The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K was something of a sleeper hit. It’s a camera built for videography. It has a slick and slim design which makes it compact, easy to use, and carry around. Have you ever considered, what’s the best lens for BMPCC?
As its name suggests, the camera can shoot in 4K and the footage it produces is seriously great looking.
Like any other camera, to get the most out of it, you’ll have to invest in lenses. This brings with it a plethora of questions.
More so than with Canon cameras. Blackmagic isn’t a lens manufacturer so you’ll have to rely on third-party support.
Olympus and Sigma are the leaders of this race. But even then you’ll need to know what types of lens you need to get.
Therefore, we decided to compile a guide on the best lenses for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K.
We’re going to list some of the best lenses you can buy. We’ll also mention some things you’ll want to consider before buying a lens for your Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K.
Best Lens For BMPCC (Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera)
Let’s check out some of the best cameras on the market and why they’re worth your time and money.
1. Sigma Art 18-35mm 1.8
You’ll be hard-pressed to look up the best lenses for the 4K without finding at least one person recommending the Sigma Art 18-35mm 1.8.
This is not without a good reason. Sigma shot up from a company making budget versions of premium devices to one of the leaders of lens manufacturing.
Their track record in recent times is so impressive that their lenses beat the first party-made ones.
Their Art series of lenses is a perfect example of the brand’s high quality. The lens boasts a hefty price tag.
However, it’s easy to see where Sigma’s creation deserves each penny. They made a versatile lens that will stay with you for a long time.
Buying this lens feels like getting three prime lenses in a single zoom lens. That’s the benchmark set by Sigma here.
The 18-35mm focal length covers a range-wide enough to get you anything from super wide establishing shots to more intimate dialogue shots.
The 1.8 aperture helps keep the lens quiet in low-light situations.
If you own a Blackmagic 4K or 6K this is the lens you’ll need first in your kit. Even its hefty price justifies buying for the versatility factor.
With the Sigma Art 18-35mm 1.8, you won’t need another lens for a long, long time.
- F1.8 maximum aperture
- F16 minimum
- Ring-type ultrasonic-type AF motor with full-time manual focusing, 72mm filter size
- Minimum focusing distance 28 cm/ 11.0 in. USB Dock compatible, MC-11 compatible.
- Available in Canon EF (EF-S), Sony Alpha (dot), Nikon f (DX) mounts
2. Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8
Our next choice is a lens that goes a bit over the 1000 mark but we think that’s fine. Another release in Sigma’s Art series.
Much like the 18-35mm, this lens offers an equally impressive build quality. It’s also just as sharp in terms of image quality.
Going up all the way to 100mm, this lens only reaches the low end of a telephoto.
However, you have to keep in mind that the lens maintains a fast f/1.8 aperture regardless of where you are on the focal range.
So if you want a lens for your Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera that offers a high focal length but maintains a fast aperture this is the one for you.
There are simply no lenses that offer this kind of performance on the market.
- Covering three very popular short tele focal lengths when crop factor is considered 85mm, 105mm, and...
- As an Art lens, the sharpness, even wide open, will rival primes while offering .
- expected to be widely popular with both still photographers and videographers
- English (Publication Language)
3. Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8
The Pocket 6K does not offer continuous autofocus. It makes sense it’s a cinema camera. This is bad news for videographers using Gimbals since the slightest touch to the camera or lens will imbalance the Gimbal.
For all gimbal losers who want to use the Pocket 6K with continuous autofocus, the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 might be of interest.
Currently, this lens is the sole ultra-wide-angle zoom lens at an f/2.8 speed. This line of lenses was released back in 2010.
Thanks to its undying popularity, this lens has received a number of updated releases by Tokina. The third release is the best yet.
Thanks to the ultra-wide field of view, the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 you’ll only have to deal with a very short minimum focus distance.
For this reason, you can use a Gimbal with this lens and have no problem moving around with no worries about the camera losing focus.
Overall, if you’re looking for an ultra-wide-angle lens for your Pocket 6K that’ll help you maintain autofocus without any hassle, this is for you.
