NiSi ATHENA PRIME 18mm T2.2 Full-Frame Lens (PL Mount)

The NiSi Athena Prime 18mm T2.2 is a PL mount cinema lens for full-frame production, with a 46mm image circle, 300-degree focus rotation, 77mm filter thread, and 80mm front diameter. Its ultra-wide field of view, matched cinema mechanics, and rear filter holder are designed for narrative, commercial, documentary, gimbal, and multi-lens production workflows.

Product Overview

NiSi specifies an 18mm focal length, T2.2 to T22 aperture range, ten-blade iris, 46mm image circle, and 0.25m close focus for this Athena Prime. The lens has a PL mount, 0.8 MOD focus gearing, a 300-degree focus throw, fluorescent distance scales, a 77mm front filter thread, and an 80mm outside diameter. The compact 81.3mm length and approximately 800g weight are matched closely to other Athena focal lengths to reduce rig and gimbal changes during lens swaps. The rear filter holder gives crews another place to add compatible ND or diffusion filtration.

Key Features

18mm T2.2 Full-Frame Coverage

The ultra-wide prime covers a 46mm image circle and opens to T2.2, supporting broad establishing views, interiors, architecture, moving-camera work, and close wide-angle perspectives.

Matched Athena Cinema Mechanics

A 300-degree focus throw, 0.8 MOD gearing, fluorescent scales, 80mm front, and dimensions matched to the series support repeatable manual focus and faster lens changes.

Front and Rear Filter Options

The lens provides a 77mm front thread plus a rear filter holder, allowing filtration choices to be planned around the matte box, gimbal, and camera configuration.

How It Compares

Choose the 18mm when an ultra-wide full-frame perspective and matched Athena mechanics suit the shot. Choose the 14mm for a wider view, the 25mm for a more moderate wide-angle perspective and faster T1.9 aperture, or a zoom when rapid focal-length changes matter more than prime-lens consistency.

Compatible Accessories and Related Gear

NiSi Athena Prime 14mm T2.4 PL lens and NiSi Athena Prime 25mm T1.9 PL lens. Use with a camera or adapter built for ARRI PL lenses and an active image area that fits inside the 46mm image circle. Check mount support, rear clearance, rods, lens support, focus motor position, matte-box clamp size, filter plan, and camera crop mode before production.

Who Is This For?

This lens is for cinematographers, camera assistants, owner-operators, rental houses, gimbal crews, and production teams that need an ultra-wide PL prime with full-frame coverage and consistent manual cinema controls.

Who Should Choose Something Else?

Choose a wider 14mm for more coverage, a 25mm or 35mm for less perspective exaggeration, an autofocus still lens when electronic focus is essential, or a zoom when reframing speed matters more than prime-lens size and consistency.

In the Box

• NiSi Athena Prime 18mm T2.2 full-frame cinema lens in PL mount

Specifications

• Focal length: 18mm
• Lens mount: ARRI PL
• Aperture range: T2.2 to T22
• Image circle: 46mm
• Aperture blades: 10
• Close focus: 0.25m / 10in
• Focus rotation: 300 degrees
• Focus gear: 0.8 MOD / 32 pitch
• Filter thread: 77mm
• Front outside diameter: 80mm
• Length: 81.3mm / 3.2in
• Weight: approximately 800g / 1.76lb

Product Video

Watch the official manufacturer overview for the product design, controls, and intended production workflow.

FAQ

Does the NiSi Athena Prime 18mm cover full-frame cameras?
NiSi specifies a 46mm image circle for the Athena Prime 18mm. Check the exact active sensor area and recording mode of the PL-mount camera or adapter before shooting.

What is the aperture range of the Athena 18mm?
The 18mm lens has a T2.2 maximum aperture and closes to T22, with a ten-blade iris for manual exposure and depth-of-field control in cinema production.

How close can the Athena Prime 18mm focus?
NiSi lists a 0.25m or 10-inch close-focus distance. Camera position, matte box, filters, lighting, and the required perspective still need to be considered for close shots.

Which filters and matte boxes fit this lens?
The lens has a 77mm filter thread, an 80mm outside front diameter, and a rear filter holder. Match clamp rings, trays, rear filters, and clearance to the complete camera build.

Where can I buy the NiSi Athena 18mm PL lens in Canada?
Filmgear Canada supplies the NiSi Athena Prime 18mm T2.2 PL lens with Canada-wide shipping and Vancouver-based help for mount, support, filter, focus-control, and set planning.

Where to Buy in Canada

Buy NiSi ATHENA PRIME 18mm T2.2 Full-Frame Lens (PL Mount) from Filmgear Canada with Canada-wide shipping and Vancouver-based support. Match the exact connector, mount, signal, power, support, and accessory plan before ordering.