NiSi ATHENA Drop-In PL Adapters and True Color VND/PL Released – Rear Filter Slot for PL Lenses, 1-5 Stop VND With Independent Polarizer

Lens Filters

by Johnnie BehiriToday

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NiSi has added a rear drop-in filter slot to its ATHENA PL adapters for Sony E, Canon RF, and Nikon Z cameras, so one set of filters can work across every PL lens on the camera. Alongside them, the company’s new True Color VND/PL combines a 1-5 stop variable ND and a polarizer in a single screw-in filter with separate controls for each.

We have previously looked at NiSi’s cinema lineup, including the ATHENA full-frame cinema primes and the later ATHENA 18mm, 40mm and 135mm additions. NiSi already sells ATHENA PL adapters without a filter slot. The new drop-in versions move ND and diffusion behind the lens, while the True Color VND/PL targets photo and video shooters who work with screw-in filters on mirrorless lenses. Let’s take a look at both.

A filter slot between lens and camera

The ATHENA Drop-In Filter adapters come in three versions: PL-E for Sony E, PL-RF for Canon RF, and PL-Z for Nikon Z. Front and rear mounts are made of 304 stainless steel, and a sealing ring at the camera mount keeps out dust and moisture. According to NiSi, the adapters compensate for the filter in the optical path, so lenses still reach infinity focus with a filter installed. Each adapter ships with a clear drop-in filter, which keeps the optical path the same when no other filter is in use.

Weights differ by mount. NiSi lists the PL-E at 195g / 6.9oz, the PL-RF at 207g / 7.3oz, and the PL-Z at 229g / 8.1oz, all without a filter. The adapters accept PL lenses with a rear protrusion of up to 25.8mm / 1.02in, and NiSi advises checking the rear element depth of lenses from other manufacturers before fitting.

The slot takes NiSi’s ATHENA drop-in filters: True Color VND, True Color CPL, Black Mist, Allure Streak and FS ND. The True Color VND and CPL drop-ins have a 0.8 MOD gear, so a wireless lens motor (sold separately) can adjust density or polarization remotely.

Why a rear filter on a PL lens?

For a PL lens on a mirrorless body, a rear filter means one VND covers every lens in the kit, whatever its front diameter. That matters most for cinema primes and zooms with large or non-threaded fronts, where the usual alternative is a matte box with 4×5.65in or 6.6×6.6in glass. (Not to mention very wide-angle lens options where adding a front filter is nearly impossible).

Current limitations

The filter slot sits close to the camera body. NiSi notes that a cage, top plate, or positive-lock mount may restrict filter changes or prevent fitting the adapter with a filter installed, and suggests mounting the adapter first and then inserting the filter. NiSi’s US store lists the existing ATHENA PL-L adapter for L-Mount without a drop-in version, so L-Mount users are not covered by the new line for now.

True Color VND/PL with independent controls

The True Color VND/PL is a screw-in filter for photo and video lenses, offered from 49mm to 95mm. It reduces light by 1-5 stops (0.3-1.5), and the polarizer is adjusted independently of the ND density. According to NiSi, this separation means that changing polarization does not change the exposure setting, unlike combined filters where both adjustments are linked. The company limits the range to 1-5 stops to avoid the X-pattern that cross-polarization causes at higher densities.

NiSi’s True Color technology is meant to keep the color neutral across the range, without magenta or warm casts. Both optical elements have a multi-layer nano coating on all four air-to-glass surfaces, which also repels water and oil. The slim aluminum frame is designed to avoid vignetting on full-frame lenses as wide as 15mm, the markings are luminescent for low light, and the filter is compatible with NiSi’s SWIFT system. An aluminum front cap is included.

NiSi’s product page adds two usage notes. The company recommends the filter for focal lengths of 35mm and longer, because polarization is uneven across the frame on wide lenses, even though the frame itself clears 15mm. NiSi also advises against adjusting the polarizer at 4-5 stops, as this can produce overly saturated colors.

Price and availability

The ATHENA Drop-In Filter PL-E, PL-RF and PL-Z adapters each cost $269 including a clear drop-in filter. Filmmaker Kits for PL-E and PL-Z add a True Color VND 1-5 stop and a Black Mist 1/8 drop-in filter plus a filter bag for $399. All are available to pre-order, and NiSi has not given a shipping date yet. For more information, please visit the NiSi ATHENA PL-E Drop-In adapter page.

The True Color VND/PL is available now. In the US, NiSi lists the 72mm version at $209 and the 82mm version at $249. NiSi’s European distributor lists recommended prices from €169 for 49mm to €279 for 95mm (including VAT). For more information, please visit the NiSi True Color VND/PL product page.

Would a rear drop-in VND replace the matte box on your PL lenses, or does your cage rule it out? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!