If you’re looking to capture finely detailed, high-quality images in full-frame format, check out NiSi’s new ATHENA Cinema Primes. Introduced at NAB 2023, this series of five primes features a common T1.9 maximum aperture, ultra-low chromatic aberration, controlled contrast, and soft bokeh.
The current ATHENA Cinema Prime five-lens lineup consists of 14, 25, 35, 50, and 85mm lenses, each available in ARRI PL, Canon RF, and Sony E mounts. You can build a set one by one or go straight to a 5-lens set of these relatively affordable lenses. The T1.9 maximum aperture that is standard across most of the series (excepting the T2.4 14mm) lends itself to low-light capture and to distinct background separation, helping to subtly draw your audience’s attention to just where you want.
Each lens in the series has a matching size and weight, simplifying lens changes when using a gimbal or another balanced camera setup. A generous 300˚ of barrel rotation makes for smooth, accurate focus pulls and minimal breathing ensures that your frame size remains constant throughout focus shifts.
One difference among the three lens-mount versions is in their filtering options. Again, except for the 14mm, each lens in all mounts has a 77mm front filter thread. In addition, the Canon RF and Sony-E mount lenses have a drop-in rear filter mount that the PL versions lack. Using the rear filter option is helpful in several ways―to mount a filter you’re using throughout your shoot day easily, to reduce the overall weight of your rig when using a gimbal or shooting handheld, and simply to have the option of adding a filter without having to stack two or more in front of your lens.
Are you a fan of the immersive full-frame look? Let us know by sharing your comments below.
