Sigma 25mm f/1.2 lens patented for Micro Four Thirds cameras

Sigma has patented a 25mm f/1.2 lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The wide-angle lens could be released at some point in the future under the Olympus brand, the rumor mill says.

Recent rumors have said that Sigma stopped developing lenses for the Four Thirds format. Moreover, some folks have suggested that the Micro Four Thirds lens development has been put on hold, too. However, it seems like the second statement is not true as a Sigma 25mm f/1.2 lens patent has just been discovered in Japan.

The patent application is describing a bright wide-angle prime optic developed by Sigma for mirrorless cameras with Micro Four Thirds cameras. There are multiple models described in the application and one of them involves a model with a maximum aperture of f/1.2 and with a focal length of 25mm.

Internal design of the Sigma 25mm f/1.2 lens, as described in its patent application.

Sigma 25mm f/1.2 lens patented in Japan for Micro Four Thirds cameras

Sigma filed for an interesting patent on October 4, 2013. The application consists of five optics with a maximum aperture of f/1.8. The focal distance ranges from 17mm to 30mm, with 25mm being the most common one.

The sixth model described in the patent application is referring to another 25mm lens, but with a faster maximum aperture which stands at f/1.2. All products are designed for mirrorless cameras with Micro Four Thirds sensors.

The patent application was approved on April 20, 2015. However, there is no indication to suggest that the Sigma 25mm f/1.2 lens will be released on the market in the near future.

Sigma has most likely designed this lens for Olympus

This patent is reminiscent of an existing Olympus 25mm f/1.8 lens, which was announced at the beginning of 2014. Olympus introduced the E-M10 camera and the 25mm f/1.8, 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, and 9mm f/8 optics in late January 2014.

The first lens of the trio has a internal design consisting of 9 elements in 7 groups with a couple of aspherical elements, just like the ones in the Sigma 25mm f/1.2 lens patent application. There is a strong possibility that Sigma has designed this optic for Olympus, which could launch an f/1.2 version, too. Either way, do not hold your breath over this lens.

For now, Amazon is selling the Olympus M.Zuiko 25mm f/1.8 lens for a price of $399. When mounted on Micro Four Thirds cameras, it offers a 35mm focal length equivalent of 50mm.