NiSi has announced the release of a 16mm f/2.8 ultra-wide-angle lens designed for Fujifilm G-mount and Hasselblad XCD-mount medium format camera systems. This manual-focus prime lens offers a 16mm focal length with an f/2.8 aperture, targeting landscape and architectural photographers who require wide-field coverage on large-sensor digital cameras.
Technical Specifications and Lens Design
The NiSi 16mm f/2.8 lens is engineered specifically for the larger image circles required by medium format sensors, such as those found in the Fujifilm GFX series and Hasselblad XCD cameras. According to the official product specifications, the lens features an all-metal construction, emphasizing durability for field use.
Key optical and physical characteristics include:
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22.
- Focusing: Manual focus only, utilizing a focus ring designed for precise adjustments.
- Mount Options: Dedicated versions available for Fujifilm G and Hasselblad X.
- Filter Thread: The front element supports 95mm screw-in filters, a notable feature for landscape photographers who rely on circular polarizers or neutral density filters.
The lens utilizes a 10-blade aperture diaphragm, which is intended to produce smooth bokeh and defined sunstars when stopped down. Because the lens lacks electronic contacts for autofocus or automatic aperture control, photographers must manage exposure settings and focus manually through the camera body.
Medium Format Compatibility
This lens addresses a specific niche in the medium format market: the need for ultra-wide perspectives. On a Fujifilm GFX 100 or 50 series camera, a 16mm lens provides a field of view roughly equivalent to a 13mm lens on a 35mm full-frame system.
By providing a native mount for both Fujifilm and Hasselblad, NiSi bypasses the need for complex lens adapters. This integration ensures that the lens maintains the correct flange focal distance, which is critical for maintaining sharpness across the entire image frame when using the high-resolution sensors characteristic of these medium format systems.
Market Context and Availability
The introduction of this lens follows a trend of third-party manufacturers expanding support for medium format systems, which have historically been limited by a smaller selection of native wide-angle glass. While Fujifilm and Hasselblad provide their own premium lens lineups, third-party options like the NiSi 16mm f/2.8 offer an alternative for photographers prioritizing manual-focus tools and specific focal lengths.
As of the latest product updates, the lens is available through authorized retailers. Pricing and regional availability vary, and users are encouraged to verify compatibility with their specific camera firmware versions, as manual lenses on these systems often require users to enable "shoot without lens" settings in the camera menu to function correctly.
Comparison of Key Features
| Feature | NiSi 16mm f/2.8 |
|---|---|
| Mounts | Fujifilm G, Hasselblad X |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Filter Size | 95mm |
| Construction | Metal |
This addition to the medium format ecosystem provides a specialized tool for creators looking to capture expansive scenes with the high dynamic range and resolution associated with larger sensors. Future performance will depend on how the optical design handles the extreme corners of the medium format frame, a common challenge for wide-angle optics on large-format digital sensors.
Worth a look