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NiSi ATHENA PRIME 40mm T1.9 Full-Frame Lens (Sony E, Drop-In Filter Mount)

BH #NICATH40E • MFR #NIC-ATH-40E
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NiSi ATHENA PRIME 40mm T1.9 Full-Frame Lens (Sony E, Drop-In Filter Mount)
Key Features
  • Full-Frame | T1.9 Maximum Aperture
  • Soft, Engaging Bokeh
  • 0.8 MOD Focus and Aperture Gears
  • Drop-In Filter Mount
Capture high-quality images using a full-frame camera with a Sony E mount with this NiSi ATHENA PRIME 40mm T1.9 Full-Frame Lens. The lens features soft bokeh, micro-contrast control, and low chromatic aberration to highlight image details without distortion. It has a maximum aperture T1.9 and an 80mm front diameter with minimal focus breathing.
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NiSi ATHENA Prime Cine 40mm T1.9 Overview

From Manufacturer

Capture high-quality images using a full-frame camera with a Sony E mount with this NiSi ATHENA PRIME 40mm T1.9 Full-Frame Lens. The lens features soft bokeh, micro-contrast control, and low chromatic aberration to highlight image details without distortion. It has a maximum aperture T1.9 and an 80mm front diameter with minimal focus breathing.

The focus ring is capable of rotating 300° for intuitive control. Markings on the lens are fluorescent and in both feet and meters. The lens has a 46mm image circle to capture as many details as possible. A drop-in filter mount places your lens filters of choice in between your camera sensor and lens body.

Features at a Glance
  • Maximum T1.9 aperture for deep depth of view and increased area of focus
  • Soft, engaging bokeh 
  • 300° focus ring rotation
  • Fluorescent markings in feet and meters
  • 80mm front diameter, 77mm filter thread
  • Drop-in filter mount
  • Industry-standard 0.8 MOD focus and aperture rings for use with follow focus systems

NiSi ATHENA Prime Cine 40mm T1.9 Specs

Key Specs
Focal Length
40mm
Maximum Aperture
T1.9
Lens Mount
Sony E
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame (46 mm Image Circle)
Filter Thread
77 mm
Image Stabilization
No
Electronic Communication
No
Focal Length
40mm
Maximum Aperture
T1.9
Lens Mount
Sony E
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame (46 mm Image Circle)
Angle of View
Full Frame
Diagonal: 57.1°
Horizontal: 48.8°
Vertical: 33.5°
Focus Scales
Metric, Imperial
Filter Thread
77 mm
Aperture/Iris Blades
10
Image Stabilization
No
Gear Standard
0.8 MOD
Gear Rotation
Focus: 300°
Electronic Communication
No
Diameter
Front: 3.1" / 80 mm
Length
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Weight
2 lb / 890 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.595 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
6.8 x 5.2 x 4.5"

NiSi ATHENA Prime Cine 40mm T1.9 Reviews

Amazing work horse cine lens

By Jesse
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-07-06

the Nisi cinema series with the drop filter is now my work horse lenses for shoots with the sony cameras. I've used cheaper photo lenses, as well as more expensive cinema lenses, and these strike the perfect balance of clean, crisp, commercial grade image while not being so precious or specific in their look. Plus I can't say enough about how great it is to just be able to drop the same filter into the back for an easy lens swap. Clients from all different levels tell me how impressed they are with the image quality. My only complaint about the drop in is that you really want to make sure the larger variable filter wheel fits on your rig. It's not a problem for most larger rigs, but the cage I had on my A7s3 had to be removed in order for me to fit the lens on with the filter. Wasn't a problem on the FX3 cage, but something worth pointing out if you're a hybrid shooter.

See any errors on this page?

Is the ARRI PL different then a PL?

Is the ARRI PL different then a PL?
Asked by: Daniel
No, ARRI PL is an industry standard mounting system. LPL is different but not available with the NiSi ATHENA PRIME 40mm T1.9 Full-Frame Lens (ARRI PL).
Answered by: Jonathan S
Date published: 2024-09-22

the NiSi website says the PL version takes rear ...

the NiSi website says the PL version takes rear screw-on filters instead of drop-in filters. What size filters does it take?
Asked by: Francisco
The rear filters for the NiSi ATHENA PRIME 40mm T1.9 Full-Frame Lens (ARRI PL) are a proprietary size and can be found here: https://bhpho.to/3VcEFWx.
Answered by: Naftoli G
Date published: 2024-11-27

Do these lenses cover the 33x44 sensor of GFX ...

Do these lenses cover the 33x44 sensor of GFX cameras? Or, are they intended for crop video shooting?
Asked by: James
Literally says full frame in the title
Answered by: Matt
Date published: 2026-01-23

Does the Lumix S5mk2 and mk2x mount not allow ...

Does the Lumix S5mk2 and mk2x mount not allow room for the drop in filter when put on or to screw in properly?
Asked by: Craig
Yes, the drop-in filter goes into the lens in front of the mount of the NiSi ATHENA PRIME 40mm T1.9 Full-Frame Lens (Leica L, Drop-In Filter Mount) and will mount perfectly to the Panasonic Lumix S5II/S5IIx.
Answered by: Jonathan S
Date published: 2024-07-29

What is the mfd on this lens?

What is the mfd on this lens?
Asked by: William
The close focus on the NiSi ATHENA PRIME 40mm T1.9 Full-Frame Lens (ARRI PL) is 0.3m / 11.8".
Answered by: Tim Z
Date published: 2024-09-02
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