Here’s some time stamps 0:00 intro/sample footage 0:32 first thoughts 1:05 image quality 3:50 vintage vs clean lenses 4:32 sponsored by crdbag 5:45 Caleb’s thoughts on the lenses 6:51 compared to Dzofilm 10:14 build quality 14:32 focus throw 15:30 where you can watch projects 15:58 availability 16:38 conclusion
From my testing today on the Blackmagic full frame, the Fotodiox Pl-L adapter has plenty of clearance for the rear element. And after my brief hands on, I ordered the set. Sounds like it will be about 10 days. What I will say is this. For the size, weight and price, these lenses left me speechless-and I can almost always find some image issue to be a little cranky about. Not these. For my usual work these will be great. And for larger productions where you want to have a crash lens on a rig, these can be matched with lenses 10 or 20 times the price.
Love that you showcased the 14mm! Just picked up an 14mm and noticed there’s not a lot of content properly showcasing them. Thanks for the tasty content as always 🙏🏻
I really hope they do come out with a (then) bigger version which doesn't extend the rear to make it compatible with the various ND Mounts or Adapters. I would love to order these for our Monstro with the Breakthrough Filter Mount but the missing compatibility is sadly a deal breaker :/
in theory yes as we got a fill ND Set etc. but nothing beats the flexibility of a good VND in Camera. Sadly :/ (and sometimes space requirements as well)@@CineDailies
it really is a shame that that rear element sticks out so far. Having the ability to use a speed booster on super35mm cameras like the Komodos, black magics etc would have been a uge plus. Also those rear VND lens adaptors are great. Besides that, they look perfect
Great review mate. I was lucky enough to shot with the 50 and 35 - they’re excellent. I used it on a DSMC2 dragon sensor with a carbon OLPF from kippertie… and I could have sworn it was an ARRI signature on the camera haha.
I love the look of the Athena’s, I hope they come out with more focal lengths or even a macro. Caleb said something about a 135mm I think and I’m excited to that. Also for anyone wondering about an adapter that will definitely work with that PL rear element, Nisi actually makes their own for the lenses. Loved this vid 😂
Very nice, indeapth review. I am getting my hands on a set during an event in Vienna. Right now I am considering a DZO wide angle pictor zoom and one or two Athenas for my ongoing project....
@@CineDailies The film is Architecture Related and is documenting a special photo project I was working on for now 2 years. For tight spaces, the dzo wide angle gives me the flexibility to get what I want. I do not mind the "slight vintage-ish" look. For some other more overall shots, I am tempted to try the more clean look of the Nisi Athenas ... :-)
4:04 I actually did think that about The Last of Us. I personally thought a dirtier, more vintage feeling lens would have suited that show incredibly well. But I know why they went with the lenses they did and respect that decision.
Been hopping from video to video trying to find out if the PL versions will clear a Kippertie Revolva or not. CVP noted that the Mofage Poco does not clear.
im thinking im going to try and pick a set up to pair with that module 8 k35 tuner. clean look when i need it and something more stylized with the tuner if i want that
This was very useful, I agree 100% that sometimes we use the vintage look as a crutch ( I have to admit I have been guilty of this of late). I shot something recently with DZO Vespids which I love, but how ever, what I was filming was at an art gallery and when I was editing the footage, I felt that the softer look of the Vespid did not allow the art work to look as sharp/pop as I would like. Will defiantly check these out as I feel they will be great for certain projects
A photo lens will never give you the same precision as a cinema lens for focusing. Also, photo lenses breath, are flat and little expression. Clinical has a bad rep
I would like to ask you all, I am using the Sony E-mount system, currently shooting motion pictures mainly, events, weddings and documentary scenes, and would like to try my first movie lens to shoot creative types of content, so I would like to just buy a nisi athena. I've been working in TV for over 5 years and I've used broadcast camera lenses, and I don't have too much trouble with manual focusing and controlling the aperture. I would like to ask you all, if I only buy one, do you recommend a fixed focal length lens? The focal lengths I currently have are 1. 16-35Gm Sony 2. 28-75 Tamron (spare) 3. 35-150 Tamron 4. 50GM Sony 5. 150-600 SIGMA Currently I'm most interested in the nisi athena 25 & 50mm, but it's a duplicate of what I have now, so is the 35mm the best objective choice? Thanks for the replies!
