NiSi

NiSi NIC-C5-STARTER Cinema Matte Box Starter Kit

3.0 (4 reviews)

A lightweight, clamp-on dual-stage matte box system built from aluminum and carbon fiber for vignette-free cinema filtration down to 15mm.

$219.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The NiSi Cinema C5 Matte Box Starter Kit is designed for cinematographers and videographers who need professional light control without the weight and complexity of traditional rail-mounted systems. Its clamp-on design attaches directly to lenses with a 95mm outer diameter, and the included adapter rings for 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, and 82mm threaded lenses make it compatible with a wide range of cinema and photography glass. Constructed from a blend of aluminum and carbon fiber, the entire unit weighs just 350 grams — light enough to use on gimbals, drones, and handheld rigs without significantly affecting balance or causing operator fatigue during extended shoots.

The C5 features a versatile dual-stage filter system with a top drop-in slot for 4x4 (100x100mm) filters and a side-loading slot for 4x5.65 filters, both accepting filters up to 4mm thick. This allows filmmakers to combine filtration — for instance, running a 4x5.65 ND in the side slot while adding a polarizer in the top slot. The precision-engineered design ensures zero vignetting on full-frame lenses as wide as 15mm, and integrated wind-reducing side slots help maintain stable filter performance in outdoor and aerial environments. The starter kit comes complete with the matte box body, top flag, one filter tray per slot, all four adapter rings, and a protective carrying pouch, providing everything needed to start shooting immediately — with the option to expand into NiSi's VND and CPL filters as your filtration needs grow.

Key Features

LENS COMPATIBILITY SIMPLIFIED: The Nisi VND C5 clamp-on matte box starter kit supports lenses with a 95mm outer diameter, eliminating rail setups. Adapters for 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, and 82mm lenses expand versatility, seamlessly integrating with 4x5.65 ND filters and a wide range of setups. Designed for professionals using Nisi ND filters, this camera matte box pairs functionality with adaptability, fitting in any cinema box workflow.

DUAL STAGE DESIGN: The NiSi Matte Box C5 starter kit features a versatile 2-stage system with a top drop-in slot for a 4x4 (100x100mm) filter and a side slot for a 4x5.65 filter. Compatible with filters up to 4mm thick, it includes one filter tray for each slot. Enhance your creative control with seamless integration of a NiSi VND or 4x5.65 ND filter, making this camera matte box ideal for professionals using a NiSi filter kit or cinema box setups.

LIGHTWEIGHT PROTECTION DESIGN: Crafted with a blend of aluminum and carbon fiber, the NISI VND matte box starter kit weighs just 350g, providing a lightweight yet robust solution for professionals. Integrated wind-reducing side slots ensure stable performance, making it ideal for gimbals and aerial platforms. Compatible with 4x5.65 filters and NiSi variable ND filters, this camera matte box is an essential tool for cinematic precision and versatility.

FLAWLESS WIDE ANGLE CLARITY: The NiSi C5 Matte Box Starter Kit offers a precision-engineered design for seamless integration with 4x5.65 ND filters, ensuring zero vignetting on lenses as wide as 15mm full-frame equivalent. Its versatile 4x4" slot accommodates optional NiSi VND and CPL filters (sold separately), providing enhanced creative control. A must-have for professional filmmakers seeking a reliable matte box system.

ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION: The NiSi filter kit is a comprehensive camera matte box system designed for professional videography. This mattebox includes a holder, top flag, 4x5.65 filter trays, and a protective pouch. It features adapter rings for lenses with 67, 72, 77, and 82mm threads, ensuring compatibility. Ideal for use with a NiSi variable ND filter or 4x5.65 ND filter, it’s a must-have for any filmmaker needing a versatile matte box ND filter system.

Specifications

Brand
NiSi
Model
NIC-C5-STARTER
Mount Type
Clamp-on (95mm outer diameter)
Filter Stages
2 (1x 4x4, 1x 4x5.65)
Max Filter Thickness
4mm
Included Adapter Rings
67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm
Minimum Wide-Angle Coverage
15mm (full-frame equivalent, no vignetting)
Construction
Aluminum and carbon fiber
Weight
350g
Kit Includes
Matte box holder, top flag, 2 filter trays, 4 adapter rings, protective pouch

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Clamp-on design mounts directly to the lens without requiring rails or rods, simplifying setup
  • Aluminum and carbon fiber construction keeps total weight to just 350 grams for gimbal and drone compatibility
  • Dual-stage filter system accommodates both 4x4 and 4x5.65 filters simultaneously for layered creative control
  • No vignetting on lenses as wide as 15mm full-frame equivalent
  • Includes four adapter rings (67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm) for broad lens compatibility out of the box

👎 Cons

  • VND and CPL filters must be purchased separately, adding to the total system cost
  • Maximum lens outer diameter of 95mm means some larger cinema lenses may not be compatible without additional adapters
  • Only two filter stages, which may be limiting compared to three-stage matte boxes for complex lighting scenarios
  • Clamp-on mount may not be as rigid as a rod-mounted matte box under heavy filter loads

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the NiSi C5 uses a clamp-on design that attaches directly to lenses with a 95mm outer diameter, eliminating the need for a rod or rail setup. Adapter rings are included for 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, and 82mm threaded lenses.
The C5 features two filter stages — a top drop-in slot for 4x4 (100x100mm) filters and a side slot for 4x5.65 filters. Both slots accommodate filters up to 4mm thick.
No, the C5 is precision-engineered to produce zero vignetting on lenses as wide as 15mm full-frame equivalent, making it suitable for wide-angle cinematography.
No, the starter kit includes the matte box holder, top flag, two filter trays, adapter rings (67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm), and a protective pouch. VND and CPL filters are sold separately.
Yes, at just 350 grams the C5 is lightweight enough for use on gimbals and aerial platforms, and its integrated wind-reducing side slots help maintain stable performance in outdoor conditions.