Are you in search of the best lens for Blackmagic Pocket 4K? We review some of the best lenses you can use with BMPCC to create stunning videos anywhere you go.
Blackmagic Pocket 4K was a smashing hit camera at the time of its release. It is the first camera in the Blackmagic’s Pocket series and is extremely popular among videographers and vloggers. It brings 4K quality within the reach of all and sundry. The slim and sleek design means you can carry it comfortably for long hours.
It has helped innumerable vloggers tell their stories to the rest of the world with the utmost ease.
Unsurprisingly, you can also use some exceptional third-party lenses with the camera. These lenses enable you to get the best of the camera. However, it is not an easy job to find a suitable lens for Blackmagic Pocket 4K because Blackmagic does not manufacture lenses. You have to rely on lenses from companies like Sigma and Olympus. Still, you need to understand what type of lens you require depending on your requirements and shooting style.
That is why we have compiled a list of the best lenses you can currently buy for BMPCC 4K. Our guide also includes a comprehensive buying guide for you to easily take the buying decision.
Our Top Pick
Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN is our top pick if you want to pick a lens in a hurry. It tops our list because of the followig features.
- Very fast F1.4 maximum aperture
- Aperture range of F1.4 to F16.
- Great performance in low light
- Beautiful background blur
- Sharper images at narrower apertures
- Micro Four Thirds system
- Weather sealing
- Robust construction
- Rounded 9-blade diaphragm
- Super multilayer coating
Best Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k Lenses
The following are some of the best lenses you can currently buy for BMPCC.
But first, here is the comparison table of best lenses for BMPCC4K.
| Image | Model Name | Comparativ Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC |
| Check Price |
 | Panasonic LUMIX G LEICA DC |
| Check Price |
 | OLYMPUS M.Zuiko 60mm F2.8 |
| Check Price |
 | Panasonic LUMIX G II Vario Lens |
| Check Price |
 | Sigma Art 18-35mm F1.8 |
| Check Price |
 | OLYMPUS M.Zuiko 12-40mm |
| Check Price |
 | Rokinon 100mm F2.8 |
| Check Price |
 | Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 |
| Check Price |
 | Panasonic Lumix 25mm F1.7 |
| Check Price |
 | Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 |
| Check Price |
1. Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN: Best Lens for Blackmagic Pocket 4K
Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN is the clear winner in our opinion. It is a versatile lens that you can use for almost every situation.
Features
The best thing about the lens is its extremely fast F1.4 aperture. It not only performs superbly in low light but also creates a fascinating background blur.
The autofocus is also quite fast with both eye and face recognition. The Micro Four Third lens also enables you to get extremely close to the subjects as well. However, you can also use it as a medium telephoto lens. Similarly, it creates beautiful portraits with great depth of field.
The maximum format size of the lens is APS-C/DX. It is equivalent to 112mm if used on a full-frame camera. The rounded 9-blade diaphragm results in sharp and crisp images besides making the bokeh effect even more captivating.
Another great thing about the lens is excellent weather sealing. You can use it in almost any condition you want. Similarly, the super multilayer coating keeps aberration and ghosting at bay.
Drawbacks
The major drawback of the lens is the lack of image stabilization. It would have been a complete lens for Blackmagic Pocket 4K if it had IS.
Major Competitor
The major competitor of Sigma 56mm F.14 DC DN is Olympus M.Zuiko 75mm F/1.8. Here is a detailed review of how these two compare against each other.
Our Verdict
Despite no image stabilization, Sigma 56mm F1.4 is still the best lens for BMPCC 4K. It is not only affordable but also has a lot of features and functions to help you take some great images and videos.
Users’ Reviews
Here is what users of this lens has to say.
I already have this lens for the Sony E mount, and it is my sharpest lens. I bought this lens for my M43 Pany G9 and it does not disappoint. Incredibly sharp lens for the MFT cameras as well.
2. Panasonic LUMIX G LEICA DC 42.5mm F1.2: Best Lens for Blackmagic Cinema Camera
Panasonic makes some of the best lenses for Blackmagic Pocket 4K and Panasonic LUMIX G LEICA DC is one of them. It is a great telephoto lens with a fixed focal length of 42.5mm.
Features
The best feature of the lens is its extremely and almost exotic F1.2 aperture. Such a larger aperture allows considerably more light to enter the lens. As a result, it creates a shallower depth of field, stunning bokeh, and delivers excellent performance indoors and in low light. It is even better than Sigma 56mm in this regard.
The stepping motor autofocus is not only fast but very accurate and fast. Movements of your subject control the internal focus and therefore, it easily and accurately tracks the subjects. It also means you can use the lens for videos without any worries. The closest focusing distance of 1.64’ is also quite impressive.