@@CineDailies just adding to the fact , most top end dps use "tight" glass they've spent a lifetime getting away from CA and flair . Sometimes "vintage " feels are quite literally dead cats to the reality what they are shooting its poorly lit and lack control in production design .
Thanks for this video - I'm considering these lenses. Why did you go with PL vs e-mount? Is it because you are shooting on different cameras? Is it because, maybe, they are more of a rentable?
About the extending back element. Do you have any idea if there is a difference between the amount of extension between the different lenses that you have? In the Nisi Athena facebook group I red that someone tested these lenses with the Meike PL drop in filter mount. He (Ronald Lee) said that only one lens gave problems. Would love to know which ones would work with this combo, but he hasn't updated his post.
if you could have just 1 lens of the nisi athena lineup, super 35 like sony a6700, which would you take? idk cause the crop of the apcs.. 30? 50? 85? idk
I need one for landscape, one for two or more people in a scene, and one for up close like head and shoulder shots. I need to keep my budget around $4k
People keep comparing these to signatures... They aren't like signatures at all.. not in look or feel. Signatures in feel are big and light weight, they feel composite almost, they also feel a lot better in the focus ring. Signatures are also warmer (not cool warm, but warmer than Zeiss and warmer than these) If I were to compare to a high end lens, I'd say it's closer to the Leica summicron-c in look and in size
@@CineDailies, I thought about purchasing them until I saw the filming. Full frame. It’s not so noticeable on your crop and the shots shown were taken in a high degree of illumination, this levels it out a little, although there is nothing inspiring in these shots.
@@CineDailies I am interested to know more. If you have used them, do expand. I am researching lens choices and these two (nisi and irix) are the most interesting prospects. None is perfect but with the exception of the still very few focal lengths of the irix why would you say they are not good?
@@CineDailies Well yes obviously its my decision. But i cant rent them here in Greece. I have to buy one and see for myself, so if someone who has used them has something to say, i will listen. On paper they seem to check all the boxes and the reason i think people are not excited is that they are not a full set and their release plan doesn't make sense marketing wise. Optically though i cant seem to find any negative reviews, hence why i asked. Thank you in amy case.
I hear you. and unfortunately I dont have the time to review any all and all things. I never liked the look of the Irix lenses. Ive seen weird bokeh patters, unpleasing CA, and the claim of being a high quality lens doesn't match up.
That waterbottle, it's Gerolsteiner. Sprudelwasser from Germany (did not know they sell german water to the US!!). Besides that, thanks for the well done review-video :) @@CineDailies
The Gerolsteiner water comes out of the mountains 15 mins from where I live in the black forest (southern Germany). I was very surprised to see that on your desk....
@@CineDailies RF mount. I am not looking to get the entire set; I wanted to start with the 35mm, which is back-ordered. I have DJI RS3 PRO with the lidar, so I went with the new DZO vespid CYBER primes, which don't need calibration. I love the nisi look and will return when they are in stock.
Here’s some time stamps
0:00 intro/sample footage
0:32 first thoughts
1:05 image quality
3:50 vintage vs clean lenses
4:32 sponsored by crdbag
5:45 Caleb’s thoughts on the lenses
6:51 compared to Dzofilm
10:14 build quality
14:32 focus throw
15:30 where you can watch projects
15:58 availability
16:38 conclusion
Bless you 🙌🏽
From my testing today on the Blackmagic full frame, the Fotodiox Pl-L adapter has plenty of clearance for the rear element. And after my brief hands on, I ordered the set. Sounds like it will be about 10 days. What I will say is this. For the size, weight and price, these lenses left me speechless-and I can almost always find some image issue to be a little cranky about. Not these. For my usual work these will be great. And for larger productions where you want to have a crash lens on a rig, these can be matched with lenses 10 or 20 times the price.
Love that you showcased the 14mm! Just picked up an 14mm and noticed there’s not a lot of content properly showcasing them. Thanks for the tasty content as always 🙏🏻
More to come! It's really my favorite and the 85mm!
I really hope they do come out with a (then) bigger version which doesn't extend the rear to make it compatible with the various ND Mounts or Adapters. I would love to order these for our Monstro with the Breakthrough Filter Mount but the missing compatibility is sadly a deal breaker :/
Rough.🤷🏽♂️ so no mattebox as an option
in theory yes as we got a fill ND Set etc. but nothing beats the flexibility of a good VND in Camera. Sadly :/ (and sometimes space requirements as well)@@CineDailies
Seriously the best lens review I've seen on YT.
