NiSi Athena Prime ADD-ON Kit Lens Selection Guide

By NiSi Filters Australia | Published: 2026-10-21

Category: Buying Guides

Learn how to complete your NiSi Athena Prime set with the 18mm, 40mm, and 135mm add-on lenses. Includes mount options, key specs, and buying tips.

Quick answer

For most cinematographers, the NiSi Athena Prime ADD-ON Kit is the smart way to expand your existing five-lens set to cover 18mm to 135mm. Choose the mount that matches your camera system, and consider whether you need the drop-in filter version.

What the ADD-ON Kit adds to your Athena Prime set

The NiSi Athena Prime ADD-ON Kit is designed to complete the original five-lens Athena set. It includes three full-frame cinema lenses: an 18mm T2.2, a 40mm T1.9, and a 135mm T2.2. Together, these cover focal lengths from ultra-wide to portrait, giving you a versatile range for most shooting scenarios.

The 46mm imaging circle supports full-frame sensors, and the large apertures—T1.9 on the 40mm and T2.2 on the 18mm and 135mm—help achieve soft bokeh and good low-light performance. The kit also comes with a hard case for storage and transport.

Understanding the mount options

The ADD-ON Kit is available in several mount versions, including PL, E (Sony E-mount), and G (likely Fujifilm G-mount). The PL mount is the industry standard for cinema cameras, while E and G mounts are designed for mirrorless systems. Some E and G versions come without the drop-in filter feature, which may be a consideration if you rely on built-in ND filters.

When choosing a mount, think about your current camera body and whether you plan to adapt the lenses. PL lenses can be adapted to many systems, but native mounts like E or G offer a more direct fit and often retain electronic communication.

Trade-offs to consider

The ADD-ON Kit is a significant investment, so it's important to weigh the benefits. The 18mm ultra-wide and 135mm portrait lenses fill gaps in the standard Athena set, but if you rarely shoot at those extremes, you might not need all three. The 40mm T1.9 offers a fast aperture, but the 18mm and 135mm are slightly slower at T2.2.

Also, the price varies by mount: the E mount with drop-in filter is more expensive than the PL or E without the filter. Consider whether the drop-in filter feature is essential for your workflow.

How to choose the right ADD-ON Kit

Check your camera mount: Identify your camera's mount type: PL for cinema cameras, E for Sony E-mount, or G for Fujifilm G-mount. Choose the kit that matches your body to avoid extra adapters. Using a native mount ensures a secure fit and proper flange distance.
Decide on drop-in filter: If you want the convenience of built-in ND filters, choose the E mount version with drop-in filter. If you prefer external filtration or want to save money, the no-filter versions are suitable. Consider your typical shooting environment—do you often need quick ND adjustments?
Assess your focal length needs: The 18mm is ideal for wide establishing shots, the 40mm for a natural perspective, and the 135mm for portraits and compression. If you already own the five-lens set, these three complete your range. If you rarely shoot ultra-wide or long telephoto, you might skip the kit and rent lenses as needed.

Product facts at a glance

NiSi ATHENA PRIME Full Frame Cinema Lens ADD-ON Kit with 3 Lenses 18mm T2.2, 40mm T1.9, 135mm T2.2 + Hard Case (PL Mount): This PL mount ADD-ON Kit includes the 18mm T2.2, 40mm T1.9, and 135mm T2.2 lenses, all with a 46mm imaging circle for full-frame coverage. The PL mount is the standard for professional cinema cameras, making this kit a direct fit for most industry rigs.
NiSi ATHENA PRIME Full Frame Cinema Lens ADD-ON Kit with 3 Lenses 18mm T2.2, 40mm T1.9, 135mm T2.2 + Hard Case (PL Mount)
NiSi ATHENA PRIME Full Frame Cinema Lens ADD-ON Kit with 3 Lenses 18mm T2.2, 40mm T1.9, 135mm T2.2 + Hard Case (E Mount | No Drop In Filter): This E mount version comes without the drop-in filter feature, offering a more compact and cost-effective option for Sony mirrorless users. If you already use external matte boxes or don't need built-in ND, this version saves money without sacrificing optical quality.
NiSi ATHENA PRIME Full Frame Cinema Lens ADD-ON Kit with 3 Lenses 18mm T2.2, 40mm T1.9, 135mm T2.2 + Hard Case (E Mount | No Drop In Filter)

Is this kit right for you?

Best for

Cinematographers who own the original Athena Prime five-lens set and want to expand to a full 18-135mm range.
Professionals who need a consistent look across a wide focal range, especially for documentary or narrative work.

Not for

Photographers who don't shoot video and need stills-oriented lenses.
Budget-conscious shooters who rarely use ultra-wide or 135mm focal lengths.