NiSi Cine Lens Athena Prime 14mm T2.4 E-Mount (Without Drop-in Filter)

NiSi Cine Lens Athena Prime 14mm T2.4 E-Mount (Without Drop-in Filter) – 14mm ultra-wide T2.4 for E-Mount filmmakers

This NiSi Athena Prime 14mm T2.4 in E-Mount delivers an ultra-wide field of view with a T-stop of T2.4. It forms part of the Athena Prime series, which spans from 14mm to 135mm and is built for cinematographers and videographers who need consistent optics across a full set of prime lenses.

Key optical characteristics

The Athena Prime series covers focal lengths from 14mm ultra-wide angle up to 135mm portrait/telephoto. Consequently, the set handles super-wide scenes as well as tighter portrait-style compositions, making the series versatile for many shooting scenarios.

NiSi specifies actual light transmission using T-stops for consistent exposure across the range. Specifically:

• 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm and 85mm: maximum aperture T1.9
• 18mm and 135mm: maximum aperture T2.2
• 14mm: maximum aperture T2.4 (this product)

Compatibility with sensors and mounts

The lenses offer an image circle of 46mm. Therefore, they are suitable for use on full-frame sensors and can also cover many large-format sensors.

The Athena Prime range is available in multiple mounts: ARRI PL, Canon RF, Sony E, Panasonic/Leica L and Fuji G. The E-Mount range is offered in two versions: with or without the Drop-In filter. This listing is for the E-mount version without the Drop-In filter.

Drop-In filter system and important notes

The Athena Prime series features a proprietary rear filtration system. Several mount variants support Drop-In filters to provide greater flexibility and creative control:

• RF, L and G mounts: have a Drop-In filter option.
• E-Mount: available in two versions — with Drop-In filter and without Drop-In filter. This listing is the E-mount without the Drop-In filter.
• PL mount: utilizes a rear filter.

Important: NiSi recommends using the Drop-In clear filter on RF, L, G and E mounts (when applicable) and the rear filter on PL-mount lenses to achieve infinity focus and obtain clear images. Be aware that the Sony FX9 camera cannot use the E-Mount version that includes Drop-In filters.

NiSi also supplies weather sealing for the Drop-In filter system, which supports shooting in moister or harsher environments when the Drop-In option is used.

Mechanical consistency and workflow benefits

NiSi designed the Athena Primes with consistent handling in mind. All lenses in the series are similar in weight, so you do not need to rebalance a gimbal when switching between Athena lenses. In addition, aperture and focus rings are matched across the range, ensuring repeatable lens behavior and easier swaps on set.

Most Athena lenses share a 77mm front filter thread for additional filters; the exception is the 14mm lens, which does not share the 77mm thread. This commonality reduces the number of filters and accessories you need to carry when using multiple focal lengths.

Focus control and accessories

The Athena primes minimize focus breathing, which means that when you change focus from minimum focus distance to infinity the change in field of view is very small. This benefits precise focus pulls during motion or dolly shots.

• All Athena lenses have a focus rotation of 300°, providing fine control for cinematic focus pulls.
• They include fluorescent focus scales, shown in both imperial and metric units for accurate repeatable marking.
• The lenses use standard 0.8 mod focus and iris gears, making them compatible with common follow focus and matte box systems.

NiSi also offers a 77mm close-up lens (sold separately) that reduces the minimum focus distance and enables macro-style effects when needed.

What this product listing includes and who it suits

This product listing describes the NiSi Athena Prime 14mm T2.4 in E-Mount without the Drop-In filter. It suits filmmakers who need an ultra-wide T2.4 lens for E-Mount bodies and who may already rely on matched lens behavior across a prime set for fast lens changes, gimbal work, and follow-focus operations.

Usage tips and practical considerations

When using Athena lenses across a shoot, you can expect matched aperture and focus ring feel, which speeds up lens changes and keeps marks consistent. Also, because the lenses share similar weight, gimbal balance remains stable when you swap lenses in the series.

Remember to use the appropriate Drop-In clear filter or rear filter where required to achieve infinity focus and optimum image clarity. Specifically, RF, L, G and applicable E-mount Drop-In variants require the Drop-In clear filter; PL uses the rear filter.

FAQ

Question: Can I use the E-mount Athena Prime 14mm with Drop-In filters on a Sony FX9?
Answer: No. The Sony FX9 cannot use the E-Mount version that includes Drop-In filters. If you own an FX9, choose the E-mount version without Drop-In filters or a different mount option suitable for your camera.

Question: Why does NiSi recommend using a Drop-In clear filter or rear filter to achieve infinity focus?
Answer: NiSi specifies that the Drop-In clear filter (for RF, L, G and applicable E mounts) or the rear filter (for PL) must be used with the lens to ensure the optical design reaches infinity focus and maintains image clarity. Omitting these filters may prevent proper focus at long distances.

Question: Will I need to rebalance my gimbal when I switch between Athena lenses?
Answer: Generally no. NiSi states that all Athena Prime lenses are similar in weight, so you should not need to rebalance your gimbal when switching between lenses in the series.

Question: Do all Athena lenses take the same front filters and accessories?
Answer: Most Athena lenses share a 77mm filter thread, which simplifies filter and accessory use across the set. The 14mm lens is an exception and does not use the 77mm front thread, so plan for that when preparing filters or front-mounted accessories.

Question: How do the focus and iris gears integrate with follow focus systems?
Answer: The Athena primes have standard 0.8 mod focus and iris gears, making them compatible with common follow focus and matte box systems. They also offer a long 300° focus throw and fluorescent scales in both imperial and metric, which helps with precise, repeatable focus pulls.