Description
Article no.: 29095
This NiSi Athena Prime Add-On kit contains three RF-mount cine primes selected from the Athena Prime series. These lenses are designed for cinematographers and videographers who need a matched set of lenses with consistent mechanical interfaces and support for rear Drop-In filtration on RF mounts.
The Athena Prime series covers a focal range from ultra-wide to portrait focal lengths across the full line (14mm to 135mm). These lenses offer specific T-stop ratings that indicate the actual light transmission through each lens. In this kit the included lenses have the following maximum apertures: the 18mm and 135mm are T2.2, while the 40mm is T1.9.
Additionally, the series provides an image circle of 46mm, which makes the lenses suitable for use with full-frame and large-format sensors. The optical design emphasises control of chromatic aberration and micro-contrast for finer image detail.
The Athena Prime series features a proprietary rear filtration system. RF-, L- and G-mount lenses include a Drop-In filter option. The E-mount is available in two versions (with and without Drop-In filter). The PL-mount uses a rear filter. NiSi also provides weather sealing for the Drop-In filter.
Important usage notes:
NiSi offers a 77mm close-up lens (sold separately). This optional close-up lens reduces the minimum focus distance and enables pronounced macro effects when used with compatible Athena lenses.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Included focal lengths | 18mm, 40mm, 135mm (RF-Mount kit) |
| Maximum aperture (T-stop) | 18mm T2.2; 40mm T1.9; 135mm T2.2 |
| Image circle | 46mm |
| Mount options (series) | ARRI PL, Canon RF, Sony E, Panasonic/Leica L, Fuji G |
| Filter thread | 77mm for most lenses (14mm is an exception) |
| Focus rotation | 300° |
| Focus scales | Fluorescent, imperial and metric |
| Gear modulation | Standard 0.8 mod focus and iris gears |
| Rear filtration | Drop-In filter mount (RF/L/G); E-mount available with or without Drop-In; PL uses rear filter |
| Weather sealing | Weather sealed Drop-In filter available |
Photographers and filmmakers can use these RF-mount primes as a matched set for narratives, documentary work, and other productions that benefit from consistent focus and aperture behaviour. The matched mechanical interfaces, 300° focus rotation and standard gear modulation make the lenses straightforward to integrate with common cinema accessories and follow focus systems.
Question: Can I use the E-mount Drop-In filter version on a Sony FX9?
Answer: No. The Sony FX9 camera cannot use the E-mount version with Drop-In filters, according to NiSi's notes.
Question: Do I need to rebalance my gimbal when switching between Athena lenses in this series?
Answer: No. All NiSi Athena Prime lenses are similar in weight, so you do not need to re-balance the gimbal when swapping Athena lenses.
Question: Which mounts offer Drop-In filters and how does that affect focusing?
Answer: RF-, L- and G-mount lenses offer Drop-In filter options. The E-mount is available in versions with and without Drop-In, and PL uses a rear filter. To achieve infinity focus and clear images you must use the Drop-In clear filter on RF-, L-, G- and the Drop-In E-mount version, and use the rear filter on PL-mount lenses.
Question: Can I use front screw-on filters across the range?
Answer: Most Athena Prime lenses share a 77mm front filter thread, which permits consistent front filter usage across the range. The 14mm lens is the exception and does not use the 77mm thread.
Question: Is there an option for close-up or macro work with these lenses?
Answer: Yes. NiSi offers a 77mm close-up lens (sold separately) that reduces the minimum focus distance, enabling stronger macro effects when used with compatible Athena lenses.