NiSi 250mm f/5.6 Reflex - Lens review and specs

Facebook LinkedIn X WhatsApp RSS Feed

Sony E Nikon Z Nikon F Canon RF Canon EF Fujifilm X Fujifilm G Hasselblad XCD Prime full-frame 2024

Useful links

Official Website

Some links may be affiliate links (sponsored).

Compare with

250mm

Focal length

f/5.6

Max aperture

400 g

Weight

14mm35mm85mm200mm600mm

▲ 250mm

Max aperture

f/2.8

f/5.6

f/11

Constant Aperture

Near focus42' 11"

Far focus46' 0"

Total DOF3' 1"

Hyperfocal1270' 3"

Subject distance44' 5"

Focal length250 mm

Aperturef/5.6

SensorFull Frame

Illustrative scene preview based on this lens's focal length, aperture, and sensor coverage.

This preview uses 250mm, f/5.6, and Full Frame. Subject distance is estimated to keep lens previews comparable.

Min aperture: f/5.6

Optics

Optical construction: 6 elements in 3 groups
Special elements: Catadioptric mirror optical design, 48-layer dielectric high-reflection coating, low-reflection multi-coating
Coatings: 48-layer dielectric high reflection coating, ultra-low reflection coating

Focusing

Minimum focus: 2 m

Physical

Weight: 400 g
Dimensions: ⌀68mm × 110mm
Filter thread: 62 mm
Hood included: Yes
Color: Black

Handling & Controls

Distance Scale: Yes

Recommended Use

Ideal for: Landscapes, Portraits, Travel, Wildlife

Release year: 2024
Announced: Jun 1, 2024
Approx price: $499 USD
Optical correction & RAW development: NDPix Photo Editor

The best

Ultra-compact 250mm reflex mirror prime with signature donut bokeh

Also

6-element catadioptric optics, 62mm filter thread, 400g weight and 8 mount variants

Summary

The NiSi 250mm f/5.6 Reflex is an ultra-compact manual focus catadioptric mirror telephoto prime lens designed for full-frame and medium-format mirrorless camera systems. By utilizing curved mirrors to fold the internal optical path, it packs a long 250mm telephoto reach into a pocket-sized barrel roughly the size of a standard 50mm lens. Renowned optical filter manufacturer NiSi revives the classic mirror lens concept with modernized optical coatings and precision metal engineering.

The optical configuration incorporates 6 elements in 3 groups, enhanced by a 48-layer dielectric high-reflection coating combined with ultra-low reflection multi-coatings to maximize contrast and color fidelity beyond vintage mirror designs. Operating at a fixed aperture of f/5.6 with no internal aperture diaphragm, out-of-focus highlights render into unmistakable donut-shaped rings that impart an artistic, oil-painting quality to backgrounds. The smooth manual focus ring offers an extensive 270° rotational throw, providing precise focusing control from its 2000mm (2.0m) minimum focusing distance.

Weighing only approximately 400g with a slim 68mm diameter, 110mm overall length, and a standard 62mm front filter thread, the NiSi 250mm f/5.6 Reflex provides unmatched telephoto portability. With availability spanning eight mounts including Sony E, Canon RF, Canon EF, Nikon Z, Nikon F, Fujifilm X, Fujifilm G, and Hasselblad XCD, it is an inspiring creative tool for artistic portraiture, wildlife, compressed landscape scenes, and everyday travel.

NDPIX · PHOTO EDITORA photo editor made by a photographer for photographers.Built around real shooting experience. Open any folder of RAW files and start editing with total control, privacy, and zero friction.Try NDPix for free100% Private · Your photos stay on your Mac or PC

NiSi 250mm f/5.6 Reflex Comparisons

Similar lenses to compare

Same Mount

NiSi NiSi 250mm f/5.6 Reflex vs NiSi 15mm f/4 Sunstar ASPH f/4 · 15mm

→

NiSi NiSi 250mm f/5.6 Reflex vs NiSi 9mm f/2.8 Sunstar ASPH f/2.8 · 9mm

→

Laowa NiSi 250mm f/5.6 Reflex vs Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra-Macro APO FE f/4.5 · 180mm

→

TAMRON NiSi 250mm f/5.6 Reflex vs Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD f/4 · 28-300mm

→

Sony NiSi 250mm f/5.6 Reflex vs Sony FE 100-400mm f/5.6-8 OSS f/5.6 · 100-400mm

→

TTArtisan NiSi 250mm f/5.6 Reflex vs TTArtisan Neo Series Compact Prime (Full Frame)

→

TTArtisan NiSi 250mm f/5.6 Reflex vs TTArtisan Neo Series Large Prime (Full Frame)

→

Sony NiSi 250mm f/5.6 Reflex vs Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM f/4.5 · 100-400mm

→

Pros & Cons

Pros

Ultra-compact 110mm barrel length for a powerful 250mm telephoto focal length
Distinctive painterly visual rendering with characteristic donut ring bokeh
Advanced optical design with 48-layer dielectric high-reflection mirror coating
Exceptional compatibility across 8 mounts including full-frame and medium format
Integrated retractable lens hood and standard 62mm front screw-in filter thread