NiSi 65 PRIME 16mm T2.9 Launched – A Rectilinear Ultra-Wide for Large Format Sensors

by Alexandra ThompsonApril 20^th, 2026

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NiSi has launched the 65 PRIME 16mm T2.9 at NAB 2026, the first lens in a new series designed specifically for large format sensors. With an image circle close to 65mm, the rectilinear ultra-wide covers the ARRI ALEXA 265, Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65, and FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55 in open gate, and is priced at $2,799.

We stopped by the NiSi booth at NAB 2026 to speak with Kenji about the new 65 PRIME 16mm T2.9 lens. As cameras with sensors beyond full frame continue to gain traction, the optical challenge of covering them at ultra-wide focal lengths is significant. Most wide-angle lenses designed for these larger image circles either introduce heavy fisheye distortion, severe vignetting, or are prohibitively slow. The 65 Prime 16mm is NiSi’s answer to that problem: a rectilinear design that keeps straight lines straight from center to edge, even across a nearly 65mm image circle.

Why rectilinear matters at this focal length

On the FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55, the 16mm delivers roughly a 13mm full-frame equivalent field of view. Mounted on an ALEXA 265, that drops to approximately 11mm equivalent. At those angles of view on sensors this size, fisheye distortion is almost unavoidable with conventional optical designs. As Kenji explained, achieving a rectilinear projection at this combination of focal length and image circle size is an extremely difficult engineering feat. For architectural work, interior shots, or any scenario where geometric accuracy matters, this is a meaningful distinction.

Optical character and lens family compatibility

The 65 PRIME 16mm is designed to match the look of NiSi’s Aureus primes, which we covered at NAB last year. Kenji described the lens as modern, clean, and sharp, particularly in the center, with color and contrast that also pairs well with the Athena series. Where the character comes through is in its spot flares and a gentle, organic falloff toward the edges, a subtle vignette that draws attention to the center of the frame without being heavy-handed.

This dual compatibility is practical. The Aureus primes cover a 46mm image circle, which means their wider focal lengths will vignette on the ETERNA’s larger sensor. The 65 PRIME 16mm fills that gap, giving ETERNA shooters a matched ultra-wide option that extends the usable range of their Aureus set without a visible mismatch in rendering.

Filtration at extreme wide angles

Matte box support at this focal length is, predictably, a challenge. With a 95mm front diameter and the extreme field of view, most matte boxes would introduce vignetting. The lens does feature 90mm filter threads for screw-on filtration, and it is compatible with NiSi’s Jet Mag 95 clamp-on system. NiSi also offers their Max Mag system in 112mm filter size for those who need larger filtration solutions. It is not an ideal situation for heavy filtration setups, but there are workable options.

The start of a new series

The 16mm is the first lens in the 65 PRIME line, and NiSi is actively gathering feedback at NAB to determine which focal lengths to develop next. When asked, Kenji noted that the most common requests so far have been for something along the lines of 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm equivalents, the classic trio of wide, normal, and short telephoto.

NiSi is also showing a 50mm T1 at NAB 2026, which Kenji described as a “pretty well kept secret.” No additional details were shared, but it signals that the company is continuing to push into faster, more ambitious optics.

Pricing and availability

The NiSi 65 PRIME 16mm T2.9 is available in PL mount and priced at $2,799. The lens weighs 846g / 1.86 lbs. Deliveries are expected to begin at the end of April or the beginning of May.

Are you shooting on large format sensors and struggling to find wide-angle options that cover the full image circle? Is the 65 PRIME 16mm on your radar? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!