Even though you may claim to have the best camera body money can buy, odds are your investment would be useless without combining it with the perfect lens. Therefore, if you plan to take advantage of the Pocket 4K’s amazing image sensor, you’ll need to pair the camera with a decent piece of glass to obtain the highest image quality the device is capable of.
That being said, let’s explore some of the available options out there starting with a list of three recommendations suggested by filmmaker and traveler Florent from Of Two Lands.
The first lens outlined in the video is the Lumix 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS. The filmmaker considers this lens as the most versatile pick out of the three mentioned below. This claim is large in part to powerful lens features coming with the Lumix’s offering such as the excellent optical image stabilization and constant f/2.8 aperture available across the entire range.
Furthermore, the lens seems to be an extremely convenient choice for a wide variety of run-and-gun situations considering its lightweight, compact, and weather-sealed design. As great as this lens may be, though, it does have a few drawbacks too. For starters, the focus ring has a very long throw, making it somewhat difficult to get precise focus.
Plus, since the BMPCC 4K uses a Micro Four Thirds sensor, you’re full-frame equivalent viewing angle would be between 24-70mm which apparently is not ideal for capturing wide-angle shots. Nevertheless, with crystal-clear optics and proven usability features, the Lumix 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS is undoubtedly a noteworthy investment when combined with the Pocket 4K.
Lumix 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS Highlights
- Micro Four Thirds System
- 24-70mm (35mm Equivalent)
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
- Four Aspherical Elements
- One UED Element and One UHR Element
- Nano Surface Coating
- POWER Optical Image Stabilizer
- Splash, Dust, and Freezeproof Design
- Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm
The second lens featured in the video is the Canon FD 24mm f/2.8 lens. According to Florent, this prime vintage lens offers fantastic image quality and sharpness while conveying a warm, organic look with interesting looking flares. What’s even more impressive is the fact that you can find this lens for less than $100 on sites like eBay.
However, considering that this is a vintage lens, there are some limitations when using it in conjunction with the BMPCC 4K. For instance, you will need an adapter since the lens is designed for the Canon FD mounting system. Furthermore, the unit does not feature optical stabilization, making hand-held shots particularly challenging to pull off. Also, depending on the condition of the lens you buy, focusing may be a bit tricky to achieve as well.
The final lens recommended for use with the BMPCC 4K is the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 EF. This exquisite piece of glass is especially popular among filmmakers these days as it practically feels like three prime lenses in one. Moreover, its constant f/1.8 aperture is perfect for low-light filming and for shooting subjects with a very shallow depth-of-field.
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens Highlights
- Canon EF-Mount Lens/APS-C Format
- 28.8-56mm (35mm Equivalent)
- Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/16
- Four Aspherical, Five SLD Glass Elements
- Super Multi-Layer Coating
- Hyper Sonic AF Motor
- Internal Focusing and Zoom Design
- Compatible with Sigma USB Dock
Usability-wise, many folks claim that the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 Art Lens is built like a tank giving you confidence while shooting and traveling around. Also, the large focus ring provides a smooth feel for accurate and precise focus pulling.
Although this lens has garnered an impressive reputation amongst video shooters, there are several limitations worth noting. For example, just like the Canon FD 24mm f/2.8, you will need to purchase an adapter to use it with the BMPCC 4K, such as those by Metabones, which can be a hefty investment on its own.
Moreover, the bulk construction of the lens brings some extra weight making it heavier than the BMPCC 4K itself. Besides, there is no image stabilization built in as well as the 18mm focal distance may not be wide enough for some trickier situations. Nonetheless, the range of focal lengths it covers, from wide-angle to normal-length, is nicely situated for everyday and artistic shooting applications even when paired with a Micro 4/3 camera like the Pocket 4K.
[source: Of Two Lands]
Order Links:
Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 II (B&H, Amazon)
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM EF Art Lens (B&H, Amazon)
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (B&H)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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