NiSi Cine Lens Set Athena Prime Add-On (3 Lenses) L-Mount

NiSi Cine Lens Set Athena Prime Add-On (3 Lenses) – L-Mount with Drop-In Filter Compatibility

This NiSi Athena Prime Add-On kit includes three L‑Mount cine primes and shares the technical characteristics of the Athena series. The lenses deliver matched mechanical behaviour across the range, a Drop‑In/rear filtration system option, and optical specifications designed for full‑frame and large‑format sensors.

What this add-on kit contains

• 1x NiSi Athena Prime 18mm T2.2 L‑Mount
• 1x NiSi Athena Prime 40mm T1.9 L‑Mount
• 1x NiSi Athena Prime 135mm T2.2 L‑Mount
• 1x NiSi Hardcase for 9pcs NiSi Athena Lenses

Optical coverage and aperture information

The Athena prime series spans focal lengths from 14mm up to 135mm, covering super‑wide angle to portrait focal lengths. Within the series, specific T‑stop ratings are provided for consistent exposure and light transmission:

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

These T‑stop values reflect the actual light transmission through each lens and help maintain consistent exposure across focal lengths.

Image format and optical control

The Athena primes produce an image circle of 46mm, making them suitable for full‑frame and larger sensors. The series is engineered to control chromatic aberration and micro‑contrast to render finer image details.

Filter system and mount options

The Athena Prime series uses a proprietary rear filtration system with Drop‑In filter capability on several mounts. Mount options across the series include ARRI PL, Canon RF, Sony E, Panasonic/Leica L and Fuji G. Filtration details are as follows:

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

NiSi supplies weather sealing for the Drop‑In filter. Note that using the recommended Drop‑In clear filter on RF, L, G and E mounts, or the rear filter on PL mount, is important to achieve infinity focus and clear images.

Handling, mechanics and compatibility

The Athena primes share matched aperture and focus ring positions across the range, which simplifies lens swapping. All lenses in the series have a 300° focus rotation and feature fluorescent focus scales in both imperial and metric units for precise focus pulls. The lenses use standard 0.8 mod focus and iris gears, ensuring compatibility with common follow‑focus and matte box systems.

All Athena lenses are similar in weight, so you do not need to rebalance a gimbal when switching between Athena lenses. Except for the 14mm lens, the series shares a 77mm front filter thread. NiSi also offers a 77mm close‑up lens (sold separately) to reduce minimum focus distance and create macro effects.

Focus breathing and performance

The Athena primes are engineered to minimize focus breathing. Therefore, the change in field of view when adjusting focus from minimum focus distance to infinity remains extremely small across focal lengths and aperture settings.

Important usage notes

• Sony FX9 cameras cannot use the E‑Mount version with Drop‑In filters.
• Always use the Drop‑In clear filter on RF, L, G and E mounts and the rear filter on PL‑mount when using the lenses to attain infinity focus and clear images.

Included case

The kit ships with a NiSi hardcase sized for nine Athena lenses, providing organized storage and transport for a full set of Athena primes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Are the L‑Mount lenses in this kit compatible with follow‑focus and matte box systems?
Answer: Yes. The Athena primes use standard 0.8 mod focus and iris gears, which makes them compatible with most follow‑focus units and matte box systems commonly used in filmmaking.

Question: Do I need to rebalance my gimbal when I swap Athena lenses?
Answer: No. NiSi states that all Athena prime lenses are similar in weight, so you should not need to rebalance your gimbal when switching between Athena lenses in normal use.

Question: How do the Drop‑In filters affect focus and image clarity?
Answer: Use the Drop‑In clear filter for RF, L, G and E mount versions (and the rear filter for PL) to achieve infinity focus and clear images as intended. NiSi also supplies weather sealing for the Drop‑In filter to maintain performance in varied conditions.

Question: Can I achieve macro effects with these lenses?
Answer: Yes. NiSi offers a 77mm close‑up lens (sold separately) that reduces the minimum focus distance and enables macro‑style shots when used with Athena lenses that share the 77mm front thread.

If you have any specific compatibility questions about your camera body or workflow, contact us and we will help verify mount and filter options for your setup.