NiSi 9mm f/2.8 Sunstar ASPH - Lens review and specs

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Sony E Nikon Z Canon RF Micro Four Thirds Fujifilm X Prime aps-c 2022

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9mm

Focal length

f/2.8

Max aperture

364 g

Weight

14mm35mm85mm200mm600mm

▲ 9mm

Max aperture

f/1.8

f/2.8

f/5.6

Constant Aperture

Aperturef/2.8

f/2.8f/16

Near focus1' 8"

Far focus4' 9"

Total DOF3' 1"

Hyperfocal5' 1"

Subject distance2' 6"

Focal length9 mm

Aperturef/2.8

SensorAPS-C

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

This preview uses 9mm, f/2.8, and APS-C. Subject distance is estimated to keep lens previews comparable.

Min aperture: f/16
Diaphragm blades: 10

Optics

Optical construction: 14 elements in 12 groups
Special elements: 2 double-sided aspherical elements, 4 extra-low dispersion (ED) elements

Focusing

Minimum focus: 20 cm
Max magnification: 0.17×

Physical

Weight: 364 g
Dimensions: ⌀74mm × 78mm
Filter thread: 67 mm
Hood included: Yes
Color: Black

Handling & Controls

Distance Scale: Yes

Recommended Use

Ideal for: Architecture, astro, Landscapes, Street, Travel, Vlogging

Release year: 2022
Announced: Sep 1, 2022
Approx price: $459 USD

The best

Ultra-wide manual 9mm prime with 113° field of view and distinctive sunstars

Also

14-element rectilinear design with ED glass, standard 67mm filter thread and 364g weight

Summary

The NiSi 9mm f/2.8 Sunstar ASPH is an ultra-wide manual focus prime lens designed specifically for APS-C and Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera systems. Offering an expansive focal length of 9mm (equivalent to roughly 13.5mm on full-frame cameras for APS-C or 18mm on MFT) and a dramatic 113° angle of view, it delivers a striking rectilinear perspective with very low optical distortion. Renowned filter manufacturer NiSi brings its optical precision and mechanical expertise to this ultra-compact, lightweight prime weighing only 364g.

The optical formula is composed of 14 elements in 12 groups, incorporating a double-sided aspherical element alongside extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements to effectively correct chromatic aberrations, coma, and flare. A defining hallmark of the lens is its 10 straight aperture blades, engineered to create clean, sharp 10-point sunstars around point light sources even wide open at f/2.8. With a close minimum focusing distance of just 200mm (0.2m), photographers can capture compelling close-up subjects framed against vast, dramatic backgrounds.

Crafted with a durable all-metal barrel featuring precise engraved distance and depth-of-field scales, the NiSi 9mm f/2.8 Sunstar ASPH accepts standard 67mm front screw-on filters as well as 100mm square filter holder systems without severe vignetting. It represents an exceptional tool for landscape, architecture, interior, night sky, and travel photographers seeking high corner-to-corner sharpness, tactile manual operation, and immense creative freedom in an easily portable package.

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Where to buy

Amazon USAView offers B&H PhotoView product

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Pros & Cons

Pros

Massive 113° ultra-wide field of view with well-controlled optical distortion
10 straight aperture blades produce clean 10-point sunstars from f/2.8 through f/16
Advanced optical construction with double-sided aspherical and ED glass elements
Short 0.2m (200mm) minimum focusing distance for dynamic foreground compositions
Standard 67mm front filter thread compatible with screw-in and 100mm square filter systems

Cons

Fully manual focus operation with no electronic contacts or EXIF communication
No built-in optical image stabilization mechanism
Lacks dedicated weather-sealing gaskets for severe rain
Aperture ring does not feature a de-click switch for video
Designed for APS-C and Micro Four Thirds crop sensors without full-frame coverage