NiSi ATHENA Tuned Glow Lenses Introduced – Warmer Flares, Same Clean Look

by Alexandra ThompsonSeptember 13^th, 2025

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At IBC 2025, Johnnie met with Steve Johnson from NiSi to talk about the newest addition to the ATHENA lineup, the ATHENA Tuned Glow lenses. They keep the sharpness, smooth bokeh, and minimal focus breathing of the originals, but introduce a warmer golden flare. This update responds to filmmakers who felt the previous edition leaned too cool and were looking for a warmer option, while still staying true to NiSi’s philosophy of clean, sharp optics.

Last year saw the limited-edition ATHENA Tuned series, all at T1.9 with cooler-toned flares; 199 sets were made, and all 199 were sold worldwide. While appreciated for their look, some users expressed interest in a warmer aesthetic. The new Tuned Glow edition responds directly to that feedback, making it a natural continuation of the series.

Optical design and character

The Tuned Glow lenses remain very sharp and consistent with NiSi’s design approach. Wide open at T1.9, they intentionally soften, but stop down and the sharpness returns quickly. Steve emphasized that the change is not in coatings or construction, but in flare color, giving users a warmer option without reducing clarity. The result is still a very clean lens, but one with a slightly different personality when it catches light.

Build and mount

The lenses are full-frame, covering the same image circle as the previous ATHENAs, and feature solid all-metal construction with a silver finish.They are currently available only in PL mount, following NiSi’s decision to keep these special editions limited in format. Adapters will still allow them to be paired with a wide range of cinema cameras.

Price and availability

The ATHENA Tuned Glow set includes 14mm, 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm, all at T1.9. Pricing is just over €6,000 for the five-lens set, with no individual lens sales confirmed at this time. NiSi expects to officially announce the set in early October, with shipping planned for late October or early November. For more information about the ATHENA lenses, please see the NiSi website.

What do you think? Does the warmer flare of the Tuned Glow lenses make them more appealing, or do you prefer the cooler look of last year’s special edition? Let us know in the comments!