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Happy 65th Anniversary Sigma

Sigma recently celebrated its 65th anniversary. Founded in Japan on 9 September 1961, the independent, family-owned company has forged its own path from the beginning, which started with an innovative teleconverter and continues with world-first lenses, jaw-dropping cameras and more besides.

Watch the latest video installment 'Sigma Aizu, Japan 2025' Directed by Yu Yamanaka

To celebrate this anniversary, we’re taking a quick look at some of the things that make them such a unique brand. From manufacturing every lens at their own Aizu factory and creating the world’s first autofocus 135mm F1.4 lens, to machining a camera body from a solid block of aluminium and even growing rice, there’s a lot more to them than you might expect.

If you open up my own camera bag right now, you’ll find three Sigma lenses front and centre, but you’ll just have to buy your own. The good news is that there are some fantastic savings to enjoy right now, so if you’d rather skip my ramblings, head to the end and start saving today.

Back to the feature and it brings us a lot of joy to wish Sigma Corporation a very happy 65th anniversary.

Starting out with a world first

Innovation was central from the very beginning. The first product delivered in 1961 was the Telextender. This is the industry’s first lens-attached teleconverter, giving photographers a new way to extend the reach of their existing glass.

That type of innovation continued, and in 1979 they released the world’s first wide-angle zoom to start at 21mm, while the SD9 became the first DSLR to use the Foveon X3 direct image sensor in 2002.

They still break new ground today. The 135mm F1.4 DG Art is a remarkable prime lens that was released in 2025, and is the world’s first and only 135mm of its kind.

Still Independent

Unusually Sigma is privately owned and completely independent. The enigmatic Kazuto Yamaki took over from his father and founder, Michihiro Yamaki, as CEO in 2012.

Independence has helped create an individual approach to making photographic equipment, which notably includes products that don’t follow established conventions. In his 65th anniversary message, Yamaki thanked photographers not only for their support, but also for their “stern feedback”, which he says has helped the company improve its products and services. It’s a refreshing acknowledgement that photographers have played a part in shaping the equipment being made today.

Sample image by Julie Mayfeng

Everything happens in Aizu

Since 1973, Aizu in Fukushima Prefecture has been Sigma’s sole manufacturing base. I’ve not been myself, but the video included shows a backdrop of mountains, forests and rice fields. It’s an unusually beautiful setting for the seriously high-tech manufacturing.

I’ve read an interview with Kazuto Yamaki, and he’s proud that the family-owned business manufactures almost every single part in-house. Processes include grinding, moulding, painting, circuit-board mounting and precision machining, supported by a network of suppliers across the surrounding Tohoku region.

This connection with place extends beyond the factory. The landscape and local community feature in projects supported by the company, while the surrounding environment has inspired an altogether unexpected venture. More on that in a moment…

Sample image by Mina Daimon

A Camera From a Block of Aluminium

If there’s one product that sums up the desire to do things differently, it might just be the BF. Launched in 2025, this striking full-frame mirrorless camera has a full unibody structure, with each body machined from a single solid block of aluminium. That process alone takes around seven hours.

The unconventional approach continues throughout the minimal interface with pressure-sensitive haptic controls. It’s an unusual camera to be sure, and a great example of what happens when a manufacturer decides they want to make something for the CEO!

Sample image by Julie Mayfeng

Yes, They Also Grow Rice

In 2026, the Aizu Farm was established to grow rice in the same region that has been home to its manufacturing base for more than 50 years. But this is far more than an unusual side project.

Like many rural areas, Aizu faces challenges such as the ageing population, fewer people taking over farms and an increase in abandoned agricultural land. The project is a way of giving something back to a community that has played such an important role in the company’s story, while helping to preserve the rice fields and landscape surrounding the factory.

The first crop was planted earlier this year using water from Mount Bandai, with the harvested rice intended for meals in staff cafeterias. It’s a tangible example of how closely the company and their location have grown together.

Celebrating 65 Years

With innovation straight out of the gate, world-first lenses, unique Foveon sensors and a beautifully minimalist BF, it’s been quite a journey so far. As a family-owned company, some things have remained consistent, including independence, Aizu manufacturing and a desire to explore new ideas from the rest of the industry.

To mark its 65th anniversary, there’s a UK promotion running from 1 October to 30 November 2026, with savings of up to £175 across a selection of mirrorless lenses. I’d say this was a fantastic opportunity to add something new to your kit to inspire you.

Explore Sigma voucher codes at Park Cameras today.

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By Nick Dautlich on 05/10/2026

Nick Dautlich

Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer

Nick Dautlich is the Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer at Park Cameras, with over 15 years of photography experience. A Sony Imaging Professional and expert reviewer, Nick has worked with major brands such as Canon, Sony and Nikon. His work is also featured on Vanguard World UK’s website, Capture Landscapes, and Shutter Evolve. Nick’s photography includes National Trust projects and magazine covers and he is passionate about landscapes and storytelling. Nick also enjoys hiking and teaching his children about nature. Learn more on his profile page.