NiSi Announces Aureus Prime T1.4 Cine Lens Series
NiSi has introduced the Aureus Prime T1.4 Cinema Lens Series, a new line of full-frame lenses designed for high-end film, television, documentary, and commercial productions. The series debuts with five focal lengths: 18mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm, all featuring a fast T1.4 aperture and a unified design for ease of use in various production setups. Additionally, NiSi plans to release three more focal lengths—29mm, 65mm, and 105mm—further expanding the series.
The Aureus lenses are optimized for full-frame and large-format sensors, covering a 46mm image circle. Each lens weighs around 1,300 grams and has a T1.4 11-bladed aperture reaching, according to the company “breathtaking performance in low-light conditions while producing stunning depth and cinematic bokeh”. NiSi’s engineering includes ultra-low dispersion elements and advanced coatings to minimize chromatic aberration, distortion, and color fringing.
A key feature of the Aureus Prime lenses is what the company claims as “virtually zero focus breathing”, allowing for “smooth focus transitions without unwanted shifts in composition”. Moreover, the 300-degree focus rotation provides efficient manual control, while the 86mm filter thread and 90mm front diameter make them compatible with a wide range of accessories.
NiSi Aureus Prime’s rear filter holder supports ND, diffusion, or creative filters, good for compact setups such as gimbals, drones, or handheld rigs. The lenses are equipped with glow-in-the-dark markings and interchangeable focus scales (feet or meters), which can be easily swapped by the user.
The Aureus series shares optical characteristics with NiSi’s Athena Prime lenses, making the two lines compatible for seamless use in the same production. But unlike the Athena Prime, the new Aureus lenses, are available exclusively in PL mount.
The Aureus Prime lenses are priced between $2,299 and $2,599, depending on the focal length, with the 18mm lens costing slightly more. A five-lens bundle is also available for $9,999. The lenses will begin shipping in July 2025.