Best Lens For The Blackmagic Pocket 4K
Are you looking for the best lens for the Blackmagic 4K? We look at some of the best lenses for BMPCC that you can use to try out new videos wherever you go. As a photographer with ten years of experience, I know the importance of having the right lens for the job. If you’re looking for the best lens for the Blackmagic 4K, here are a few of my favorites:
Best Lens For BMPCC 4k (Top 3 Picks)
At the time of its release, the Blackmagic Pocket 4K was a smashing success. It is the first camera in Blackmagic’s Pocket series and is a favorite among videographers and vloggers. It makes 4K quality available to the general public. Because of its slim and sleek design, you can comfortably carry it for long periods of time.
It has made it possible for countless vloggers to easily tell their stories to the rest of the world.
Surprisingly, the camera can also be used with some excellent third-party lenses. These lenses allow you to get the most out of your camera. However, because Blackmagic does not produce lenses, finding a suitable lens for the Blackmagic Pocket 4K is difficult. You must rely on lenses manufactured by Sigma and Olympus. Nonetheless, you must understand what type of lens you require based on your needs and shooting style.
That is why we have collected a list of the best lenses you can buy directly for BMPCC 4K and a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Let’s take a look at some of the best cameras available and why they’re worth your time and money.
1. Sigma Art 18-35mm 1.8
- F1.8 maximum aperture
- F16 minimum
- 72mm filter size, ring-type ultrasonic AF motor with full-time manual focusing
- The minimum focusing distance is 28 cm (11.0 in). USB Dock and MC-11 compatibility.
- Available in Canon EF (EF-S), Nikon f (DX) mounts, Sony Alpha (dot)
You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t recommend the Sigma Art 18-35mm 1.8 when researching the best lenses for Blackmagic 4k. This is not without justification. Sigma grew from a company that made low-cost versions of high-end devices to one of the leaders in lens manufacturing. Their recent track record is so outstanding that their lenses outperform the first-party-made ones. Their Art series of lenses exemplifies the brand’s high quality. The lens is quite expensive.
However, it’s clear that Sigma’s creation is worth every penny. They created a versatile lens that will last a long time. Purchasing this lens feels like purchasing three prime lenses in one zoom lens. That is the standard set by Sigma in this case.
The 18-35mm focal length spans a wide enough range to capture everything from wide-setting shots to more up-close dialogue shots. The 1.8 aperture contributes to the lens’s quiet operation in low-light situations.
If you own a Blackmagic 4K or 6K camera, this is the first lens you should add to your kit. Even its high price is justified by the versatility factor. You won’t need another lens for a long time if you have the Sigma Art 18-35mm 1.8.
2. Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8
- When crop factor is considered, 85mm and 105mm are very popular short tele focal lengths.
- Even wide open, the sharpness of this Art lens will rival primes while offering.
- Both still photographers and videographers are likely to find it appealing.
Our next option is a lens that costs a little more than $1,000, but we think that’s fine. Another installment in Sigma’s Art series. This lens, like the 18-35mm, has an equally impressive build quality. It also has the same level of image quality. With a maximum focal length of 100mm, this lens only reaches the low end of the telephoto range.
However, you should not forget that the lens holds a fast f/1.8 aperture regardless of focal length. So, this is it if you want a lens for your Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera that has a long focal length but a fast aperture. There are honestly no lenses on the market that provide this level of performance.
3. Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8
- New design and lens coating for improved performance
- 11-16mm ultra-wide focal length is perfect for shooting landscapes, nightscapes, interiors, and group shots.
- Constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 Excellent low-light performance, exceptional depth of field
- Edge-to-edge sharpness, minimal flares and ghosting, and excellent optical performance
- Internal Focus. There are no issues with lens balancing or the use of polarizing or graduated filters.
The Pocket 6K lacks continuous autofocus. It stands to reason that it is a cinema camera. This is bad news for videographers who use Gimbals because even the slightest contact with the camera or lens will cause the Gimbal to become unbalanced.
The Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 may be of interest to gimbal losers who want to use the Pocket 6K with continuous autofocus. At the moment, this is the only ultra-wide-angle zoom lens with an f/2.8 aperture. This lens line was introduced in 2010.
Tokina has released a number of updated versions of this lens due to its enduring popularity. The third installment is the best yet. Because of its ultra-wide field of view, the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 has a very short minimum focus distance.
As a result, you can use a Gimbal with this lens and move around freely without worrying about the camera losing focus.
Overall, this is the lens for you if you want an ultra-wide-angle lens for your Pocket 6K that will help you maintain autofocus without difficulty. Gimbal users will be impressed with the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 performance as well.
4. Rokinon 100mm F2.8 ED UMC
- The lens is suitable with all Fuji X interchangeable cameras and has a 16.4-degree field of view.
