Right before NAB 2023, Chinese manufacturer NiSi teased a new family of full frame cinema prime lenses, called ATHENA, as well as a new set of full-spectrum ND filters. The 5-lens series is currently on display at the show, so we stopped by their booth to take a closer look! It’s not the first time that Chinese lens and filter manufacturer NiSi launches a 5-piece set of full frame lenses for cinema applications. Indeed, back at NAB 2018, the company introduced the F3 prime set, consisting of a 25, 35, 50, 75 and 85mm. Five years later, on the show floor at NAB 2023, my colleague Graham asked Jim Reisman from NiSi to elaborate more on the design and look of their newly-announced ATHENA lenses. Let’s see what he found out! NiSi ATHENA full frame cinema lens series. Source: CineD NiSi ATHENA full frame cinema lens series – overview Upon launch, the NiSi ATHENA lens series includes five focal lengths, namely a 14mm T2.4 and the faster 25, 35, 50 and 85mm T1.9. The lenses have an impressive image circle of 46mm, thus making them suitable for use with full-frame and even large-format sensors. NiSi ATHENA 85mm T1.9 on Sony FX3. Source: CineD Users can choose between ARRI PL, Canon RF or Sony E lens mount options and what’s interesting is that all 3 versions are compatible with a proprietary rear filtration system. The PL mount variant takes rear screw-on filters, while the RF and E-mount models have a drop-in...
Published By: CineD - Wednesday, 19 April, 2023