Gimbal enthusiasts should also be pleased with the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 performance.
- New design & lens coating for better perfromances
BEST LENS FOR BMPCC
What Is The BMPCC?
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is a professional, yet affordable cinema camera that has been designed to be small and lightweight. It weighs only 1.4lbs and measures 4″x 5.75″ x 2″.
The BMPCC features a 13MP sensor with 1080p resolution at up to 60fps (frames per second) in 10-bit raw or compressed video formats of either Apple ProRes 422 HQ or Avid DNxHD 175X for easy editing on the go with no need for additional hardware like an external recorder.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is perfect for filmmaking professionals who are looking for a more portable solution without sacrificing quality, power, or control over their footage.
4. Rokinon 100mm F2.8 ED UMC
If you’re looking to use your Pocket camera for taking portraits and shooting close-ups, Rokinon may have something in store for you.
While their names may sound like a deceptively Canon soundalike, Rokinon has actually been releasing quality glass for years.
The company’s Rokinon 100mm f2.8 ED UMC is an excellent lens that’s bound to offer an amazing experience for anyone looking into getting high-quality shots out of their Blackmagic Pocket camera.
Thanks to the circular 9-blade diaphragm, the lens offers this beautiful Bokeh effect when using it. It’s bound to grant videographers plenty of beautiful and creative shots.
The lens especially surprises with its performance, giving only the slightest signs of flare and ghosting. This is thanks to an anti-reflective ultra multi-coating.
In closing, the Rokinon 100mm f2.8 ED UMC is an excellent lens that’s guaranteed to deliver great results for videographers.
Just be mindful of the distance between you and the subject since this lens has no autofocus.
- Compatible with all Fuji X interchangeable cameras and features a 16.4 degree angle of view
- Constructed of 15 Glass Elements in 12 Groups and boasts a minimum focusing distance of only 1.0 ft.
- Aperture range of f/2.8 - f/32 with 9 diaphragm blades
- Ultra Multi-Coated (UMC) Glass
5. Panasonic Lumix G II Vario Lens, 100-300MM
If you’re disappointed by our last choice’s lack of autofocus, our last is sure to satisfy. The Panasonic Lumix G II 100-300mm Vario lens is an interesting lens to use with a Pocket camera. It’s great for action shots.
You’ll be happy to know that it quickly obtains and maintains focus on subjects regardless of their speed and distance from the camera.
Thanks to the 100-300mm focal length you’ll have great coverage and be able to capture the action from a great distance.
Since this lens was built for action, it’s accordingly weather-sealed, splash proof and can be relied upon in harsh weather.
All in all, the Panasonic Lumix G II 100-300mm is an excellent camera for shooting action from a distance.
The amazingly wide focal length guarantees amazing coverage and the autofocus impresses with its speed and reliability.
- Updated Panasonic LUMIX 100 300mm zoom lens replaces H FS100300
- 100 300mm F4.0 5.6 (1 ED), closest Focusing Distance : 1.5m / 4.92feet
- Upgraded support for harsh weather conditions (Splash proof / Dustproof)
- Panasonic POWER O.I.S. compatible with LUMIX Dual I.S. 2.0 LUMIX Mirror less cameras.
- Faster focus tracking via a 240 fps linear motor.Diagonal Angle of View:12°(Wide) 4.1°(Tele)
6. Olympus 12mm f/2
One of the fun things about owning a micro four-thirds camera is that you get to dabble in the world of pancake lenses.
Panasonic and Olympus offer plenty of great choices in this regard. The Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 is a great example of this. However, we went with the Olympus 12mm for 2 reasons.
First of all, the 12mm is an incredibly compact lens. It has a lovely and fast f/2 aperture.
You’ll get about 36mm focal length. Secondly, you can use this lens with other bodies like the Olympus OM-D or Panasonic’s GH4).
However, this lens offers the best performance when used with a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera.
While you can use the basic AF system on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, you’ll mostly find yourself using manual focus to get it just right.
