Ronkonkoma, NY—Sigma Corporation of America, the U.S. subsidiary of Sigma Corporation, announced its 60th anniversary. Moreover, Sigma America is commemorating the milestone with a scholarship contest.
“This scholarship contest will award a total of $60,000; it is intended as a tribute to Sigma’s founder and chairman, Michihiro Yamaki and all that he stood for, as well as the principles upon which the company was founded,” explained Mark Amir-Hamzeh, Sigma America’s president. “Kazuto Yamaki, the founder’s son and current CEO, will also be honored for carrying on the tradition of Sigma, adhering to the founding principles but also infusing creative innovation of the next generation.
“This will be done through a photography/film scholarship contest centered around creating images and films based on the core principles of Sigma Corporation. We have chosen to offer this student scholarship contest to both recognize and also encourage the next generation of visual artists.”
Sigma America Scholarship Contest
Furthermore, the company will award a total of $60,000 to student photographers and filmmakers in four categories. Each of the categories aligns with the core principles of the company. The four core principles upon which the contestants are asked to draw their creative inspiration are: Authenticity, Precision, Inspiration and Honor. What’s more, students must capture all entries with Sigma lenses and/or cameras for prize consideration.
The contest is open to students enrolled in college-level filmmaking as well as photography programs in the U.S. and District of Columbia. The entry period runs from October 1, 2021 through October 31, 2021. Following the close, Sigma will announce the winners on or before November 5, 2021.
For official rules and regulations, as well as entry information, visit SIGMA60th.com.
Two Primes Added to Sigma I Series
In related news, Sigma also introduced two prime lenses for its I series of full-frame mirrorless lenses. The new lenses are the 24mm f/2 DG DN | Contemporary and the 90mm f/2.8 DG DN | Contemporary.
The I series represents a new option; it comprises premium compact primes that are stylish in appearance with high-tech specifications and optical performance. In fact, they feature the same mechanical and operational standards of Sigma Cine lenses, but in compact mirrorless form.
I series lenses “have outstanding feel and tone in the hand. The feel of the manual focus ring, aperture ring and switches embody true functional beauty,” Sigma noted.
All I series lenses feature an all-metal body with precision metal internal parts and a metal hood. They also boast a manual aperture ring and knurled surfaces for a tactile experience. Moreover, the f/2 I series lenses have comparable MTF chart optical performance to Sigma’s DSLR f/1.4 Art lenses.
In addition, the 24mm f/2 lens employs a newly designed arc-type auto/manual focus switch; a dust- and splash-resistant mount; a knurled lens hood; as well as magnetic lens caps.
What’s more, the 24mm f/3.5 shares an 055 filter thread diameter with the 45mm f/2.8 DG DN C and the just-announced 90mm f/2.8 DG DN C. As a result, they comprise a compact system that accepts the same filters and lens caps. This is a benefit for travel and adventure or any shooting situation where compactness and versatility matter.
The two new lenses join the 24mm f/3.5 DG DN | Contemporary; 35mm f/2 DG DN | Contemporary; 45mm f/2.8 DG DN | Contemporary; and 65mm f/2 DG DN | Contemporary in the I series.
Sigma Corporation
Since 1961, Sigma has devoted its efforts to the pursuit of advancing photographic technology. The family-owned business produces its still photo and cinema camera lenses; DSLR and mirrorless cameras; flashes; filters; as well as other accessories from its manufacturing facility located in Aizu, Japan.
Moreover, in 2012, the company introduced the Sigma Global Vision with three distinct lens lines: Art, Contemporary and Sports. For industry camera mount systems, including Canon, Leica, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and Sigma, each lens is handcrafted. In addition, all lenses are tested in Japan to ensure a high-performance, premium product that is purpose-built to last. 
In 2016, the company also launched the Sigma Cine lens lineup. Consequently, Sigma Cine lenses meet the needs of advanced 6K and 8K cinema production.
Further, Sigma formed the L-Mount alliance alongside Leica and Panasonic in 2018. Subsequently, it announced such innovations as the native L-mount Sigma fp and fp L full-frame mirrorless digital cameras (2019 and 2021, respectively).
“As Sigma reaches its 60th anniversary, the company continues to work diligently to innovate and grow in an ever-changing industry; while adhering to the principles set by its founder, Michihiro Yamaki, and carried on by current CEO Kazuto Yamaki, now and into the future,” the company added.
