NiSi's New Athena Series Lenses Offer Incredible Value
NiSi introduced its new Athena line of full-frame cinema prime lenses ahead of NAB 2023. Three new Athena prime lenses have joined the five existing lenses, which range from 14mm T2.4 to 85mm T1.9. These lenses close a few gaps in the current range and extend it to 135mm.
The NiSi Athena 18mm T2.2, 40mm T1.9, and 135mm T2.2 are the three new lenses that complete the Athena series' eight lenses. Similar to the previous Athena lenses, the new additions also offer excellent optical performance in a lightweight, comparatively small package.
The new lenses and the other Athena lenses are similar in terms of size and shape. The focus and aperture control rings on all seven lenses have the same gearing positions, so they can be switched around in cinema rigs even though the new 135mm T2.2 is substantially longer than the other lenses. Their same weight distribution should also allow them to function fairly well on gimbals. The focus throw of each manual focus lens is 300 degrees.
Similar to NiSi's previous Athena lenses, the new ones can be used with a wide variety of lens mounts, such as Arri PL, Sony E, Canon RF, Fujifilm GF, and L-Mount.
There are currently 14mm T2.4, 18mm T2.2 (new), 25mm T1.9, 35mm T1.9, 40mm T1.9 (new), 50mm T1.9, 85mm T1.9, and 135mm T2.2 (new) lenses available in NiSi's Athena cinema prime lens line. It's interesting to note that NiSi will charge $8,999 for a new Athena Prime Master Kit that includes all eight lenses, as noted by DIY Photography. Still, the equipment is packaged in a container that can accommodate a ninth lens. It's possible that NiSi will eventually release another Athena prime, possibly in the 85mm–135mm range. For $299, the new nine-lens casing is also offered separately.
Nevertheless, it is an eight-lens set that is reasonably priced for full-frame movie lenses. In the realm of cine lenses, $8,999 works out to $1,124 on average per lens. Videographers who have already purchased the first five Athena lenses can purchase a three-lens add-on kit from NiSi for $3,499, which includes the three new prime lenses. At $5,798, the original five-lens kit is still available.
Additionally, each NiSi Athena lens can be purchased separately for $1,198 to $1,268. Go to the NiSi website for all the information and specifications. Additionally, there are several configurations of the lenses available, such as ones that accept drop-in filters and ones that do not.