The lens has a UHR element to maintain image sharpness and an ED element for ensuring color quality. It minimizes chromatic aberration using two aspherical lenses as well.
The camera can take some excellent portraits as well as medium telephoto images thanks to the 42.5mm fixed focal length.
Another great aspect of the lens is built-in optical image stabilization that you cannot find in Sigma 56mm. It is a great help for photographers, especially while handheld shooting.
Drawbacks
The lens is quite heavy and it may be difficult for you to carry it for long hours. Similarly, it is a bit on the expensive side.
Our Verdict
All in all, Panasonic LUMIX G LEICA DC is among the best lenses for Blackmagic 4K. Optics are great and the F1.2 aperture produces a spectacular depth of field and bokeh besides performing brilliantly in low light.
Users’ Reviews
Here is what users of this lens has to say.
Awesome lens. Crazy sharp, have been able to get some really artistic shots from it.
3. OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8: Best Macro Lens for BMPCC 4K
You should consider OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 if you want to get extremely close to our subjects. It is a wonderful macro lens to use with your Blackmagic Pocket 4K camera.
Features
The lens is particularly popular among fashion, food, and photographers who shoo insects because they have to highlight even the smallest details of their products.
The maximum aperture range of F2.8 is not as fast as Sigma 56mm and Panasonic LUMIX G LEICA DC 42.5mm. Still, it is fast enough for strong performance in all light conditions. Similarly, smaller apertures are ideal for recording sharper videos.
The prime lens also has a very good focal length (60mm) for telephoto shots. Unfortunately, it lacks image stabilization but the autofocus is quite fast. The autofocus system is compatible with both the movies and the images.
It is the closest focusing distance of only 7.5” that makes it a superb macro lens. Furthermore, the lens reproduces all the details faithfully using its 13 separate elements divided into 10 groups.
The lens also has weather sealing and the overall construction is solid as well.
Drawbacks
As mentioned above, the lens doesn’t come with image stabilization. It is a big setback for people who frequently take handheld shots.
Our Verdict
OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 is an excellent macro lens for Blackmagic Pocket 4K. It is quite affordable and will help you take some sumptuous shots of smaller subjects.
Users’ Reviews
Here is what users of this lens has to say.
I bought this lens based on research and reviews and it did not disappoint. It opens a whole new level of photography.
4. Panasonic LUMIX G II Vario Lens 100-300mm: Best Telephoto Lens for Blackmagic Pocket 4K
With a variable focal length of 100-300mm, this is perhaps the best telephoto zoom lens you can use with Blackmagic Pocket 4K.
Features
The lens offers a lot of amazing features such as optical image stabilization and excellent image quality. It is also a lightweight and compact lens that you can easily carry as long as you want.
Just as the above camera is perfect for macro shots, the Panasonic LUMIX G II Vario lens is ideal for taking high-quality pictures from a distance. The adjustable focal length makes the lens suitable for wildlife, sports, and action photography where you have to take photos from afar. However, you can also use it for macro shots courtesy of the closest focusing distance of only 4.92 feet.
The focus tracking is quite fast because the lens features a 240fps linear motor.
The lens also has updated support to withstand harsh weather conditions.
The narrower aperture provides sharper images with a larger depth of field and better exposure, especially in low light.
Drawbacks
The lens performs superbly in bright light or daytime. However, the maximum aperture of f4-5.6 means the image quality is quite poor in low light or at night.
Major Competitor
Panasonic LUMIX G II Vario 100-300 doesn’t have a direct competitor. Therefore, here is the comparison article that compares Panasonic 100-300mm with its Panasonic 100-400 counterpart.
Our Verdict
Panasonic LUMIX G II Vario 100-300 is the lens for you if you want to take beautiful telephoto images with your Blackmagic Pocket 4K.
Users’ Reviews
Here is what users of this lens has to say.
Great sharp lens that is small enough to throw in a bag and not worry about the weight. With the focal range of 600mm equivalent for the price, it’s a definite win.
5. Sigma Art 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM: Among the Best Wide Angle BMPCC 4k lenses
Sigma Art 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM is an indispensable lens for Blackmagic Pocket 4K and for many reasons. It is one of the best lenses ever produced by Sigma and can help you significantly improve the quality of your photos.
Features
The lens costs less than $1000 but still has a robust construction and premium feel. It can withstand the harsh weather and stand the test of time for you.
The lens boasts an incredible focal length that not only helps you create cinematic shots and landscapes but is also ideal for portraits, snapshots, close-ups, casual shots, and stills.
