The NiSi ATHENA Drop-In Filter PL-RF Adapter Filmmaker Kit combines a PL lens mount adapter with a drop-in filter system for quick filter changes on Canon RF cameras. Lightweight and durable, it has 304 stainless steel front and rear mounts and a weatherproof sealing ring, and it takes the full range of ATHENA drop-in filters, including True Color VND, True Color CPL and Black Mist. That makes it ideal for digital cinema and mirrorless cameras without built-in ND filters.
This is the difference from the standard ATHENA PL adapters. A filter slot sits between the lens and the camera, so filters drop in behind the lens instead of screwing onto the front. One set of drop-in filters covers every PL lens you mount, whatever its front diameter, and changing filters takes seconds with no matte box or step-up rings.
The Filmmaker Kit adds the two drop-in filters most cinema shooters reach for first. The True Color ND-Vario 1-5 stop filter gives you variable exposure control without a color cast, so you can hold a wide aperture and a cinematic shutter angle in bright light. The Black Mist 1/8 filter gently softens highlights and takes the digital edge off skin and specular detail. A Clear drop-in filter and a filter bag complete the kit.
The adapter is compatible with the entire PL-mount ATHENA PRIME lineup, including lenses with protruding rear elements, as well as most PL-mount lenses on the market. It supports lenses with a rear protrusion of up to 25.8mm, so check the rear element depth of non-ATHENA lenses before fitting. The drop-in filter does not obstruct rear-element movement during focusing, so focus pulls stay smooth and unobstructed.
It works with all ATHENA series drop-in filters, including True Color VND, True Color CPL, Black Mist, Allure Streak and FS ND, giving you a wide range of creative looks from one adapter.
The True Color VND and CPL drop-in filters carry a 0.8 MOD gear. Pair them with a wireless lens control motor (sold separately) and you can adjust exposure or polarization smoothly during a take, without touching the camera.
The PL-RF weighs 207 g (7.3 oz) without a filter, so it adds little weight to a gimbal or handheld rig and keeps your camera setup easy to carry and handle.
Both the front and rear mounts are made from 304 stainless steel, combining strength and corrosion resistance for dependable performance with frequent use. The durable construction is designed to withstand repeated lens changes and the demands of everyday shooting.
A sealing ring at the camera mount helps limit the entry of dust and moisture at the connection between the adapter and the camera body. It adds a layer of protection at the mounting point, so you can shoot outdoors with greater confidence.
Precision machining gives a secure, stable connection between the lens, adapter and camera, minimizing unwanted movement at the mounting points. The adapter also accounts for the change in optical path that a drop-in filter introduces, so lenses maintain infinity focus with the filter installed.
The drop-in filter sits close to the camera body. On some rigs, a camera cage, top plate or other attachment around the mount can get in the way of the filter slot and restrict inserting or removing filters.
Some cages and positive-lock mounting systems may also prevent the adapter from being fitted while a filter is installed. In many cases this is easily solved: remove the filter, mount the adapter, then slide the filter back in. We recommend checking the clearance around your camera mount before building your rig.
The NiSi ATHENA Drop-In Filter PL-RF Adapter Filmmaker Kit includes the adapter, a Clear drop-in filter, a True Color ND-Vario 1-5 stop (0.3-1.5) drop-in filter, a Black Mist 1/8 drop-in filter and a filter bag.
