NiSi 15mm f/4 Sunstar is an ultra-wide-angle, full-frame, fully manual lens for mirrorless cameras. Thanks to the aperture with 10 straight blades, the Sunstar effect is visible from f/4. The lens accepts 72mm circular filters and will be available for Sony E Mount, Canon RF Mount, Nikon Z Mount, and FUJIFILM X Mount.
It does not happen very often that the Chinese company NiSi Optics announces a new lens. Although the main segment for NiSi is lens filters, we have already seen NiSi lenses – during NAB 2018, the company presented its full-frame cinema primes set. This time, they announce a 15mm ultra-wide-angle full-frame manual lens for multiple mirrorless lens mounts. Let’s take a look at the new lens.
NiSi 15mm f/4 Sunstar Lens
First of all, what is with the name – why Sunstar? NiSi Optics claims that the lens includes a unique aperture design with 10 straight blades. Thanks to this, the lens should be able to create a “Sunstar” effect (visible star-like rays around strong light sources) with every aperture value from f/4 to f/22. With other lenses, the stars usually appear at higher aperture numbers only.
The lens covers full-frame sensors, so at 15mm it provides a 112° wide field of view. The minimum focusing distance is 0.2m (7.87″) and the maximum magnification is 0.13x. It is a fully manual lens with an aperture ring and focus ring. It will be available for multiple mirrorless mounts – Sony E Mount, Canon RF Mount, Nikon Z Mount, and FUJIFILM X Mount.
When it comes to optical structure, the lens includes a double-sided aspherical element and two extra-low dispersion elements – 12 elements in 10 groups in total. As shown in the promo video (by zooming-in to the edges of sample photos), the NiSi 15mm f/4 should maintain minimal chromatic aberration, minimal distortion, and vignetting. The lens also utilizes anti-reflection technology in order to improve light transmittance and reduce lens flare and stray light.
The body of the lens features all-metal construction. The weight is 470g (1.036 lbs), its diameter is 75.6mm (2.98″), and the length is 80.5mm (3.17″). According to NiSi, the used hard surface coating technology should improve the toughness and waterproofing of glass elements. The lens has a 72mm front filter thread and it is also compatible with 100mm filter systems.
Price and Availability
The NiSi 15mm f/4 Sunstar lens can be pre-ordered now for $579. The shipping is expected to start in mid-February 2021.
What do you think about the NiSi 15mm f/4 Sunstar Lens? Do you use ultra-wide-angle lenses often for your work? Let us know in the comments section below the article.
