At IBC 2025, Johnnie met with Steve Johnson from NiSi to speak in regards to the latest addition to the ATHENA lineup, the ATHENA Tuned Glow lenses. They hold the sharpness, easy bokeh, and minimal focus respiration of the originals, however introduce a hotter golden flare. This replace responds to filmmakers who felt the earlier version leaned too cool and had been on the lookout for a hotter choice, whereas nonetheless staying true to NiSi’s philosophy of fresh, sharp optics.
Final yr noticed the limited-edition ATHENA Tuned collection, all at T1.9 with cooler-toned flares; 199 units had been made, and all 199 had been offered worldwide. Whereas appreciated for his or her look, some customers expressed curiosity in a hotter aesthetic. The brand new Tuned Glow version responds on to that suggestions, making it a pure continuation of the collection.
NiSi ATHENA Tuned Glow. Picture credit score: CineD
Optical design and character
The Tuned Glow lenses stay very sharp and per NiSi’s design method. Broad open at T1.9, they deliberately soften, however cease down and the sharpness returns shortly. Steve emphasised that the change isn’t in coatings or building, however in flare colour, giving customers a hotter choice with out lowering readability. The consequence continues to be a really clear lens, however one with a barely completely different character when it catches gentle.
ATHENA Tuned Glow. Picture credit score: CineD
Construct and mount
The lenses are full-frame, overlaying the identical picture circle because the earlier ATHENAs, and have stable all-metal building with a silver end.They’re at present obtainable solely in PL mount, following NiSi’s resolution to maintain these particular editions restricted in format. Adapters will nonetheless enable them to be paired with a variety of cinema cameras.
ATHENA Tuned Glow set. Picture credit score: CineD
Value and availability
The ATHENA Tuned Glow set consists of 14mm, 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm, all at T1.9. Pricing is simply over €6,000 for the five-lens set, with no particular person lens gross sales confirmed at the moment. NiSi expects to formally announce the set in early October, with delivery deliberate for late October or early November. For extra details about the ATHENA lenses, please see the NiSi web site.
What do you suppose? Does the hotter flare of the Tuned Glow lenses make them extra interesting, or do you like the cooler look of final yr’s particular version? Tell us within the feedback!