You can activate manual focus by sliding the focus ring on the lens.
The Olympus 12mm f/2 is one of the best lenses to get for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera.
This is mainly thanks to its fast aperture, compact design, and manual focus activation feature.
- Ultra-wide angle fast aperture lens,Focal Length : 12 mm
- Maximum f/2.0 aperture, great for low-light shooting, Minimum focusing distance : 7.9 inches
- 24mm equivalent field of view great for street shots or landscapes
- Premium metallic construction throughout, Snap focus ring with distance scale for manual focusing
- Special all metal lens hood and cap optionally available
BEST LENS FOR BMPCC
Advantages of Using The BMPCC
• Allows for higher quality cinema film results.
• Records 4K digital footage in Cinema DNG Raw format.
• Unique three lens design featuring a Super 35mm sensor with 4K capture abilities.
• Includes unique features like Black and White mode, RAW recording, and ProRes recording.
7. Voigtlander Nokton 17.5mm f/0.95
The Voigtlander Nokton 17.5mm f/0.95 is an extraordinary lens that combines ultra-wide angle with an exceptionally fast aperture.
This lens is a dream for filmmakers and photographers using the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (BMPCC), providing a cinematic look with its shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh.
The f/0.95 aperture allows for shooting in extremely low light conditions, offering unparalleled creative freedom.
The lens’s build quality is exceptional, with a solid metal construction and smooth manual focus ring that provides a tactile and precise focusing experience.
The image quality is sharp, with minimal distortion, making it ideal for wide-angle shots that require clarity and detail.
For BMPCC users looking for a lens that excels in both low-light and wide-angle scenarios, the Voigtlander Nokton 17.5mm f/0.95 is a top-tier choice.
8. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a versatile and high-performing lens that is a staple in the kit of many professional photographers and filmmakers.
Its compatibility with the BMPCC, via an adapter, opens up a world of possibilities, offering exceptional image quality and versatility.
The 24-70mm zoom range covers a broad spectrum of shooting scenarios, from wide landscapes to intimate portraits.
The constant f/2.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and depth of field control. The lens is renowned for its sharpness and clarity, delivering crisp images with beautiful color rendition.
Its ultrasonic motor (USM) ensures fast and silent autofocus, which is essential for video work.
The build quality is rugged and durable, capable of withstanding the rigors of professional use.
For BMPCC users who need a reliable, versatile lens for a wide range of video and photography applications, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is an exceptional choice.
9. Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 lens is a perfect match for the BMPCC, offering Micro Four Thirds compatibility and a versatile zoom range.
This lens is a workhorse for filmmakers and photographers, providing a constant f/2.8 aperture that excels in various lighting conditions.
The 12-40mm focal length is ideal for capturing everything from wide-angle landscapes to mid-range portraits.
The lens’s optical design ensures sharp, clear images with minimal distortion and chromatic aberrations.
It’s also equipped with a manual focus clutch, allowing for quick and precise focus adjustments – a crucial feature for video work.
The build quality is solid and weather-sealed, making it a reliable option for outdoor shoots.
For BMPCC users looking for a versatile, high-quality zoom lens, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 is an excellent choice.
10. SLR Magic MicroPrime CINE 25mm T1.5
The SLR Magic MicroPrime CINE 25mm T1.5 is a cinematic lens that brings a professional quality to BMPCC users.
Designed specifically for filmmakers, this lens offers a T1.5 aperture, providing exceptional performance in low light and enabling a cinematic depth of field.
The 25mm focal length is ideal for general-purpose filmmaking, offering a natural perspective that mimics the human eye.
The lens’s cine-style design includes geared focus and aperture rings, allowing for smooth operation with follow focus systems.
The image quality is crisp and cinematic, with beautiful bokeh and color rendition. Its solid build and compact size make it a great choice for handheld and gimbal work.
The SLR Magic MicroPrime CINE 25mm T1.5 is a top pick for BMPCC filmmakers seeking a high-quality prime lens that delivers both in performance and cinematic aesthetics.
