NiSi Cine Lens Athena Prime 85mm T1.9 PL-Mount

NiSi Cine Lens Athena Prime 85mm T1.9 PL-Mount – T1.9 aperture for soft bokeh

This is the NiSi Athena 85mm cine prime in PL-mount, built for filmmakers who need a T1.9 maximum aperture for smooth background separation. The lens is part of the Athena Prime series and shares the optical design principles and handling features of that lineup. Use it when you want consistent exposure, matched handling across a set, and a compact solution for portrait and medium-telephoto work.

Key optical characteristics

The Athena Prime series spans ultra-wide to portrait focal lengths, and the 85mm sits in the portrait range of that set. Across the series, NiSi specifies true T-stop ratings to ensure consistent light transmission and repeatable exposure. Specifically, the 85mm model has a maximum aperture of T1.9, which helps produce a soft bokeh and clear subject separation from backgrounds.

Series coverage and image circle

The Athena Primes cover a focal range from 14mm to 135mm, which includes ultra-wide to portrait focal lengths. NiSi specifies an image circle of 46mm for the series, making these lenses suitable for full-frame and larger-format sensors. The 85mm benefits from the same image circle and optical corrections designed for larger sensors.

Optical performance details

• Ultra-low chromatic aberration helps reduce color fringing in high-contrast areas.
• Micro-contrast control improves perceived sharpness and fine image detail.
• The series is designed to minimize focus breathing, so changes in field of view when pulling focus remain very small.

Mounts and filter systems

The Athena Primes come in several mount options. NiSi offers the series in ARRI PL, Canon RF, Sony E, Panasonic/Leica L and Fuji G mounts. Mount choice affects the available filter options and the physical filter solution for the lens.

The series features a proprietary rear filtration system. Details by mount are:

• RF, L and G mounts: Drop-In filter option available.
• E-mount: Two versions exist — one with Drop-In filter and one without.
• PL-mount: Uses a dedicated rear filter.

Important filter notes

• Sony FX9 camera 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 with the lens to achieve infinity focus and obtain clear images.

NiSi also provides a weather-sealed solution for the Drop-In filter to protect the filtration system in mixed shooting conditions.

Matched handling and accessories

NiSi designed the Athena Primes for consistent handling across the set. All lenses are similar in weight so you do not need to rebalance a gimbal when switching between Athena lenses. Both aperture and focus rings are matched across the range to maintain consistent ergonomics for quick lens changes.

Most lenses in the series share a common front filter thread, which simplifies filter use on set. All lenses except the 14mm use the same 77mm filter thread. The 14mm is the exception.

Focus mechanics and gear compatibility

• Focus rotation: 300° for fine control during focus pulls.
• Focus scales: Fluorescent markings in both imperial and metric units for visibility and precise repeatable focus marks.
• Gearing: Standard 0.8 mod focus and iris gears, compatible with a wide range of follow focus and matte box systems.

Optional close-up accessory

NiSi offers a 77mm close-up lens (sold separately) that can reduce the minimum focus distance and create macro effects when needed. This accessory uses the 77mm thread available on all Athena lenses except the 14mm.

Use cases

Use the 85mm T1.9 PL-mount Athena Prime when you need a portrait-length lens that integrates into a matched set. The consistent T-stop, focus gearing, and matched ring positions let you switch lenses quickly on multi-camera or multi-shot productions. The minimized focus breathing and fluorescent scales support precise focus pulls in narrative and commercial shoots.

FAQ

question: Is the 85mm model suitable for full-frame and large-format sensors?
Answer: Yes. The Athena series specifies a 46mm image circle, which makes the lenses, including the 85mm, suitable for full-frame and larger-format sensors.

question: Which mounts include the Drop-In filter option?
Answer: RF, L and G mounts include a Drop-In filter option. The E-mount is available in two versions (with and without Drop-In). The PL-mount uses a rear filter instead of a Drop-In configuration.

question: Do I need to change gimbal balance when switching Athena lenses?
Answer: No. NiSi states that all Athena Prime lenses are similar in weight, so you do not need to rebalance a gimbal when changing lenses in the series.

question: Can I use Drop-In filters on a Sony FX9 with the E-mount version?
Answer: No. The Sony FX9 camera cannot use the E-Mount version with Drop-In filters. Choose the appropriate mount and filter solution for that camera body.

question: Are the focus and aperture gears compatible with standard follow focus units?
Answer: Yes. The Athena Primes use 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.

question: Is a clear Drop-In or rear filter required for infinity focus?
Answer: Yes. It is important to use the Drop-In clear filter on RF, L, G & E mounts (when applicable) and the rear filter on PL-mount to achieve infinity focus and to obtain clear images.