NiSi Cine Lens Athena Prime 18mm T2.2 L-Mount

NiSi Athena Prime 18mm T2.2 L-Mount – Ultra-wide T2.2 Cine Lens with 46mm Image Circle and Drop-In Filter

The NiSi Athena Prime 18mm T2.2 in L-Mount is an ultra-wide cine lens from the Athena Prime series. It delivers a T2.2 maximum aperture at 18mm and shares the Athena design traits that make the series suitable for filmmakers using full-frame and large-format sensors thanks to a 46mm image circle.

Key features

• Ultra-wide 18mm focal length with T2.2 maximum aperture.
• 46mm image circle — suitable for full-frame and large-format sensors.
• L-Mount option with Drop-In filter compatibility in the Athena range.
• Matched focus and aperture rings across the Athena lineup for consistent operation.
• Standard 0.8 mod focus and iris gears for follow focus and matte box systems.
• Focus rotation of 300° with fluorescent focus scales in both imperial and metric units.
• Designed to minimize focus breathing for stable framing when racking focus.
• Ultra-low chromatic aberration and micro-contrast control for finer image details.

Optical performance and apertures

The Athena series emphasizes consistent light transmission and matched exposure characteristics across focal lengths. The series uses T-stops to measure actual light transmission, helping you maintain consistent exposure when switching lenses.

Reported T-stop values in the Athena Prime series:

• 14mm — T2.4
• 18mm — T2.2
• 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm & 85mm — T1.9
• 135mm — T2.2

Mounts, filter system and compatibility

The Athena Prime lenses are offered in multiple mount options across the series. Specific notes about the series’ rear filtration and mount options are important to observe when choosing and using the 18mm L-Mount:

• The series comes in ARRI PL, Canon RF, Sony E, Panasonic/Leica L and Fuji G mounts.
• RF-, L- and G-Mount lenses have a Drop-In filter option.
• E-Mount is available in two versions: with Drop-In filter and without Drop-In filter.
• PL-mount lenses utilize a rear filter.
• NiSi provides a weather seal for the Drop-In filter.

Important usage notes

• Sony FX9 cameras cannot use the E-Mount version 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.

Handling and workflow

Athena Primes are designed for practical on-set use. All lenses in the series (except the 14mm) share a 77mm front filter thread, simplifying filter choices. The lenses are similar in weight across the series, so you do not need to rebalance a gimbal when switching between Athena lenses on a rig. Aperture and focus rings are matched across the range for consistent feel during lens changes.

The lens’s focus rotation of 300° and fluorescent scales in both imperial and metric units support precise focus pulls. Standard 0.8 mod gears on focus and iris make the 18mm L-Mount compatible with common cinema support systems.

Accessories

• NiSi 77mm close-up lens (sold separately) can reduce minimum focus distance and create macro effects when needed.

FAQ

Question: Will the 18mm L-Mount Athena Prime cover full-frame sensors?

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

Question: Do I need any special filter to reach infinity focus?

Answer: Yes. For RF-, L- and G-mount lenses use the Drop-In clear filter, and for PL-mount use the rear filter. Using the specified filter is important to achieve infinity focus and clear images.

Question: Can I use the E-Mount Drop-In version on a Sony FX9?

Answer: No. The Sony FX9 cannot use the E-Mount version with Drop-In filters, so choose an appropriate mount or E-Mount version without Drop-In if required.

Question: Are the Athena lenses balanced for gimbal use?

Answer: Yes. All Athena Prime lenses are similar in weight, so you should not need to rebalance a gimbal when switching between Athena lenses, with the exception of the 14mm which differs.

Question: What accessories assist with close-focus or macro work?

Answer: NiSi offers a 77mm close-up lens (sold separately) that reduces minimum focus distance and enables macro-style effects when mounted on Athena lenses that share the 77mm thread.