Sigma Art also delivers better functionality and usability thanks to internal zooming and focusing. F1.8 maximum aperture delivers beautiful bokeh and shallow depth of field for spectacular portraits. The wide-angle lens also excels in low light as the wider aperture lets a lot of light enter the lens.
The Hyper Sonic Motor System autofocus system is lightning fast and accurate. The closest focusing distance of 11.02” enables you to get fairly close to your subjects as well.
Drawbacks
The major drawbacks of the camera are its noisy autofocus and extreme weight. The lens is even heavier than some of the cameras combined.
Our Verdict
Sigma Art 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM is the best lens for Blackmagic Pocket 4K when it comes to creating beautiful landscapes and portraits. Similarly, it is a versatile lens that you can use in many different situations.
Users’ Reviews
Here is what users of this lens has to say.
Best purchase I’ve made for my content. Definitely leveled up my videos And photos. Very clear and precise!
6. OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm: Best General Purpose Lens for BMPCC 4K
OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm is another outstanding wide-angle lens for BMPCC 4K on our list. However, it has a versatile zoom lens for you to create stunning landscapes as well as portraits.
Features
You can use the minimum focal range for creating beautiful landscapes. Similarly, the very fast F2.8 aperture enables you to shoot captivating portraits at a maximum focal range of 40mm.
The closest focusing distance at 40mm is only 2.75 inches. Therefore, you can get very closer to your subjects even if they are far away.
The lens eliminates flares and ghosting by using Zuiko Extra-Low Reflective Optical Coating. This helps you deliver beautiful videos and images especially while shooting in backlit situations or into the sun.
Another nice feature of the lens is built-in image stabilization. It allows you to take crisp images when shooting without a tripod or in low light.
The lens has a robust construction and it is dustproof, drip proof, splash proof, and freeze proof.
Drawback
The first drawback of the lens is that it is only compatible with Panasonic and Olympus cameras. Furthermore, the F2.8 aperture is not very ideal for low light shooting.
Our Verdict
OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm is a great multipurpose lens for travel and outdoor shooting. However, its features do not justify the $1000 price tag.
Users’ Reviews
Here is what users of this lens has to say.
The product is of excellent quality. Good sharpness, light weight.
What I didn’t like was that they didn’t send it to me in its original box. It will always be very important to introduce you.
7. Rokinon 100mm F2.8 ED UMC: Another Great Macro Lens for BMPCC 4K
Despite being a prime telephoto lens, Rokinon 100mm F2.8 will create decent close-ups and portraits for you as well. It offers superior image quality and a great experience for everyone who uses it.
Features
The circular 9-blade diaphragm creates a beautiful bokeh effect in the images. Similarly, the F2.8 aperture is wide enough to deliver reasonable performance in low light as well.
The anti-reflective ultra multi-coating keeps ghosting and flaring to the minimum, delivering sharp and crisp photos and videos.
The lens has a 16.4° angle of view and it is compatible with all Micro Four Thirds mounts. It has a minimum focusing distance of only 1 foot. Similarly, it consists of 15 glass elements divided into 12 groups.
Drawbacks
The lens does not have image stabilization as well autofocus. Therefore, it is more suitable for shooting stationary objects or you have to know the precise distance between the camera and the moving subject.
Our verdict
Rokinon 100mm F2.8 offers great performance for videographers. It has its shortcomings but you cannot expect much from under a $500 lens.
Users’ Reviews
Here is what users of this lens has to say.
So far I really love this lens. I put off getting a macro for awhile but after I did I was very happy with it for ring shots for weddings or commercial, and wildlife.
8. Tokina 11-16mm F2.8: One of the Best Lenses for BMPCC
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema camera doesn’t have continuous autofocus. This may be a problem for gimble users because your gimble can get out of balance even with the slightest touch to the camera. This is where Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 comes to your rescue.
Features
Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 is the only ultra wide-angle lens with an F2.8 aperture on the market. Released way back in 2010, the lens is still going strong thanks to the numerous iterations and variations introduced by the company over the years.
The minimum autofocus distance is extremely short because the lens has a very wide field of view. Therefore, elements will not fall out of focus even at F2.8. You can also control the aperture through the camera, minimizing the chances to disturb the gimble.
Secondly, a wide-angle lens is ideal for creating beautiful landscapes and covering a lot of area in your videos.
The lens also has two Super Low Dispersion Lens elements and two Aspheric Lens elements as well. It is quite sharp even at F2.8.
Drawbacks
The lens finds it difficult to focus accurately in low light. Apart from that, it is also quite heavy, very uncharacteristic of wide-angle lenses.
Our Verdict
Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 is the best lens for Blackmagic Pocket 4K for gimble users. Similarly, the overall image sharpness is great and the lens is quite affordable as well.
