NiSi Cine Lens Athena Prime 18mm T2.2 PL-Mount

NiSi Cine Lens Athena Prime 18mm T2.2 PL-Mount – 18mm T2.2 with PL rear filter

This NiSi Athena Prime 18mm T2.2 in PL-Mount is part of the Athena Cine Lens series designed for cinematographers and videographers. It shares the optical and mechanical characteristics of the series while offering the specific focal length and maximum aperture needed for ultra-wide cinematic shots.

Key features and series coverage

The Athena Prime series spans a wide range of focal lengths from 14mm ultra-wide angle to 135mm portrait and telephoto. Consequently, the series covers super-wide to portrait focal lengths and supports a broad variety of shooting scenarios. The 18mm model in this series provides an ultra-wide option with a maximum aperture of T2.2.

• Series focal lengths: 14mm, 18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 85mm, 135mm.
• Maximum apertures across the series:
  • 14mm: T2.4
  • 18mm: T2.2
  • 25/35/40/50/85mm: T1.9
  • 135mm: T2.2
• Image circle: 46mm, suitable for full-frame and large-format sensors.

Optical performance

The Athena lenses emphasize consistent light transmission and image detail. They use T-stop ratings to measure the actual light transmission through the lens, ensuring consistent exposure when you switch focal lengths or lenses within the series. In addition, the lenses target ultra-low chromatic aberration and micro-contrast control to provide finer image detail.

Moreover, the Athena Primes have been designed to minimize focus breathing. In practice, this means the change in field of view when you pull focus from minimum focus distance to infinity is extremely small, helping maintain framing during focus pulls.

Mounts, filters and the proprietary rear filtration system

The series is available in multiple mount options. For the Athena family, NiSi offers ARRI PL, Canon RF, Sony E, Panasonic/Leica L and Fuji G mounts. The series also includes a proprietary rear filtration system to provide flexibility for filmmakers.

• RF-, L- and G-Mount lenses: equipped with a Drop-In filter option.
• E-Mount: available in two versions—one with Drop-In filter and one without.
• PL-Mount: utilizes a rear filter rather than a front Drop-In system.

Note the following important usage points:

• Sony FX9 cameras cannot use the E-Mount with Drop-In filters.
• It is important to use the Drop-In clear filter on RF-, L-, G- & E-mounts and the rear filter on PL-mount lenses in order to achieve infinity focus and obtain clear images.

NiSi also provides weather sealing for the Drop-In filter, adding protection in varied shooting conditions.

Mechanical design and handling

NiSi designed the Athena series with consistent mechanics across the range. Both aperture and focus rings are matched across lenses, and the focus rotation is 300° to support precise focus pulls. The lenses feature fluorescent focus scales displayed in both imperial and metric units for easy reading under various lighting conditions.

• Focus rotation: 300° for precise pulls.
• Focus scales: fluorescent, with both imperial and metric markings.
• Gearing: standard 0.8 mod focus and iris gears for compatibility with follow focus systems and matte boxes.

Additionally, all Athena Prime lenses are similar in weight. Therefore, you do not need to rebalance a gimbal when swapping between Athena lenses, which streamlines multi-lens shoots. All lenses in the series except the 14mm share a 77mm front filter thread, which simplifies filter management across most focal lengths.

For close-focus and macro-style work, NiSi offers a 77mm close-up lens (sold separately) to reduce minimum focus distance and produce stronger macro effects when needed.

Specifications

FAQ

Question: Can I use the E-Mount Drop-In filter version on a Sony FX9?
Answer: No. The Sony FX9 cannot use the E-Mount Drop-In filter version. Choose a compatible mount or the E-Mount version without Drop-In if required by your camera.

Question: Why must I use the Drop-In clear filter or the PL rear filter with these lenses?
Answer: You must use the Drop-In clear filter on RF, L, G and E mounts and the rear filter on PL-mount lenses to achieve infinity focus and obtain clear, correct images. The filtration position affects the optical path and focus calibration.

Question: Will I need to rebalance my gimbal when swapping between Athena primes?
Answer: In most cases, no. All Athena Prime lenses are similar in weight, so you typically do not need to rebalance a gimbal when switching lenses within the series.

Question: How suitable is the 18mm for large-format sensors?
Answer: The 18mm Athena Prime shares the series image circle of 46mm, which makes it suitable for use on full-frame and large-format sensors as indicated by the series specification.

Question: How do the focus and aperture controls fit into a production workflow?
Answer: The lenses use standard 0.8 mod focus and iris gears, a long 300° focus throw and fluorescent imperial/metric scales. Together, these features support precise focus pulls and easy integration with follow focus and matte box systems on set.

Question: Can I get macro-like results with the 18mm Athena Prime?
Answer: Yes. Using the NiSi 77mm close-up lens (sold separately) on compatible Athena lenses reduces minimum focus distance and enables greater macro effects when required.