🥹🥹🥹
it really is a shame that that rear element sticks out so far. Having the ability to use a speed booster on super35mm cameras like the Komodos, black magics etc would have been a uge plus. Also those rear VND lens adaptors are great. Besides that, they look perfect
Literally the deal breaker for me…gonna save up for the Arles instead
Great review mate. I was lucky enough to shot with the 50 and 35 - they’re excellent. I used it on a DSMC2 dragon sensor with a carbon OLPF from kippertie… and I could have sworn it was an ARRI signature on the camera haha.
Bro right?! I was going to make my title that haha the budget arri signature primes or ultra primes
Thanks for the full review. I just got my RF MT set from Adorama today...they don't disappoint.
Love to hear it! Now go make dope work
I love the look of the Athena’s, I hope they come out with more focal lengths or even a macro. Caleb said something about a 135mm I think and I’m excited to that. Also for anyone wondering about an adapter that will definitely work with that PL rear element, Nisi actually makes their own for the lenses. Loved this vid 😂
Yeah I mentioned that in the video. Totally worth picking up a nisi adapter
Very nice, indeapth review. I am getting my hands on a set during an event in Vienna. Right now I am considering a DZO wide angle pictor zoom and one or two Athenas for my ongoing project....
Interesting choice to mix the set, whats the reasoning? I'm curious.
@@CineDailies The film is Architecture Related and is documenting a special photo project I was working on for now 2 years. For tight spaces, the dzo wide angle gives me the flexibility to get what I want. I do not mind the "slight vintage-ish" look. For some other more overall shots, I am tempted to try the more clean look of the Nisi Athenas ... :-)
@@fauland_photography awesome! Hope it turns out amazing
L mount pre order live today! I’m so happy. Your video must’ve summoned it haha. Thanks for the vid!
Awesome!!
Great to see your review! Q: Did you use some diffusion on the shots at 15:12 to 15:20 in Peru, or does the lens bloom like that? Thanks 🙏
The lens blooms like that! No diffusion
4:04 I actually did think that about The Last of Us. I personally thought a dirtier, more vintage feeling lens would have suited that show incredibly well. But I know why they went with the lenses they did and respect that decision.
Been hopping from video to video trying to find out if the PL versions will clear a Kippertie Revolva or not. CVP noted that the Mofage Poco does not clear.
Great points. Making the case to try them.
Do itttt
im thinking im going to try and pick a set up to pair with that module 8 k35 tuner. clean look when i need it and something more stylized with the tuner if i want that
Its not going to work. The Module8 is know for EF lenses at the moment
Looooooove these reference shots bro! Nice work!!!!!
Appreciate it my dawg
When comparing Wooden Camera PL-XF to SIURI PL-E(10:32~11:25), does NiSi ATHENA operate normally?
The Athens don't work with the siuri PL mounts as shown in the clip. The wooden camera PL adpators operate as normal
I've arranged for a special deal on these lenses with Nisi!! 20 sets avail at a BIG percentage off!!!
20 sets?!??
@@CineDailiesyea 20 sets at a big discount 😊
I have a CRDBAG giveaway happening on my Instagram! Enter to get a care package from me!
0.19 That Llama just winked at us.
I'm glad you caught that! Hahah
@@CineDailies That wink was personal 🤣
@@VishnuAttiappan sexy llama hahha
@@CineDailies 😆
Ooooo these look nice 👍🏾 dope video bro
🙌🏽🙌🏽 yessir - super happy with this investment
First! Great content!
Ayyyeeee
This was very useful, I agree 100% that sometimes we use the vintage look as a crutch ( I have to admit I have been guilty of this of late). I shot something recently with DZO Vespids which I love, but how ever, what I was filming was at an art gallery and when I was editing the footage, I felt that the softer look of the Vespid did not allow the art work to look as sharp/pop as I would like. Will defiantly check these out as I feel they will be great for certain projects
I knew it was the claw as soon as I heard the first 20ms of that laugh 2:03
🤣🤣🤣
just a dumb question, if you wanna a clinical look, why dont buy a photography hibrid lens instead? Like sony gmaster lenses.
