Description
Article no.: 29093
This NiSi Athena Prime Add-On kit contains three PL‑mount cine primes designed to integrate seamlessly with the Athena series. The set gives filmmakers additional focal lengths that match the handling and mechanical characteristics of the wider Athena lineup, while delivering the optical traits described for the series.
The Athena series spans a focal range from 14mm ultra‑wide to 135mm portrait focal lengths, providing a wide variety of shooting options across super‑wide, standard and telephoto needs. Within the series, T‑stop ratings vary by focal length and are given as actual light transmission measurements for consistent exposure planning.
The Athena lenses produce an image circle of 46mm, making them suitable for full‑frame and large‑format sensors. The series is available in multiple mount options so you can choose the system that fits your camera platform.
The Athena series offers a proprietary rear filtration system for flexible creative control. Different mount versions handle the filter option slightly differently, so follow the guidance below to achieve infinity focus and clear images.
Important: Use the Drop‑In clear filter on RF, L, G and E mounts (when required) 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 version that includes Drop‑In filters.
NiSi supplies a weather‑sealed option for the Drop‑In filter to protect the filtration system in demanding conditions.
NiSi designed the Athena primes so that aperture and focus rings are matched across the range. Each lens in the series (except 14mm) shares a 77mm front filter thread. Because the lenses are similar in weight, you typically do not need to rebalance a gimbal when switching between Athena lenses.
The Athena primes minimize focus breathing, keeping field‑of‑view changes small when pulling focus from minimum distance to infinity. Each lens offers a long focus throw and clear scales for precise repeatable focus pulls.
NiSi offers a 77mm close‑up lens (sold separately) that reduces the minimum focus distance and enables macro‑style effects when needed.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Included lenses | 18mm T2.2 PL, 40mm T1.9 PL, 135mm T2.2 PL |
| Series focal range | 14mm to 135mm (series coverage) |
| T‑stops (selected) | 14mm T2.4; 18mm T2.2; 25/35/40/50/85mm T1.9; 135mm T2.2 |
| Image circle | 46mm |
| Focus rotation | 300° |
| Filter thread | 77mm for all lenses except 14mm |
| Gears | 0.8 MOD focus and iris gears |
| Mount options | ARRI PL, Canon RF, Sony E, Panasonic/Leica L, Fuji G |
| Filter system | Drop‑In filter for RF/L/G; E‑Mount in versions with/without Drop‑In; PL uses rear filter |
Question: Which lenses are included in this PL‑mount Add‑On kit?
Answer: This kit includes the NiSi Athena Prime 18mm T2.2 PL, 40mm T1.9 PL and 135mm T2.2 PL, plus a NiSi hardcase for nine Athena lenses.
Question: Do these lenses require rebalancing on a gimbal when swapping between them?
Answer: The Athena primes are similar in weight, and NiSi designed them so you generally do not need to re‑balance your gimbal when switching lenses within the series.
Question: How do the filters work with PL‑mount lenses?
Answer: PL‑mount Athena lenses use a rear filter; to achieve infinity focus and clear images you must use the PL rear filter as specified. Other mounts use Drop‑In filters or have specific versions, so follow the mount‑specific instructions.
Question: Will the E‑Mount version with Drop‑In work on my Sony FX9?
Answer: No. The Sony FX9 cannot use the E‑Mount version that includes Drop‑In filters. If you need E‑Mount compatibility for that camera, check mount version requirements before purchase.
Question: Are the focus and aperture gears compatible with standard follow focus systems?
Answer: Yes. Athena lenses feature standard 0.8 MOD focus and iris gears and include 300° focus rotation with fluorescent imperial and metric scales to support precise, repeatable pulls.
If you need further clarification about mount compatibility, filter options or using the Add‑On set with your specific camera rig, contact us and we will help source the right configuration for your workflow.