11. Meike 12mm T2.2 Cine Lens
The Meike 12mm T2.2 Cine Lens is a wide-angle lens designed for filmmakers using the BMPCC.
This lens offers a broad field of view, ideal for capturing expansive scenes and adding a dynamic perspective to your footage.
The T2.2 aperture allows for good low-light performance and depth of field control, essential for creating cinematic looks.
The lens’s optical design ensures sharpness and clarity, with minimal distortion – a key factor in wide-angle lenses. Its cine-style features include a geared focus ring for smooth and precise focusing, a crucial aspect for video production.
The build quality is robust, making it a durable option for the demanding environments of film production.
For BMPCC users looking for a wide-angle cine lens that combines quality and practicality, the Meike 12mm T2.2 Cine Lens is an excellent option.
Best Lens For BMPCC – Buying Considerations
Let’s take a look at the pointers you need to take into account when investing in a lens for the Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera.
Focal Length
How much coverage do you want your lens to do? Ask yourself this before you buy a lens. The focal length is measured in Millimeters.
The bigger the number the smaller the physical space a lens can cover.
Don’t be afraid to get lost in all the numbers, you can usually categorize the focal lengths in certain ranges.
Lenses that are 25mm or are somewhere in this ballpark have the widest coverage. You can capture scenery in full or a body within a physical space.
This is a good focal length for those shooting landscapes or architecture.
42.5mm or so is what we’d call medium range. For cinematographers, this is what they’d use for a medium shot or a medium close-up.
Speaking of which, here’s our video guide to the close-up shot:
You can capture the head and shoulders of your subject. This is good for making a subject stand out in a frame.
Finally, we have a 60/70mm focal length. This is perfect for shooting close-ups. You can focus on the intimate details of your subject.
Things like facial features or the finer details of an inanimate object really stand out in this focal length.
Aperture
Aperture tells you how fast a lens is. It also lets you know the amount of light allowed into the lens. Aperture is measured in f-numbers like f/3.5 or f/4.
The larger numbers indicate a slower aperture. The smaller the number, the more light a lens can take in and the better it performs in low-light situations.
So yes, the bigger the F-number the slower the camera will be.
Usually, lens kits will have apertures around f5.6. This is simply too slow and will make your shooting experience less than optimal.
You’ll notice that most of our lenses range at 1.8, this offers the fastest and best performance especially, in low-light conditions.
Versatility
Lenses can be costly so it seems like a sound idea to get all-purpose lenses that can cover a wide range of focal lengths.
Something like 24-70mm zoom can do a lot at once. It can shoot close-ups and all the way up to wide-angles.
This is a good beginner’s lens. However, one thing you’ll notice as you use these lenses is the hit in quality they take.
Because these lenses have to cover such a wide focal range, they can’t really perform exceptionally well in all of them because they’re not optimized to a fixed or minimal range.
In other words, they are jacks of all trades, masters of none.
Therefore, once you figure out what type of videography you’d like to do or even when you use multiple angles for your shots, it’s better to pick specialized lenses with smaller or fixed ranges.
These offer a much sharper image quality because they have fewer fish to fry.
Best Lens For Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera – Wrapping up
This concludes our guide on the best lens for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera.
Hopefully, now you have a better idea of what lenses to get and what is the best lens for BMPCC.
Remember that picking lenses is less about how much they cost and more about what they do.
And, also, remember to consider the kind of project and use case you might have for a particular lens.
First, make sure that they are compatible with your Blackmagic Pocket camera. Read the type of mount and make sure it goes with your camera.
Second, ensure that you’re getting the focal range that best suits your shooting style.
Finally, make sure that the aperture has a smaller number so that you know that the lens is fast.
So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself a lens to mount on your Blackmagic Pocket camera and start experimenting and getting the most out of that wonderful body!
We hope this article has informed your buying decision when it comes to the best lens for BMPCC.
Did this guide covering everything you needed to know about lenses on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera? Let us know in the comments just below here!
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nice collection of lens, i am going to choose one from your suggestion for sure.
Thanks, Robert.