As we continue to talk about the Pocket 6K Pro from Blackmagic we need to move beyond just rigging them up with all sorts of accessories. We need to talk about glass. The lenses you select for your kit are going to have the largest impact on the overall versatility and quality of the camera. Featuring a Canon EF mount does mean there are plenty to choose from.
That choice is sometimes a problem, as you have to sort through numerous options to find what works best. In this case, Epic Light Media has done some of the research in finding some of the best stabilized lenses for use with the Pocket 6K Pro.
The Pocket series is great, but none of them have ever had in-body stabilization. It’s been a huge advantage for mirrorless since it helps smooth out shaky video on any lens. Since the Pocket 6K doesn’t have it you can benefit greatly from IS in the lens.
Looking at what is the de facto standard of run-and-gun setups we have the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM. It’s pretty great, except for the fact that light transmission drops off as you zoom in. That constant f/4 isn’t exactly constant for exposure.
A little cheaper is the Sigma 24-105mm. It’s a little heavier and telescopes out a bit farther. Stabilization is very good though and it doesn’t have a huge loss of light as you zoom in. The downside is that it isn’t as parfocal as the Canon offering—the focus shifts on the Sigma as you zoom.
Image Credit: Sigma
If we shorten the focal length range a tad we have some 24-70mm f/2.8 options. The first to check out are the Sigma and Tamron. Having an f/2.8 aperture and IS is a rarity. Both work very well and seem relatively parfocal. These are good if you need the faster aperture, perhaps for indoor use.
Looking wider, there are the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 and Canon 16-35mm f/4L. The obvious comparison point is in the aperture – Tamron is faster. Interestingly, in terms of actual brightness that one stop difference isn’t as huge as it sounds on paper. They do perform similarly in optical quality, though.
Image Credit: Tamron
The final point is that the Canon lens is about half the weight and can work with normal screw-on filters. Maybe not a dealbreaker since the Pocket 6K Pro has built-in ND filters.
Throwing a curveball into this list, Epic Light Media is recommending a couple of lenses without image stabilization. That’s because they are unique. They are the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 and the Laowa 12mm. The Sigma is impressively fast at f/1.8 even though it is a zoom. The 12mm is simply super wide and has practically no distortion. Being wider the lack of IS is not a dealbreaker.
Image Credit: Laowa
Going to the other end of the spectrum is the super tele zoom that is the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3. It’s large, stabilized, and gives a solid zoom range. If you are looking for some serious range this is a fun, affordable option.
More everyday range for telephoto optics would lead you to the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L. This lens is amazing and one of Canon’s best with the IS being incredible. Just get it if you want a tele zoom.
As for the winner? For these guys, it’s the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8. The aperture, range, size, and just all-around quality makes it one of the favorites in their kit. Can’t go wrong with all that.
[source: Epic Light Media]
Order Links:
- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro (B&H, Amazon, Adorama)
- Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens (B&H, Amazon, Adorama)
- Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens (B&H, Amazon, Adorama)
- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens (B&H, Amazon, Adorama)
- Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens (B&H, Amazon, Adorama)
- Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens (B&H, Amazon, Adorama)
- Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens (B&H, Amazon, Adorama)
- Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens (B&H, Amazon, Adorama)
- Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Lens (B&H, Amazon, Adorama)
- Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens (B&H, Amazon, Adorama)
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens (B&H, Amazon, Adorama)
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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