NiSi Cine Lens Athena Prime 35mm T1.9 E-Mount

NiSi Cine Lens Athena Prime 35mm T1.9 E-Mount – Fast T1.9 aperture with optional Drop-In filter

This NiSi Athena Prime 35mm T1.9 in E‑Mount is part of the Athena Cine Lens series and delivers the series’ stated optical and mechanical features. It offers a T1.9 maximum aperture for the 35mm focal length and is available in an E‑Mount version that comes either with or without a Drop‑In filter option.

Key features at a glance

• 35mm focal length with a maximum aperture of T1.9.
• Part of a series that offers an image circle of 46mm, making it suitable for full‑frame and large‑format sensors.
• E‑Mount availability in two versions: with Drop‑In filter and without Drop‑In filter.
• Series-level characteristics such as ultra‑low chromatic aberration and micro‑contrast control.
• Matched aperture and focus rings across the Athena range for consistent handling.

Optical characteristics

The 35mm Athena Prime shares the series’ optical design approach. It offers a true T‑stop rating to measure light transmission accurately. As part of the series, it benefits from the same emphasis on reduced chromatic aberration and increased micro‑contrast, which supports finer image details. The T1.9 aperture on the 35mm enables shallower depth of field and softer background separation compared with the series’ slower lenses.

Compatibility, mounts and filter system

The Athena Prime series is available in ARRI PL, Canon RF, Sony E, Panasonic/Leica L and Fuji G mounts. Specifically for the E‑Mount 35mm, NiSi offers two versions: one with a Drop‑In filter and one without.

Other series filter arrangements follow this pattern:

• RF, L and G mounts: Drop‑In filter option available.
• E‑Mount: offered in two versions (with and without Drop‑In filter).
• PL‑Mount: uses a rear filter.

Important: You must use the Drop‑In clear filter on RF, L, G and E‑mounts and the rear filter on PL‑mount to achieve infinity focus and obtain clear images. Also note that the Sony FX9 camera cannot use the E‑Mount with Drop‑In filters.

NiSi also provides weather sealing for the Drop‑In filter to protect the filter assembly when used.

Mechanical design and handling

The 35mm E‑Mount shares the series’ mechanical layout. Aperture and focus rings are matched across the range for consistent handoffs and repeatable setups. The lenses have a focus rotation of 300°, which supports precise focus pulls, and they include fluorescent focus scales in both imperial and metric units for clear markings during low light or long takes.

The Athena Primes use standard 0.8 mod focus and iris gears, making the 35mm compatible with a wide range of follow focus and matte box systems. In addition, all Athena primes are reported to be similar in weight, so you do not need to rebalance a gimbal when switching between Athena lenses.

Focus breathing and close‑up options

The Athena Prime lenses have been designed to minimize focus breathing. This means the change in field of view when adjusting focus from the minimum focus distance to infinity is stated to be extremely small. For closer work, NiSi offers a 77mm close‑up lens (sold separately) to reduce the minimum focus distance and create macro effects when required.

Practical use cases

The 35mm T1.9 E‑Mount is suitable for filmmakers and videographers who need a mid‑wide prime with a fast aperture. Thanks to the 46mm image circle, it works with full‑frame and large‑format sensors. Its matched controls, long focus throw and 0.8 mod gears make it appropriate for narrative shooting, commercials and controlled focus‑pull situations where consistent handling and repeatable results matter.

FAQ

Question: Is the 35mm E‑Mount sold with a Drop‑In filter by default?

Answer: The E‑Mount 35mm is offered in two versions: one with a Drop‑In filter and one without. Please check the specific product listing to confirm which version you are ordering.

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. If you plan to use a Sony FX9, select the appropriate mount or filter arrangement.

Question: Do I need to install a Drop‑In clear filter or rear filter to reach infinity focus?

Answer: Yes. The series requires the Drop‑In clear filter on RF, L, G and E‑mounts and the rear filter on PL‑mount to achieve infinity focus and obtain clear images, so include the correct filter when building your kit.

Question: Is this lens suitable for full‑frame and large‑format cameras?

Answer: The Athena series provides a 46mm image circle, which makes the lenses suitable for use with full‑frame and large‑format sensors.

Question: Will I need to rebalance my gimbal when swapping to the 35mm Athena from another Athena lens?

Answer: According to the series information, all Athena Prime lenses are similar in weight, so you should not need to rebalance your gimbal when switching between Athena lenses.

Question: What follow focus and matte box systems will work with this lens?

Answer: The Athena Primes use standard 0.8 mod focus and iris gears and matched ring spacing, making the 35mm compatible with a wide range of follow focus and matte box systems.