A photo lens will never give you the same precision as a cinema lens for focusing. Also, photo lenses breath, are flat and little expression. Clinical has a bad rep
I would like to ask you all, I am using the Sony E-mount system, currently shooting motion pictures mainly, events, weddings and documentary scenes, and would like to try my first movie lens to shoot creative types of content, so I would like to just buy a nisi athena.
I've been working in TV for over 5 years and I've used broadcast camera lenses, and I don't have too much trouble with manual focusing and controlling the aperture.
I would like to ask you all, if I only buy one, do you recommend a fixed focal length lens?
The focal lengths I currently have are
1. 16-35Gm Sony
2. 28-75 Tamron (spare)
3. 35-150 Tamron
4. 50GM Sony
5. 150-600 SIGMA
Currently I'm most interested in the nisi athena 25 & 50mm, but it's a duplicate of what I have now, so is the 35mm the best objective choice?
Thanks for the replies!
great content as always!
Thanks for watching! Means a lot
I better startr saving for these hahaha! :D Thanks for the great review brother
Thanks for watching fam!
Listen to any Deakins clips on lenses , he likes em as sharp and as clean and flair free as possible .
Yep he does. Wait are ppl getting confused about my Deakins reference? Or you get what I'm saying? 😅
@@CineDailies just adding to the fact , most top end dps use "tight" glass they've spent a lifetime getting away from CA and flair . Sometimes "vintage " feels are quite literally dead cats to the reality what they are shooting its poorly lit and lack control in production design .
It's easy to dirty up a lens.. either filtration or post... But it's not easy to go the other way
@@dp_zee my sentiments exactly
I didn't get a chance to add time stamps. Could some give it a go? 🙇🏽🙏🏽
Great review! Was there any vignetting when using the PL-E-Mount adapter on the FX6?
Thanks for watching! And no vignetting!
These are giving me a bit of Vista Prime Vibes.
Yessss i forgot to mentioned them!
Thanks for this video - I'm considering these lenses. Why did you go with PL vs e-mount? Is it because you are shooting on different cameras? Is it because, maybe, they are more of a rentable?
thanks for watching - PL is a universal mount, so I yes can use it on any camera that has a pl mount or adapter
About the extending back element. Do you have any idea if there is a difference between the amount of extension between the different lenses that you have? In the Nisi Athena facebook group I red that someone tested these lenses with the Meike PL drop in filter mount. He (Ronald Lee) said that only one lens gave problems. Would love to know which ones would work with this combo, but he hasn't updated his post.
I think the 25-14mm do extend further than the rest.
Hey man! This is a wonderful review. It looks like the Module 8 tuner won’t work with this. What’s the rear thread size for screwing on filters?
Thank you for this video, so clean! Appreciate your perspective on vintage. Subbed.
Thanks for the sub!
Beautiful sample shots! Makes me want to ditch my rokinon dsx and get these.
this would be a MASSIVE upgrade over the rokinons lol
@@CineDailiesjust convinced me to get them
Is the focus hard stop at far end anywhere near proper infinity focus?
Yes all cine lenses have hard stops. For close focus and infinity focus
@@CineDailies But its not actually at infinity, but way past infinity?
@@askomiko this is common yet various from lens to lens
if you could have just 1 lens of the nisi athena lineup, super 35 like sony a6700, which would you take? idk cause the crop of the apcs.. 30? 50? 85? idk
I love the 14mm - you can get some really creative shots. But if you want just a standard lens, the 25 or 35
14mm is incredible ❤
Yo it really is
What lens did you use for you studio shoot?. Thanks
I believe its my viltrox 13mm for xmount
I'm about to buy these, I cant decide PL or e mount? HELP 😭
P L you can put on more cameras. Emount is only for emount cameras
Hi 👋 ! Nisi 35mm on Fujifilm becomes round 50mm ??
Field of view. Yes
Athena + Laowa 1.33x + GFX100 VERTICAL ??
do they fit with the mofage adapter?
Nope
which sizes would you suggest me to get first for documentary?
I need one for landscape, one for two or more people in a scene, and one for up close like head and shoulder shots. I need to keep my budget around $4k
If you're on s35 or full frame - 18mm, 25mm, 50mm
@@CineDailies why not 85 mm? i understand 25 mm or 50mm but wouldn't 18mm stretch the scenery or environment too much?