- It is made up of 15 glass elements organized into 12 groups and has a minimum focusing distance of only 1.0 ft.
- f/2.8 – f/32 aperture range with 9 diaphragm blades
- UMC (Ultra Multi-Coated) Glass
If you want to use your Pocket camera to take portraits and close-ups, Rokinon might have something for you. While their names may sound suspiciously similar to Canon’s, Rokinon has been producing high-quality lenses for years.
The Rokinon 100mm f2.8 ED UMC lens from the company is an excellent lens that is sure to provide an amazing experience for anyone looking to get high-quality shots out of their Blackmagic Pocket camera.
When used, the lens produces this lovely Bokeh effect due to its circular 9-blade diaphragm. It’s bound to provide videographers with a plethora of stunning and imaginative shots. The lens particularly impresses with its performance, exhibiting only minor signs of flare and ghosting. This is due to the presence of an anti-reflective ultra multi-coating.
Finally, the Rokinon 100mm f2.8 ED UMC is an excellent lens that will deliver excellent results for videographers. Because this lens lacks autofocus, you must be mindful of the length between you and the subject.
5. Panasonic Lumix G II Vario Lens, 100-300MM
- H FS100300 has been replaced by an updated Panasonic LUMIX 100 300mm zoom lens.
- 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 (1 ED), minimum focusing distance: 1.5m / 4.92feet
- Support for harsh weather conditions has been improved (Splashproof / Dustproof).
- Panasonic POWER O.I.S. is LUMIX Dual I.S. compatible. Cameras with 2.0 LUMIX mirrorless technology.
- A 240 fps linear motor allows for faster focus tracking. Diagonal Angle of View: 12° (Wide) 4.1° (Tele)
If you were dissatisfied with our previous choice’s lack of autofocus, our final option is sure to please. The Panasonic Lumix G II 100-300mm Vario lens is an intriguing choice for a Pocket camera. It works well for action shots.
It quickly acquires and retains a focus on subjects despite their speed or distance from the camera, which will please you. The 100-300mm focal length provides excellent coverage and allows you to capture the action from a great distance. Because this lens was designed for action, it is weather-sealed, splash-proof, and can be used in inclement weather.
Overall, the Panasonic Lumix G II 100-300mm is a fantastic camera for capturing action from a distance. The incredibly long focal length ensures excellent coverage, and the autofocus amuses with its speed and dependability.
6. Olympus 12mm f/2
- Fast aperture ultra-wide angle lens, focal length: 12 mm
- Maximum f/2.0 aperture, ideal for low-light photography; 7.9-inch minimum focusing distance
- A 24mm equivalent field of view is ideal for street or landscape photography.
- Snap focus ring with distance scale for manual focusing, premium metallic construction throughout
- Optional all-metal lens hood and cap are available.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of owning a micro four-thirds camera is the opportunity to experiment with pancake lenses. Panasonic and Olympus provide a plethora of excellent options in this regard. The Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 lens is an excellent example of this. However, we chose the Olympus 12mm for two reasons.
First and foremost, the 12mm is a remarkably small lens. It has a beautiful and fast f/2 aperture. You’ll get a focal length of about 36mm. Second, you can use this lens with other cameras, such as the Olympus OM-D or the Panasonic GH4).
However, when used with a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, this lens performs best.
While the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera has a basic AF system, you’ll mostly find yourself utilizing manual focus to get it just right. Slide the focus ring on the lens to activate manual focus.
Overall, one of the best lenses for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is the Olympus 12mm f/2. This is primarily due to its fast aperture, small size, and manual focus activation feature.
Things to Consider before buying your Lens
There are many different factors to consider when choosing a lens for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, such as focal length, aperture, image stabilization, weather sealing, and lens mount. It is also important to consider the shooting you will be doing, such as whether you will be shooting in low light, shooting fast-moving subjects, or shooting wide-angle or close-up shots.
Different types of lenses
There are two main types of lenses: prime lenses and zoom lenses.
Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, which means that they cannot zoom in or out. Prime lenses are typically sharper and faster than zoom lenses but are also less versatile.
Zoom lenses have a variable focal length, which means that they can zoom in and out. Zoom lenses are more versatile than prime lenses but are typically not as sharp or fast.
Lens factors to consider
When choosing a lens for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Focal length: The focal length of a lens determines how wide or narrow the field of view will be. A wider focal length will capture a wider field of view, while a narrower focal length will capture a narrower field of view.
- Aperture: The aperture of a lens determines how much light is allowed into the camera. A wider aperture will let in more light, while a narrower aperture will let in less light. A wider aperture is also useful for creating shallow depth of field, which can be used to blur the background and make the subject stand out.
- Image stabilization: Image stabilization helps to reduce camera shake, which can be especially important when shooting video handheld.
- Weather sealing: Weather sealing protects the lens from dust and moisture, which is important if you will be shooting in harsh environments.
