

Competition with emerging manufacturers such as Viltrox

• I appreciate the progress and the speed, and there are things to learn.
• However, there are differences in performance and quality.

Can AI be used in lens development?

• While it can be used to a certain extent, unique knowledge and experience are essential for the highest quality.
• There is potential for AI to be combined with our own knowledge, and this is something we are currently discussing internally.
• However, at present, the emphasis is on traditional face-to-face development.

What is the significance of developing the 35mm F1.4 Art II ?

• The first SLR was a very important product.
• Nowadays, new technologies such as HLA motors and special aspherical lenses are available, making it possible to improve performance.

What are the standards for the second generation Art lenses?

• We will only hesitate to develop something if we can expect a clear improvement in performance.
• If the difference is small, no update is performed.

Is there room for improvement with the shift to mirrorless cameras and improved AF performance?

• It depends on the lens. Some products, such as the 85mm F1.4 , are already highly refined.

What is the position of APS-C?

• While full-size is the mainstream, APS-C has a good balance of price, performance, and size, so it has a promising future.

What is the purpose of establishing Aizu Farm?

• To protect the Satoyama and rice paddies.
• We would like to preserve the local environment as a measure against aging and abandoned farmland.

What is the environmental significance of rice paddy conservation?

• Important for preventing floods and landslides, maintaining ecosystems, and controlling pests.

What is the management structure?

• For the time being, the company plans to cooperate with elderly farmers, but in the future it plans to have retired employees take over the work.
• Fortunately, some of the factory workers are also farmers, so when they turn 60 or 65, we can suggest that they quit their factory jobs and work in the rice fields instead.

What is the effect on the local community?

• This will help secure employment, maintain local pride, and contribute to mental stability.
• If you only see abandoned rice fields, you may lose confidence and pride in your hometown.
• Even if you can no longer work in a factory, you can still work in the rice fields.
• The necessary resources are already there: they know how to grow rice, and they have machinery such as tractors and combine harvesters that we can lend to them.

Are you concerned about a loss of focus due to business dispersion?

• No. The farming is managed by employees, and the owner focuses on his main business.