NiSi Cine Lens Athena Prime 135mm T2.2 E-Mount

NiSi Cine Lens Athena Prime 135mm T2.2 E-Mount – T2.2 aperture and E‑Mount with optional Drop‑In filter

What this lens delivers

The NiSi Athena Prime 135mm T2.2 in E‑Mount is part of the Athena Cine series of prime lenses built for cinematographers and videographers. It offers a T2.2 maximum aperture and an optical design that is consistent with the rest of the Athena range. This lens is available in an E‑Mount version, which comes in two variants: with or without a Drop‑In filter option.

Optical characteristics

The Athena Prime series uses T‑stop ratings to describe actual light transmission, providing reliable and consistent exposure values across the set. Specifically, the 135mm model has a maximum aperture of T2.2. The series is engineered for ultra‑low chromatic aberration and micro‑contrast control, which contributes to finer image detail in your footage.

The Athena primes produce a large image circle of 46mm, making the 135mm lens suitable for full‑frame sensors and even large‑format sensors. In practical terms, this supports wide sensor coverage without vignetting when used appropriately.

Focus performance and mechanics

NiSi designed the Athena primes to minimize focus breathing. This means the change in field of view when pulling focus from minimum focus distance to infinity is very small, helping to maintain visual consistency during focus pulls.

The 135mm shares the same handling characteristics as the rest of the series: matched aperture and focus ring feel across lenses, a 300° focus rotation for precise focus pulls, and fluorescent focus scales displayed in both imperial and metric units for clear readouts in varied lighting conditions.

Mounts, filters and compatibility

The Athena Prime series is offered in multiple mounts across the line: ARRI PL, Canon RF, Sony E, Panasonic/Leica L and Fuji G. For 135mm specifically, the E‑Mount version is available and may include a Drop‑In filter option depending on the model you choose.

NiSi implements a proprietary rear filtration system. RF, L and G mounts include a Drop‑In filter option. E‑Mount lenses come in two versions — one with and one without Drop‑In filter capability — while PL‑mount lenses use a rear filter. NiSi also supplies weather sealing for the Drop‑In filter.

• Sony FX9 cameras cannot use the E‑Mount version with Drop‑In filters.
• To achieve infinity focus and clear images, you must use the Drop‑In clear filter on RF, L, G and E mounts, and the rear filter on PL mount when the lens requires it.

Workflow and accessories

All Athena Prime lenses are nearly identical in weight, which simplifies lens swaps during production. As a result, you do not normally need to rebalance your gimbal when changing between Athena lenses. The 135mm shares the same 77mm front filter thread used by the series, except for the 14mm model which differs.

The lens features standard 0.8 mod focus and iris gears, ensuring compatibility with a broad range of follow focus systems and matte boxes. Additionally, NiSi offers a 77mm close‑up lens (sold separately) to reduce minimum focus distance and produce macro‑style effects when needed.

FAQ

question: Does the NiSi Athena 135mm T2.2 E‑Mount come with a Drop‑In filter?

Answer: The E‑Mount version is offered in two variants — one with a Drop‑In filter option and one without. Other mounts in the series differ: RF, L and G mounts have Drop‑In filter options, while PL uses a rear filter.

question: Will this lens cover full‑frame or larger sensors?

Answer: Yes. The Athena series provides a 46mm image circle, which makes the 135mm lens suitable for full‑frame sensors and even large‑format sensors when configured correctly.

question: Do I need to rebalance my gimbal when switching to the 135mm from other Athena lenses?

Answer: No. All Athena Prime lenses are similar in weight, so you generally will not need to rebalance your gimbal when swapping between Athena lenses.

question: Can I use the E‑Mount Drop‑In filter on a Sony FX9?

Answer: No. The Sony FX9 camera cannot use the E‑Mount with Drop‑In filters. Please choose the appropriate lens version or mount for FX9 compatibility.

question: What front filter size does the 135mm use and are the rings matched across the range?

Answer: The 135mm uses a 77mm front filter thread, which is shared across the series except for the 14mm lens. Aperture and focus rings are matched across the Athena range for consistent handling.

question: Is there a way to get closer focus or macro effects with this lens?

Answer: Yes. NiSi offers a 77mm close‑up lens (sold separately) that reduces the minimum focus distance and enables macro‑style effects when used with the 77mm thread lenses like the 135mm.