NiSi Athena Primes Review: Are They Worth the Hype?

IMPORTANT: The Lenses come in PL, Sony E, L Mount, and G mount. I have the PL mount, because they can be adapted to any mount with the adapters below. This means you can change camera systems and still use the same lenses. So this is my recommendation.

PL ADAPTERS:

LENSEs WITH DIRECT MOUNT (no adapter):

GEAR I USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO

[VIDEO GEAR] (affiliate links)

[AUDIO GEAR] (affiliate links)

[LIGHTING] (affiliate links)

[COMPUTER AND EDITING] (affiliate links)

* Some links are affiliate links, you do not pay any extra, but I may get a small commissions. Using these links allows me to make more videos like this one.

00:00 - The Low Key Launch
00:38 - What’s So Good
02:22 - Good on ANY Camera
03:04 - Build and Handling
04:40 - Color Consistency
05:57 - Focus Breathing
06:38 - Lens Flare
07:01 - Background Blur/Bokeh
07:43 - Chromatic Aberration
08:08 - Micro Contrast
08:49 - Sharpness/Detail
09:06 - Conclusion

[BrotherJLG]

One of my favorite YouTube channels. I like your content and the way you talk about things. I would be interested in a video talking more in-depth on how you go about shooting B-roll footage.

[Films]

This was a Great, well-produced, beautifully shot and very informative video. Well done, and THANK YOU!

[BuildMontage]

I almost bought these after testing them out but ultimately went with the Meike ones using a PL mount on my s5iix. I do feel the NiSi are better though - far cleaner and sharper. Great review as always.

[MichaelHalsell]

Thank you for the review of the NiSi. I have owned Meike mini's. This lens option may be the solution I am looking for.

[testshoot]

Honestly, the new lens hypetrain is getting a bit overdone. It's not you, there is a burden of choice right now. I still like the Rokinin Cine DS series when doing a side-by-side price for performance. The issue with the Roks is the size of the lenses with gears lining up, but who cares if you are not constantly swapping and 5 more seconds is not a big deal on a set. I'm shooting interviews, fashion shows and BTS of photoshoots.

[lionheart]

I'm really not a fan of that yellowish-green, but it's amazing that you can use them across three sensor sizes.

[FreshSqueezedLightning]

These things are cool, prefer them to the DZOs and the like. I’m a 1st AC so I’m comparing them to the big leagues I often work with: Master Primes, Ultra Primes, S7’s, Optimos, etc. considering each of these lenses can be bought for less than the tax of any of the big league lenses, they look exceptional for the price

[JohnRuman]

These videos are simply beautiful. Love them.

Do you have a review of the follow focus systems or a recommended video?

[thedp]

I've been looking at them but lack of anything between 50 and 85 is a problem. 85 is just too long. a 65 would really be nice and it's a focal length I use a lot. hopefully they will fill the set out a little more with a 65 to 70 and a 18-20, and maybe something at the long end in 180-200 range.

[ivansusic]

Congrats. As far as I can see, 35mm is around 1200 bucks solo?

[ez]

Hi there 👋🏼 Great video, I subscribed :) One question: Does the low CA also apply to the 35mm and the 25? I heard in other reviews that on those two it is quite substantial. I really find these appealing in every other regard but I just can’t stand CA. Then again, where at this price point is no CA 😅

[SDA-Sound]

The “South Gate” bridge dusk scene, could you elaborate on that? Which lense? Any filters? Camera settings? It’s stunning

[lumixSM]

Thanks for video, in Europe there not available.

[Filmmaker]

Do you think Nisi Athenas lenses can be compared to DZOFilm Arles Primes? Or are the Arles lenses better? Thanks for the information you share.

[shimnaman]

😮Would these fit a fuji st2 or a panasonic g6?

[theodorereid]

what are your thoughts on the DZOfilm Arles primes?

[ThatOneLazyNerd]

Can they be used with the Canon M50 ii with the EF-M mount?

[LTFluffy]

Woah! He said the name of the lense in the title. Rare! 😂

[nickralph]

Wait wait. I am seeing some very familiar locations in this video. are you in VIC?

[thedarksurfer.]

Mark, could I use the NISI Athena with my A7IV. I know it’s not a cinematic camera. Are they not recommended for hybrids? I really like the 35 & 50mm. Thank you!