The NiSi Athena Prime Lenses
Looking for fast, compact prime lenses for full-frame cameras, I came across the NiSi Athena Prime series. The lenses immediately impressed me with their lightweight design, high speed, and well-thought-out, rugged construction. However, the final decision was only made after real-world testing during actual film productions.
Build Quality and Weight
The Athena lenses are exceptionally well-crafted and give a durable impression. The mechanics operate smoothly and precisely, with just the right amount of resistance to prevent accidental adjustments. Notably, the aperture ring is slightly stiffer than the focus ring, enhancing overall usability. I opted for the PL mount version to ensure maximum flexibility across different camera systems—though it would be great if the mounts were interchangeable.
Another standout feature is the glowing green markings, which improve readability in low-light conditions. Most focal lengths in the series maintain a nearly identical weight and a consistent arrangement of aperture and focus rings, making them especially convenient for use with gimbals.
Aperture and Bokeh
With a large T1.9 aperture on most focal lengths (except for the 14mm, 18mm, and 135mm, which still offer impressive T2.2 and T2.4), the Athena series enables strong subject isolation and excellent light transmission. The bokeh is aesthetically pleasing and beautifully soft, making the 85mm lens particularly well-suited for close-up shots.
Image Look and Color Accuracy
The Athena series delivers high-contrast, three-dimensional images with exceptional detail and consistent color reproduction across all focal lengths. Color corrections were rarely needed in grading, as the lenses naturally lean towards a subtle warmth, rendering skin tones authentic and richly textured. This "noticeably unobtrusive" image quality sets the series apart from many other lenses.
Sharpness Performance
Sharpness is crucial for filmmakers, and the Athena lenses deliver impressively clear details even wide open. At T2, the image still retains plenty of texture without losing the full-frame benefits. When stopped down to T2.8, the lenses reach their full potential without appearing artificially over-sharpened. The minimum focus distance is satisfactory, though not groundbreaking.
Focus Breathing and Chromatic Aberration
A minimal focus breathing effect gives the Athena lenses a clear advantage for close-ups and focus pulls, especially compared to competing products in this price range. While there are differences between the focal lengths, the performance remains consistently strong across the board.
As for flaring and chromatic aberrations, the lenses perform excellently. Contrast remains stable during backlighting shots, and unwanted flares are virtually nonexistent. Chromatic aberrations are subtle, even in high-contrast situations, and were not an issue in any of the tested scenarios.
After several shooting days, it was clear to me: the NiSi Athena Prime series has replaced my previous primary lenses. The price-performance ratio is excellent, and the focal lengths from 14mm to 135mm are perfectly chosen. While I do miss a 65mm lens, the Athena series offers noticeable added value as a fast, versatile companion for my film projects.