NiSi Cine Lens Athena Prime 135mm T2.2 E-Mount (Without Drop-in Filter)

NiSi Athena Prime 135mm T2.2 E-Mount (Without Drop-In Filter) — Long Telephoto Cine Lens for E-Mount Systems

The NiSi Athena Prime 135mm T2.2 in E-Mount delivers a long-telephoto focal length with a T2.2 maximum aperture. It belongs to the Athena Cine Lens series that covers focal lengths from ultra-wide 14mm to portrait-length 135mm. This listing is specifically for the E-Mount version without the Drop-In filter option.

Key optical features and image quality

The Athena series emphasizes consistent exposure and optical performance. The lenses use T-stop ratings to indicate true light transmission, ensuring exposure consistency across focal lengths. Specifically, the 135mm has a maximum aperture of T2.2. The series also offers ultra-low chromatic aberration and micro-contrast control for finer image detail.

In addition, Athena lenses produce controlled focus breathing. That means the change in field of view when pulling focus from minimum focus distance to infinity is kept extremely small, which helps maintain visual consistency during focus pulls.

Coverage, mounts and compatibility

• The Athena Prime series spans focal lengths from 14mm to 135mm, covering super-wide to portrait focal lengths.
• Available mount options across the series include ARRI PL, Canon RF, Sony E, Panasonic/Leica L and Fuji G.
• The Athena line features an image circle of 46mm, making the lenses suitable for full-frame and large-format sensors.

Rear filtration and Drop-In options — important notes

The Athena Prime series uses a proprietary rear filtration system. Some mounts provide a Drop-In filter mount while others use a rear filter:

• RF, L and G mounts offer a Drop-In filter option.
• PL mount uses a rear filter.
• E-Mount lenses are available in two versions: with Drop-In filter and without Drop-In filter. This specific product is the E-Mount version without Drop-In filter.

Important: It is important to use the Drop-In clear filter on RF, L, G and E mounts (where applicable) and the rear filter on PL mount with the lens to achieve infinity focus and obtain clear images. Also note that the Sony FX9 camera cannot use the E-Mount version with Drop-In filters.

NiSi provides weather sealing for the Drop-In filter to protect the filtration system in variable shooting conditions.

Mechanical design and handling

The Athena primes are designed with practical filmmaking in mind. All lenses in the series are similar in weight, so you typically do not need to rebalance your gimbal when switching between Athena lenses. Both aperture and focus rings are matched across the range for consistent hand-feel and operation.

The lenses feature a standard 0.8 mod for both focus and iris gears, making them compatible with a wide range of follow focus and matte box systems. Focus rotation is 300°, and the focus scales are fluorescent and marked in both imperial and metric units for precise focus pulls in low light.

Most lenses in the series share a 77mm front filter thread, except for the 14mm lens which differs. NiSi also offers a 77mm close-up lens (sold separately) to reduce minimum focus distance and create macro effects with compatible Athena lenses.

Use cases and practical benefits

The 135mm T2.2 is well suited for portrait and telephoto applications, where background separation and compression are desirable. Because the Athena series minimizes focus breathing and matches mechanical controls across focal lengths, filmmakers can maintain consistent look and handling when switching lenses during a shoot. The availability of a weather-sealed Drop-In system (for applicable mounts) and standard cine gearing makes these lenses practical for real-world production workflows.

FAQ — NiSi Athena Prime 135mm T2.2 E-Mount (Without Drop-In Filter)

Question: Is this the E-Mount version with the Drop-In filter?
Answer: No. This listing is for the E-Mount version without the Drop-In filter. NiSi also offers an E-Mount version that includes the Drop-In option, but this product is the non-Drop-In variant.

Question: Will this lens work on full-frame or large-format cameras?
Answer: Yes. The Athena series has an image circle of 46mm, which makes it suitable for full-frame and large-format sensors.

Question: Do I need to rebalance my gimbal when switching between Athena lenses?
Answer: Generally no. All Athena Prime lenses are similar in weight and are designed to avoid the need for gimbal rebalancing when changing lenses within the series.

Question: Can I use Drop-In filters on all mounts?
Answer: No. RF, L and G mounts offer Drop-In filter options. PL mount uses a rear filter. E-Mount lenses come in both with and without Drop-In versions. Also note that the Sony FX9 cannot use the E-Mount with Drop-In filters.

Question: Are focus and aperture gears compatible with standard cinema accessories?
Answer: Yes. The Athena primes use standard 0.8 mod focus and iris gears and feature matched aperture and focus rings across the range, making them compatible with common follow focus and matte box systems.