NiSi has made a bold move by introducing the NiSi Athena Prime series of cinema lenses at NAB 2023. The set includes five lenses, ranging from 14mm ultra-wide to 85mm, featuring a fast T1.9 aperture (excluding the 14mm lens) that supports Canon RF, PL, and Sony E mounts.
One of the most noteworthy features of these lenses is their minimal focus breathing and identical dimensions. Additionally, the lenses have a 77mm filter thread, and their aperture and focus rings are located in the same position, making the process of changing lenses more streamlined.
NiSi boasts about the Athena Prime series’ ability to deliver high image quality with minimal chromatic aberration and micro-contrast. The lenses also come equipped with a plug-in filter mount, which expands creative options for camera operators.
The manufacturer states that the Athena Prime series lenses “have virtually no focus breathing effect and are designed to provide maximum micro-contrast control and ultra-low chromatic aberration.”
NiSi ATHENA PRIME 14mm T2.4 specs & price
- Focal Length: 14mm
- Lens Mount: Sony E / PL / Canon RF
- Lens Format Coverage: Full Frame
- Image Circle: 46.0 mm
- Maximum Aperture: T2.4
- Minimum Aperture: T22
- Diagonal Angle of View: 113.9° (Full Frame)
- Horizontal Angle of View: 103.6° (Full Frame)
- Minimum Focus Distance: 9.84″ / 0.25 m (From Unspecified Point)
- Diaphragm Blades: 10
- Gear MOD & Pitch: Focus – 0.8 MOD / 32 Pitch
- Front Diameter: 80 mm
- Filter Thread: None
- Focus Scales: Metric, Imperial
- Focus Rotation: 300°
- Electronic Communication: No
- Image Stabilization: No
- Length: 4.7″ / 119.3 mm
- Weight: 31.4 oz / 890 g
- Price: $1,198 on Bhphotovideo.com
NiSi ATHENA PRIME 25mm T1.9 specs & price
- Focal Length: 25mm
- Lens Mount: Sony E / PL / Canon RF
- Lens Format Coverage: Full Frame
- Image Circle: 46.0 mm
- Maximum Aperture: T1.9
- Minimum Aperture: T22
- Diagonal Angle of View: 82.1° (Full Frame)
- Horizontal Angle of View: 71.7° (Full Frame)
- Minimum Focus Distance: 11.8″ / 0.3 m (From Unspecified Point)
- Diaphragm Blades: 10
- Gear MOD & Pitch: Focus – 0.8 MOD / 32 Pitch
- Front Diameter: 80 mm
- Filter Thread: 77 mm
- Focus Scales: Metric, Imperial
- Focus Rotation: 300°
- Electronic Communication: No
- Image Stabilization: No
- Length: 3.2″ / 81.3 mm
- Weight: 31.4 oz / 890 g
- Price: $1,098 on Bhphotovideo.com
NiSi ATHENA PRIME 35mm T1.9 specs & price
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Lens Mount: Sony E / PL / Canon RF
- Lens Format Coverage: Full Frame
- Image Circle: 46.0 mm
- Maximum Aperture: T1.9
- Minimum Aperture: T22
- Diagonal Angle of View: 64.3° (Full Frame)
- Horizontal Angle of View: 55.1° (Full Frame)
- Minimum Focus Distance: 11.8″ / 0.3 m (From Unspecified Point)
- Diaphragm Blades: 10
- Gear MOD & Pitch: Focus – 0.8 MOD / 32 Pitch
- Front Diameter: 80 mm
- Filter Thread: 77 mm
- Focus Scales: Metric, Imperial
- Focus Rotation: 300°
- Electronic Communication: No
- Image Stabilization: No
- Length: 3.2″ / 81.3 mm
- Weight: 31.4 oz / 890 g
- Price: $1,098 on Bhphotovideo.com
NiSi ATHENA PRIME 50mm T1.9 specs & price
- Focal Length: 50mm
- Lens Mount: Sony E / PL / Canon RF
- Lens Format Coverage: Full Frame
- Image Circle: 46.0 mm
- Maximum Aperture: T1.9
- Minimum Aperture: T22
- Diagonal Angle of View: 47.5° (Full Frame)
- Horizontal Angle of View: 40.1° (Full Frame)
- Minimum Focus Distance: 19.7″ / 0.5 m (From Unspecified Point)
- Diaphragm Blades: 10
- Gear MOD & Pitch: Focus – 0.8 MOD / 32 Pitch
- Front Diameter: 80 mm
- Filter Thread: 77 mm
- Focus Scales: Metric, Imperial
- Focus Rotation: 300°
- Electronic Communication: No
- Image Stabilization: No
- Length: 3.2″ / 81.3 mm
- Weight: 31.4 oz / 890 g
- Price: $1,098 on Bhphotovideo.com
NiSi ATHENA PRIME 85mm T1.9 specs & price
- Focal Length: 85mm
- Lens Mount: Sony E / PL / Canon RF
- Lens Format Coverage: Full Frame
- Image Circle: 46.0 mm
- Maximum Aperture: T1.9
- Minimum Aperture: T22
- Diagonal Angle of View: 28.6° (Full Frame)
- Horizontal Angle of View: 24° (Full Frame)
- Minimum Focus Distance: 31.5″ / 0.8 m (From Unspecified Point)
- Diaphragm Blades: 10
- Gear MOD & Pitch: Focus – 0.8 MOD / 32 Pitch
- Front Diameter: 80 mm
- Filter Thread: 77 mm
- Focus Scales: Metric, Imperial
- Focus Rotation: 300°
- Electronic Communication: No
- Image Stabilization: No
- Length: 3.2″ / 81.3 mm
- Weight: 31.4 oz / 890 g
- Price: $1,098 on Bhphotovideo.com
On another note, Venus Optics has launched a new lens for full-frame cameras – the Laowa Argus 28mm F1.2. The lens can produce “impressive” sharpness even at its fully open aperture, according to the manufacturer, and is capable of producing high-quality results even in low-light conditions. It’s priced at $599 and is ideal for travel photography.
