NiSi Athena 18mm T2.2 Cine Lens - Sony E
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Wex Photo VideoNiSi Athena 18mm T2.2 Cine Lens - Large - Aluminium
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Product Information
Full details
The NiSi Athena 18mm T2.2 Cine Lens is designed for professional cinematographers and videographers seeking high-performance full-frame optics with minimal focus breathing. Its standout feature is the consistent weight and size shared across the Athena series, which allows for quick lens changes on gimbals without needing to rebalance; however, users should note that the manual-focus-only design requires dedicated focus-pulling gear or practice for run-and-gun shooting.
All features
| Brand | NiSi |
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Extended Product Information
FAQs
Is this lens autofocus capable?
No, the NiSi Athena 18mm T2.2 is a strictly manual focus cine lens.
Can I use this lens on a non-full-frame sensor?
Yes, it is designed for full-frame but will function on Super 35 or APS-C cameras, though the field of view will be cropped.
Does it have electronic contacts for metadata?
No, this lens does not communicate aperture or focal length data to the camera body.
How do I use the drop-in filter mount?
The drop-in filter mount is located at the rear of the lens; you can insert specialized NiSi filters directly into the slot before mounting the lens to the camera.
Can I use standard screw-on filters?
Yes, the lens features a standard 77mm front filter thread for traditional round filters.
Are the focus gears compatible with all follow-focus systems?
Yes, the focus and iris rings feature industry-standard 0.8 MOD gears compatible with most follow-focus units.
Troubleshooting
Camera does not recognize the lens
The NiSi Athena is a manual lens with no electronic pins. Ensure your camera is set to 'Release shutter without lens' in the menu settings.
Difficulty focusing on subjects
Utilize the camera's focus peaking feature or a monitor with magnification to confirm sharpness, as the lens has a long 300-degree throw.
Focus ring feels stiff in cold weather
Rotate the focus ring back and forth several times to distribute the internal lubricant, which can thicken in extreme temperatures.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Consistent weight/size allows for rapid gimbal rebalancing
- Exceptional micro-contrast and color rendition
- Minimal focus breathing for professional focus pulls
- Flexible filter options including rear drop-in mount
- Excellent build quality with fluorescent focus marks
Cons
- Manual focus only, requiring skill or follow-focus units
- Fixed T2.2 aperture may require ND filters in bright daylight
- 18mm focal length creates significant wide-angle distortion
- Lack of electronic communication with the camera body
Setup, Compatibility & Care
To begin, mount the NiSi Athena 18mm securely to your Sony E-mount camera body. Because the lens is fully manual, ensure your camera is set to 'Release without lens' mode in the settings menu. For filter usage, you can utilize the 77mm front thread for standard screw-in filters or the rear drop-in mount for NiSi specialized filters. When handling the lens, avoid touching the glass elements directly. Clean the front and rear elements only with a dedicated lens pen or microfiber cloth. When storing, keep the lens in a dry, dust-free environment with the caps secured on both ends to protect the focus gears and optical elements.