During IBC 2024, NiSi Optics provided a sneak peek of their upcoming limited-edition 5-piece ATHENA Tuned prime lens set. Built on the original ATHENA series, these lenses feature different glass elements and coatings to deliver a softer, more “vintage” look. Only 199 sets will be produced. First unveiled at NAB last year, the NiSi ATHENA full-frame cinema prime lenses have proven to be quite popular thanks to their great balance between speed, image quality, and price. The original set (our review here) consisted of five focal lengths – 14mm T2.4 as well as 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm T1.9. These were later joined by the 18mm T2.2, 40mm T1.9, and 135mm T2.2. However, while these lenses offer a pretty clean, neutral look, many users are now after a more characteristic, vintage feel. As a result, based on user feedback, NiSi is now introducing a tuned version of the ATHENA lenses. On the show floor at IBC 2024, we stopped by the company’s booth to learn more from filmmaker Steve Johnson. NiSI ATHENA Tuned 35mm T1.9 and 50mm T1.9. Image credit: CineD NiSi ATHENA Tuned full-frame primes – softer look The NiSi ATHENA Tuned lenses will only be available as a limited edition set that includes the five original focal lengths—14/25/35/50/85mm. The lenses are currently under development, but early prototypes of the 35mm and 50mm T1.9 were already on display at IBC. Image credit: CineD As you can tell, the first difference with the standard ATHENA primes is the barrel, which...
Published By: CineD - 2 days ago