- Lens mount: The lens mount determines which lenses are compatible with your camera. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K uses a Micro Four Thirds lens mount.
Lens recommendations for different shooting scenarios
Here are some lens recommendations for different shooting scenarios:
- Shooting video in low light: A lens with a wide aperture (f/2.8 or below) will allow in more light, which is helpful for shooting video in low light conditions. Some recommended lenses include the Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 ASPH and the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens.
- Shooting fast-moving subjects: A lens with a fast autofocus system is important for shooting fast-moving subjects. Some recommended lenses include the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO and the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH Power O.I.S.
- Shooting wide-angle shots: A wide-angle lens will allow you to capture a wider field of view, which is useful for shooting landscapes, architecture, and group shots. Some recommended lenses include the Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 9mm f/1.7 ASPH and the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO.
- Shooting close-up shots: A macro lens is necessary for shooting close-up shots of small objects. Some recommended lenses include the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens and the Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 ASPH Power O.I.S.
How Do I Choose the Best Lens for My Blackmagic Pocket 4K?
When purchasing Blackmagic pocket 4k lenses, keep the following points in mind. Some of these elements are as follows.
Focal Length
The focal length is the first thing to think about. You must decide how much coverage you require from your lens. Are you looking for a portrait, telephoto or wide-angle lens? Similarly, you must decide whether you want a prime or zoom lens.
Lenses with less than 25mm focal lengths provide the widest field of view. They are ideal for capturing a large scene or subject in all of its glory. It has a diverse collection of landscapes and architecture.
A focal length of 40-50mm is considered medium. It allows you to focus on your subject’s shoulders and head, which helps it stand out from the background. Telephoto lenses are those with a focal length of 60mm or greater. It is ideal for getting close to subjects, particularly those in the distance, and emphasizing intimate details.
Aperture
When it comes to taking beautiful photos, the aperture is also very important. The aperture allows light to enter the lens. A larger aperture allows more light to enter the lens or camera. F3.5, 2.8, or F1.8 are common aperture designations, with a larger number indicating a slower or narrower aperture.
A faster aperture, such as F1.8, is required to achieve beautiful bokeh and a shallow depth of field. A fast aperture also results in excellent low-light performance. Narrower apertures, on the other hand, produce sharper images and provide more depth of field for video.
Autofocus
Nowadays, most lenses have either ultrasonic or stepping motor autofocus. Whatever autofocus the lens has, it must be accurate and fast, especially if you are frequently photographing moving objects. Poor images and frustration will result from slow or inaccurate autofocus.
Compatibility
Finally, make sure that your lens is suitable for your Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K camera. Always ensure that the lens you are purchasing is compatible with BMPCC. You don’t have to spend money on a lens that you can’t use with your camera.
Versatility
A lens can be very expensive to purchase. As a result, you should choose a lens that can be used in a variety of situations. A 24-70mm zoom lens, in my opinion, can meet all of your needs. It can capture stunning landscapes as well as close-ups at 70mm.
Zoom lenses are masters of none and jacks of all trades. Consider a prime or specialized lens for the best image quality. However, before purchasing such a lens, consider what type of photography interests you.
We’ve arrived at the conclusion of this article. What should be noted here is that the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is an excellent video recording tool. Many professionals in various fields of videography use it. Is there, however, the best lens for the Blackmagic Pocket 4K?
There is, and there isn’t just one! As you can see, I’ve included five options in this article, but they are not the only ones that perform perfectly. All of the lenses mentioned above perform admirably when used with this camera, and they all improve their performance. Better than you believe!
I hope this article has helped you choose and even purchase the best lens for your Blackmagic Pocket 4K!
FAQs on the Best Lens for Blackmagic Pocket 4k
What types of lenses work better with the Blackmagic Pocket 4K camera?
As you can see, I mentioned a lot of lenses, all of which are of a different type. When you consider that Blackmagic Design as a brand does not have its own lenses, it may be difficult to choose. To avoid this problem, you should use a variety of lenses from well-known camera brands. Because they all fit the camera, the lenses I mentioned above would be extremely useful in this situation.
Is the Blackmagic Pocket 4k good for pictures?
This is something else you should think about! As the name implies, this camera is among the best cameras for 4K video recording. However, there is a still photo button on the side of the camera, which means you can take pictures with it as well.
But I wouldn’t recommend it because the camera performs better in videos and you might not get the photos you want. So, if you need it for videos, go ahead and get it, but keep in mind that it is nice but not ideal for photos.
Is the Blackmagic Pocket 4K camera expensive?
This camera, the Blackmagic Pocket 4K, is one of the most expensive on the market. Nonetheless, if you consider its features and speak with some professionals who use it, you will observe that everything makes sense and makes this camera extremely valuable.
Originally posted on April 5, 2023 @ 6:28 am