Leading Japanese lens maker, Sigma, has no plans to design new Micro Four Thirds (M43) lenses, with CEO Kazuto Yamaki citing a ‘very strong’ demand decrease.
Sigma only dabbled in M43 lenses – just a handful are available, with the last released in 2018. Given it’s in Sigma’s best interest to maximise sales, the logical business strategy is to focus on camera systems best positioned for growth. This does not appear to be M43, or even APS-C, whereas Sigma has been building the line up of Sony E, Nikon Z, and L mount lenses. Canon isn’t letting third parties develop RF products.
Fellow Japanese optics company, Tamron, also only just wet its toes with M43, releasing just one lens way back in 2014. Although it has recently added a number of Fujifilm X APS-C lenses to the line up.
Yamaki is renowned for giving honest and candid interviews, with straightforward insights about the photo industry and Sigma’s direction. It’s a refreshing take from the sugar-coated word salad offered up by many photo industry senior management, so when Yamaki talks it’s worth a listen.
He spoke with French photography publication, Photo Trends, at the CP+ trade show in Japan, where they covered several topics. This interview was presumably translated to French, and now to English via Google Translate.
‘We still have several references that we will maintain in our catalogue. However, we are not planning to design new Micro 4/3 optics at this time,’ Yamaki said when asked about developing M43 lenses. ‘Perhaps because of this, the demand for this format is decreasing very strongly, and it is therefore quite difficult for us to develop completely new optics for this ecosystem.’
A possible reason why Sigma is experiencing a drop in demand may relate to changing customer buying habits, with a move away from M43. Especially with the hype built up around full-frame mirrorless camera technology.
Sigma may also have failed to gain meaningful market share due to Panasonic and OM-D, the two companies committed to M43, adequately covering the market. For whatever reason, buyer demand for Sigma’s M43 products has fallen.
Despite giving up on new M43 lenses, Sigma’s CEO still finds the mount has its charm.
‘Personally, I really like this system. But currently, the trend is clearly in favor of full frame, alongside APS-C (which is also in decline, by the way).
‘I hope that with the arrival of the new OM System cameras demand will stabilize, but it is clearly tending to decrease for Sigma Micro 4/3 lenses. But it looks like OM-System is getting good results with their new cameras and lenses. So I’m hopeful that the demand for the Micro 4/3 will continue to exist.’
Sigma’s financial outlook
Yamaki is concerned about the short-term economic outlook for Sigma due to slowing economic activity in Europe and North America, along with China ‘struggling’.
‘The year 2023 could be quite difficult economically. During the Covid outbreak, economic conditions were good in North America, and consumers continued to buy our products. We have had good results in 2020 and 2021. … 2023 could be a problematic year for us.’
He also clears up rumours that Nikon prevents third-party lens makers from developing Z lenses that will compete with its own line.
‘Personally, I am not aware of this. The launch of these 3 lenses is the result of our own decision. I don’t know what Nikon’s strategy is. The rumors you mention make sense for Nikon, but for my part I don’t know more than you.’
And the Sigma CEO isn’t quite sure why Canon is keeping the RF mount closed, thereby preventing third-party manufacturers from releasing products.
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