Can these be adapted to EF mount? My Blackmagic 6K Pro is EF mount.
I'll confirm once I get may hands on a specific piece of gear.
Which Filter Brand and thread size did you use that screwed onto the 14?
It's the moment VND - but its in silver ha
Thanks. Was it a 77mm filter thread like the rest?@@CineDailies
@@whatisagent5629 yessir it is!
Thanks again.@@CineDailies
how is the autofocus? on sony
These are manual lenses….
Do you still use Viltrox 13mm 1.4?
it was stolen, I need to buy another one. I miss that lens
tnx mate!
Welcome!
People keep comparing these to signatures... They aren't like signatures at all.. not in look or feel. Signatures in feel are big and light weight, they feel composite almost, they also feel a lot better in the focus ring. Signatures are also warmer (not cool warm, but warmer than Zeiss and warmer than these)
If I were to compare to a high end lens, I'd say it's closer to the Leica summicron-c in look and in size
Ok
The production still hardly catches up with demand yet btw
For a few lenses. But b&h and adorama has stock
I have to stop watching your videos.....youre making me spend too much lol !! love this review and those rubber things definitely getting
LOL
@@CineDailiesI really love your content man ! Keep it going !
nah those NiSi's schmack! The flares aren't that awful and that 14mm is a doc shooters dream
The 14mm is a beauty
😈😈😈 heat
🙇🏽🙇🏽🙇🏽
You know Roger Deakins never shot Anamorphic? Let that sink in.
Well yeah, he said that in his podcast. anamorphic lenses don’t fit his philosophy.
@@CineDailies I didn't know until a co-worker told me haha. My mind was blown.
@@mittaw he likes it cleaannnn hahah
YUR
YURRR
Compare with Laowa and forget about Nisi)
What fascinates you is not clear.
Only if the appearance...
What?
@@CineDailies, I thought about purchasing them until I saw the filming.
Full frame.
It’s not so noticeable on your crop and the shots shown were taken in a high degree of illumination, this levels it out a little, although there is nothing inspiring in these shots.
@@UriRa I still don't know what you're talking about
Yuuurrrrrrr! 😂
yurrrrrrrr LOL
yeah I also prefer to sleep on DIRTY cine lenses. Clean ones are just a bit to slippery to get a good nights sleep.
2:01 LMAO
🤣🤣🤣
Irix guys. Thats what people sleep on.
Nah. I haven't seent anything good from them
@@CineDailies I am interested to know more. If you have used them, do expand. I am researching lens choices and these two (nisi and irix) are the most interesting prospects. None is perfect but with the exception of the still very few focal lengths of the irix why would you say they are not good?
@@konstantinosstag6436 It's just a personal preference. If they check your boxes and you can make them look good, my opinion doesn't matter.
@@CineDailies Well yes obviously its my decision. But i cant rent them here in Greece. I have to buy one and see for myself, so if someone who has used them has something to say, i will listen. On paper they seem to check all the boxes and the reason i think people are not excited is that they are not a full set and their release plan doesn't make sense marketing wise. Optically though i cant seem to find any negative reviews, hence why i asked. Thank you in amy case.
I hear you. and unfortunately I dont have the time to review any all and all things. I never liked the look of the Irix lenses. Ive seen weird bokeh patters, unpleasing CA, and the claim of being a high quality lens doesn't match up.
Gerolsteiner WTF
Huh?
That waterbottle, it's Gerolsteiner. Sprudelwasser from Germany (did not know they sell german water to the US!!). Besides that, thanks for the well done review-video :) @@CineDailies
@@topdop ohhhhh hahaha I was so confused! Yes trader jobs sells a pack of 20!!
crazy little world @@CineDailies
The Gerolsteiner water comes out of the mountains 15 mins from where I live in the black forest (southern Germany). I was very surprised to see that on your desk....
Back Ordered like fckkkkkkkk 🙃
For which mount? B&H has stock
@@CineDailies RF mount. I am not looking to get the entire set; I wanted to start with the 35mm, which is back-ordered.
I have DJI RS3 PRO with the lidar, so I went with the new DZO vespid CYBER primes, which don't need calibration.
I love the nisi look and will return when they are in stock.
DZO has a great range of a horrible product.
lol
Your opinion won't stop them from being popular.
i don't like it.
Miss you bro!