NiSi ATHENA Tuned Full-Frame Cinema Prime Lenses – First Look

September 17^th, 20244

by Francesco AndreolaSeptember 17^th, 2024

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.

NiSI ATHENA Tuned 50mm T1.9 — Image credit: CineD

As you can tell, the first difference with the standard ATHENA primes is the barrel, which now has a silver rather than black finish. But most importantly, according to Steve, the Tuned lenses have different elements and coatings that should provide lower contrast, softer bokeh, and subtle blue/purple flares.

NiSI ATHENA Tuned lenses will only be available in PL mount — Image credit: CineD

Unlike the standard ATHENAs, which are available in ARRI PL and a number of mirrorless mounts (Sony E/Canon RF/Leica L/FUJIFILM G mount), the Tuned edition will only be available in PL.

NiSI ATHENA Tuned 50mm T1.9 on ARRI Alexa Mini LF. Image credit: CineD

Price and availability

The NiSi ATHENA Tuned primes will only be available as a 5-piece set, and, according to Steve, only 199 sets will be produced. They should start shipping around the end of this year, and their price should be around 15-20% higher than the original ATHENA set, which currently retails for $5798.

For more information on the original ATHENA lenses, please visit NiSi’s website here.

Have you ever shot on the original ATHENA primes? Do you think their look is too clinical? What do you think of this Tuned version? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!