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Compare lenses.

Compare specifications and GLM's editorial notes. Check the source documentation for the exact lens version, then send both families with your project details.

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ARRI / Spherical Prime

ARRI Signature Prime

Full profile

NiSi / Spherical Prime

NiSi Athena Prime

Full profile

Original illustrations of representative lenses, with simplified details and no shared scale. The overview, use cases and tradeoffs are editorial selection guidance. Test the exact lenses on your camera before committing to a package.

ARRI Signature Prime and NiSi Athena Prime: specifications and editorial notes
SpecificationARRI Signature PrimeNiSi Athena Prime
OverviewLarge-format LPL primes with a broad focal range. ARRI describes their rendering as warm on skin, with soft bokeh and delicate flares.Full-frame primes with a 46mm image circle and consistent 80mm fronts. NiSi's optical brief emphasizes restrained focus breathing and soft bokeh transitions.
Lens typeSpherical PrimeSpherical Prime
Focal range12mm-280mm14–135mm
Max. apertureT1.8-T2.8T1.9 core; 14mm T2.4 / 18mm and 135mm T2.2
Coverage

Super 35 / Full Frame

ARRI specifies coverage up to a 46mm image circle. The 200mm is T2.5 and the 280mm is T2.8; other bare primes are T1.8. Check the chosen sensor mode.

Super 35 / Full Frame

Full Frame; 46mm image circle. Confirm the intended sensor mode and mount-specific version.

MountsLPLPL / RF / E / L / G
Image circle46 mm46 mm
Introduced2018Not established
Use cases
  • Large-format narrative features
  • Premium commercial work
  • Controlled focus-pulling environments
  • Compact full-frame narrative packages
  • Focus moves where breathing is a concern
Tradeoffs to test
  • Heavier than classic S35 prime sets
  • Less innate texture than vintage families
  • The widest and longest focal lengths are slower than T1.9.
  • Weight and filter access vary by mount.
Sources
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GLM can use this profile as a starting point for lens strategy, sourcing, or adjacent package recommendations.

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GLM can use this profile as a starting point for lens strategy, sourcing, or adjacent package recommendations.

Coverage can change with focal length, rear optics and sensor mode. Inventory links describe the mapped GLM package; confirm the exact set, price and shoot dates with GLM.

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