Last month, NiSi announced that they’re entering the lens market with five new F3 prime camera lenses. Today, they’re releasing more information about the F3 series to shed more light on their new products.
You’re probably wondering how a reputable lens filter company got into the lens business. Well, it all started when NiSi took ownership of Bokkelux and took over the development of the now-defunct company’s lenses. People have been speculating that NiSi is merely rebranding Bokkelux’s existing lenses. But that’s irrelevant since NiSi now owns everything the company ever made, anyway. It only makes sense to slap their brand on those lenses whether they made significant changes or not.
The F-series is based on the original Bokkelux design and was re-optimized for better accuracy, and improved weight and caliber. The lenses, which range from 25mm. to 100mm. all feature 12-blade T.2-T-22 apertures. As expected from cine lenses, they also have geared focus and iris control rings. They’re compatible with PL, Canon EF, and Sony E mounts. Of course, they also work with the ARRI Alexia LF, Sony Venice, Canon C700, Panavision DXL2, and Red Monstro VV cameras. NiSi also promises that they will release two more cine lenses (including the 18mm. at the 2nd half of 2018.
Additionally, Nisi is releasing the Allure Mist Filters to go along with the cine lenses. They will be available in 4x5in. and 6.6.x6in., and will come in black and white versions. These filters help reduce the contrast, and as the name suggests, add a misty effect in the scene.
You can view the before and after video for the filters below:
And here’s the complete press release for more details about the lenses and the filters:
NiSi F3 Cine lens system FAQs & Allure filters
NiSi’s new Allure cinema filters make the perfect companion to the
recently released F3 cine lens system
17/5/18 – NiSi, the innovative filter manufacturer, has announced a range of high-end optical glass filters, designed to be used with the recently released F3 series of professional cinema lenses. In addition to the filters, NiSi has released an updated FAQ information sheet to answer queries about the F3 system and provide additional technical information.
The full FAQ list can be viewed directly below and includes information regarding warranty, flare and lens breathing performance, the F3 lenses’ interchangeable lens options and the release date for the highly anticipated 18mm lens option.
F3 FAQ information
Q1: What is the relationship between NiSi F3, Kinefinity, Mavo Prime and Bokkelux?
A: First and foremost, the F3 Prime belongs solely to NiSi since we purchased it from Bokkelux. Secondly, we would like to inform customers of the improvements we have made for the F3. Based on the original Bokkelux design, NiSi’s optical design and mechanical design engineers have re-optimized the following design elements:
Improved assembly accuracy of the supply chain of the optical element.
Improved physical attributes: weight and calibre of the lenses have been improved with reliability and user assurance foremost in mind.
Innovative special design of the optical accessory for F3 Prime. Once this improvement has been completed, it will be released to the market for satisfying unique needs.
Last but not least, Kinefinity is our partner. NiSi have modified the industrial design for the Mavo Prime while retaining the same performance and quality. F3 Prime and Mavo Prime are both made by NiSi.
Q2: What is the meaning of the name ‘F3’?
A: “F” means ‘Full Frame’ design. The number ‘3’ means that it is a third generation update. It also refers to three key design features of the F3 Prime 1) high resolution 2) low dispersion 3) retro flare.
Q3: Will the NiSi F3 Prime have both imperial and metric markings?
A: Yes, markings will be in feet and metres.
Q4: What is your planned sales warranty policy?
A: NiSi is currently setting up service centres for sales warranty with bases in North America, Europe and South Asia. We will announce certified sales warranty suppliers after the third quarter.
Q5: How does the F3 Prime perform with regard to flare and lens breathing?
A: See the following test video here: https://youtu.be/aaQnj4Dp7J8
Q6: Does the F3 Prime allow interchangeable mounts?
A: F3 Prime lenses are designed for maximum user serviceability. They come with PL, Canon EF and Sony E mounts which are interchangeable. Mounts for other systems will need to be purchased separately. NiSi will provide shims to ensure consistent filmmaking.
Q7: What is the timeline for releasing the 18mm and other focal lengths?
A: NiSi will add 18mm and 135mm prime lenses to the F3 series in the second half of 2018.
Allure Mist Filters: The filters consist of an Allure Mist Black filter, available in either 4 x 5.65-inch or 6.6 x 6.6-inch sizes in strengths of 1-stop, ½-stop, ¼-stop or ⅛ -stop. The Allure Mist Black filter reduces Highlights and lowers Contrast while softening wrinkles and blemishes on subjects.
The Allure Mist White filter – also available in either 4 x 5.65-inch or 6.6 x 6.6-inch sizes and in strengths of 1-stop, ½-stop, ¼-stop or ⅛ -stop – reduces overall flare from light sources in the scene, while also reducing Contrast and generating an ethereal mist effect.
Like NiSi’s range of superb quality ND and ND grad filters, the Allure Mist Cinema filters are made with the same durable and optical enhance premium glass, making them suitable for use on set during the most high-end of video productions.
The Allure Mist filters are the latest accessories to join NiSi’s F3 range of cine lenses, which offers videographers a choice of five optics to cover a variety of popular cinematic focal lengths; 25mm T2.1, 35mm T2.0, 50mm T2.0, 75mm T2.0 and a 100mm T2.0. As announced at launch, an 18mm option is also planned for the second half of 2018 (see FAQ sheet below) and lenses can be purchased individually or as a set.
Featuring a T2.0-T22 clickless aperture range, the F3 range combines retro cinema style with high-quality optics to deliver immaculate results when used with high-resolution cameras. With Geared Focus and a 12-blade iris design, soft and beautiful bokeh is assured.
The F3 series will be especially appealing to videographers working across multiple camera systems as the lenses come with interchangeable lens mounts covering PL, Canon EF and Sony E mount. Because the F3 lenses cover the full-frame sensor size, it means the optics can be used with the latest models, such as the ARRI Alexa LR, the Red Monstro 8K VV, Sony Venice 6K and Canon C700 FF.
All of the lenses in the NiSi F3 range feature the same physical attributes, which will allow for accessories to be quickly shifted from lens to another, speeding up workflow while on-set. Each lens offers a 95mm filter thread and all the lenses weigh under 1400g.
Prices for the Allure Mist filters (white & black) start at $319/269 Euros for the 4 x 5.65-inch version, rising to $429/359 Euros for the larger 6.6 x 6.6-inch
Prices for the F3 lenses start from $2,499/£2,099 for the F3 Prime 35mm T2.0, F3 Prime 50mm T2.0 and F3 Prime 75mm T2.0, rising to $2,999/£2,499 for the F3 Prime 25mm T2.1 and F3 Prime 100mm T2.0 optics. The full set of lenses, plus a hard case, polarizer and two allure mist filters is available for $11,999/£9,999.
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