NiSi AUREUS PRIME T1.4 Cinema Lens Series Introduced – Fast & Full-Frame

by Alexandra ThompsonApril 6^th, 2025

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NiSi has introduced the AUREUS PRIME T1.4 Cinema Lens Series, a new line of full-frame lenses designed for high-end film, television, commercial, and documentary production. The series launches with five focal lengths – 18mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm – all with a fast T1.4 aperture and consistent housing across the set. Three additional focal lengths (29mm, 65mm, and 105mm) are currently in development.

NiSi Filters is a Chinese company with over 20 international patents in photography and filmmaking. At last year’s IBC 2024, we had a first look at their Tuned full-frame prime lenses and also reviewed the NiSi ATHENA prime lenses, which you can read about here. This year, NiSi is introducing us to their new AUREUS PRIME T1.4 Cinema Lens Series, engineered for full-frame and large-format sensors.

Optics and aperture

Each lens covers a 46mm image circle, is optimized for large-format sensors, and is compatible with super 35mm. The T1.4 aperture will give you strong low-light performance and shallow depth of field control, while the 11-blade iris produces a rounded, natural-looking bokeh. NiSi states that sharpness and contrast are maintained consistently across the aperture range from T1.4 to T22.

Image quality and handling

The optical design includes ultra-low dispersion elements and advanced coatings to reduce chromatic aberration, flare, and ghosting. Color rendering is kept neutral across the set, with minimal focus breathing during pulls. NiSi claims that the lenses exhibit virtually no focus breathing, helping maintain stable framing throughout focus transitions. A 300° focus throw provides precise, repeatable manual control.

Mechanical design and workflow of NiSi AUREUS

All the lenses in this series share a uniform 90mm front diameter, 86mm filter thread, and a similar weight averaging around 1300g (45.9 oz). Focus and aperture ring positions are matched across the set for ease of use when rigged, and glow-in-the-dark markings improve visibility in low-light conditions. Focus scales are available in feet or meters and can be swapped by the user with a tool that’s included.

The minimum focus distance for the 18mm lens is 0.25m (9.8 ft).

Key specs for the AUREUS PRIME T1.4 Cinema Lens Series

Rear filter mount and mount compatibility

A built-in rear filter holder supports ND, diffusion, or creative filters, which should be useful for compact setups on gimbals, drones, or handheld rigs where front-mounted filtration is impractical. The lenses come in PL mount and support flange distances from 16.1mm to 19.8mm, making them compatible with a wide range of PL-mount cameras and adapters.

NiSi AUREUS designed to pair with ATHENA PRIME

NiSi notes that the AUREUS series is designed to complement their ATHENA PRIME lenses. The AUREUS series features faster T1.4 apertures and rear filter support, but it shares similar optical characteristics with the ATHENA line, making both sets easy to use together on the same production.

Price and availability

The AUREUS PRIME lenses are available for pre-order, with most focal lengths priced at $2,299. The 18mm is priced at $2,599. A 5-lens kit is offered at $9,999. Full details are listed on the NiSi website.

Have you already tried the NiSi ATHENA lenses? Would you invest in a full prime set like this, or would you prefer to mix and match from different brands? Let us know in the comments!