Cine Lens manufacturer NiSi has launched the Aureus line of Cinematic Primes, featuring a set of five lenses with focal lengths ranging from 18mm to 85mm, all boasting a constant T1.4 aperture, making them ideal for modern large format sensors.
These lenses not only deliver fast performance but also provide sharp resolution from edge to edge, all while remaining budget-friendly.
Image Credit – NiSi
The five-lens set includes the following focal lengths: 18mm, 25mm, 35mm, the versatile 50mm, and the portrait-friendly 85mm.
Designed for full-frame and Vista Vision sensors, these lenses ensure edge-to-edge sharpness with zero focus breathing, along with impressive low-light performance due to the super-fast T1.4 lens aperture.
Image Credit – NiSi
NiSi engineered the Aureus lenses with ultra-low dispersion elements to minimize chromatic aberrations and to prevent distortion and color fringing.
The design also features a rear filter mount, keeping the overall structure compact and making it easier to attach to gimbals and other rigs where space may be limited.
Each lens offers 300 degrees of focus rotation and maintains consistent dimensions across all focal lengths.
This results in similar weight, width, and length, allowing users to avoid wasting time calibrating support accessories.
Each lens weighs approximately 1300 grams and has a uniform length of 110mm with a diameter of 90mm.
There are also plans for a 95mm adapter ring to better accommodate industry-standard camera accessories.
Image Credit – NiSi
While NiSi has not disclosed details about the optical design, the lenses do enjoy an 11-bladed aperture for a nice, circular bokeh.
A lack of optical organization data is likely due to proprietary technology that enhances high-resolution sharpness throughout the lenses.
However, NiSi does state that the Aureus lenses share “a similar optical character and tonal rendering” to the Athena, while the heavier weight might indicate a more complex optical formula.
Image Credit – NiSi
Additional design features include luminous painted markers that glow in low light, facilitating easier focus adjustments.
Users can switch between imperial and metric measurements simply by removing the front lens shroud.
NiSi has also designed optional interchangeable dual-scale focus rings for flexibility based on user preference.
These lenses are exclusively compatible with PL mount cameras and include passive metadata transmission, eliminating the need for communication pins for embedded data.
This design choice reduces overall costs, supports legacy platforms, and enhances durability for field shooting, although it may pose challenges for effects-heavy post-production workflows.
Image Credit – NiSi
Pricing and Availability
The NiSi Aureus Primes are available for preorder, starting at a retail price of $2599 for the 18mm T1.4 lens and $2299 for the other focal lengths (24mm – 85mm).
The complete five-lens set can be purchased for $9999. Shipping is anticipated to commence in mid-summer 2025.
[Source: Duclos Lenses]
Order links:
- NiSi AUREUS PRIME 18mm T1.4 Cinema Lens, PL Mount (B&H)
- NiSi AUREUS PRIME 24mm T1.4 Cinema Lens, PL Mount (B&H)
- NiSi AUREUS PRIME 35mm T1.4 Cinema Lens, PL Mount (B&H)
- NiSi AUREUS PRIME 50mm T1.4 Cinema Lens, PL Mount (B&H)
- NiSi AUREUS PRIME 85mm T1.4 Cinema Lens, PL Mount (B&H)
- NiSi AUREUS PRIME T1.4 Cinema 5-Lens Kit, PL Mount (B&H)
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