Users’ Reviews
Here is what users of this lens has to say.
I’ve tried other lenses and had problems with autofocus, not with this lens. Great pictures, robust build. Money well spent. I only cried once…
9. Panasonic Lumix G Lens 25mm F1.7: Best Cheap Lens for BMPCC 4K:
Panasonic Lumix G Lens 25mm F1.7 is the cheapest lens on our list. Despite its low price, it offers supreme optics and robust construction.
Features
The lens is made of polycarbonate material but doesn’t have weather sealing. The superfast F1.7 aperture is perfect for creating fabulous background blur and shallow depth of field. Similarly, it excels in low light conditions because the wider aperture allows more light to the lens.
Another great feature of the lens is the speedy and accurate autofocus. The continuous autofocus is ideal for both still and videos.
The 25mm focal length means the lens is more suitable for landscapes and videos requiring a greater field of view. However, you can use it for a variety of situations.
The overall video and audio quality is quite reasonable. You never feel you are using a cheap lens costing less than $200.
Drawbacks
Such a cheap lens is bound to have some drawbacks. The most obvious in this case is the lack of image stabilization.
Major Competitor
Here is the comparison article reviewing Panasonic Lumix 25mm F/1.7 as well as Panasonic Leica 25mm F1.4.
Our Verdict
Panasonic Lumix G Lens 25mm is the best lens for Blackmagic Pocket 4K if budget is your main concern. It costs you just $150 but offers a reasonable image and build quality.
Users’ Reviews
Here is what users of this lens has to say.
With the built-in image stabilization, I was able to take photos from across a large yard with no blur at all. The lens delivers excellent, clear pictures.
10. Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS: Among the Best Lenses for Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera
Finally, we have another Sigma lens on our list. It is a bit different from the two mentioned above. It is a standard lens and has a very versatile and good focal length.
Features
24-70mm covers almost everything ranging from landscapes to portraits and telephoto shots. You can use the minimum focal length to create amazing landscapes, the middle focal length for spectacular portraits, and the maximum focal length for capturing wildlife and sports.
The F2.8 is also one of the most widely used apertures. As compared to F1.8 or even faster apertures, it provides a perfect depth of field for recording videos. Similarly, the images are quite sharp at this aperture range. For bokeh, you can depend on the nine-blade circular diaphragm.
The HSM autofocus is also very quiet and fast, especially during video recording. Furthermore, the lens also has optical image stabilization, ensuring pristine image quality and clarity.
The lens suppresses chromatic aberration using four aspherical and three SLD elements.
Drawbacks
Some users complain about faulty autofocus such as autofocus stopping right in the middle of the photography session.
Our Verdict
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS is slightly expensive but offers perfect focal length besides providing superfast autofocus, image stabilization, and immaculate image quality.
Users’ Reviews
Here is what users of this lens has to say.
To say I’m blown away would be an understatement! This compares in sharpness to my Sigma 35 1.4 and that is an amazing piece of glass that has sharpness for days! It’s well renowned for its image quality, and this 24-70 matches up perfectly!
How to Buy the Best Lens for Blackmagic Pocket 4K?
You need to keep a few things in mind while buying Blackmagic pocket 4k lenses. Some of these factors are as under.
Focal Length
The first consideration is the focal length. You need to know how much coverage you want from your lens. Do you want a wide-angle, portrait, or telephoto lens? Similarly, you must also ascertain if you want a prime or zoom lens.
Lenses with less than 25mm focal length offer the widest field of view. They are perfect for capturing a wide scene or subject with all its glory. It is a good range of architecture and landscapes.
40-50mm is considered a medium focal length. It helps you make your subject stand out from its background by allowing you to focus on his or her shoulders and head.
60mm and above falls into the telephoto range. It is ideal for getting close to the subjects, especially those in the distance, and highlighting the intimate details.
Aperture
Aperture also plays a pivotal role when it comes to taking beautiful photos. It is the aperture that lets the light enter the lens. A wider aperture means more light enters the lens or the camera. Aperture is often denoted as F3.5, 2.8, or F1.8 where a larger number means a slower or narrower aperture.
You need a faster aperture such as F1.8 if you want to create beautiful bokeh and have a shallow depth of field. Such a fast aperture also results in an excellent performance in low light.
Narrower apertures on the other hand deliver sharper images and offer greater depth of field for videos.
Autofocus
Most lenses these days have either ultrasonic or stepping motor autofocus. Whatever autofocus the lens has, it has to be fast and accurate, especially if you frequently capture moving objects. Slow or inaccurate autofocus will only result in poor images and sheer frustration.
Compatibility
Finally, your lens should be compatible with your Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K camera. Always check whether or not the lens you are buying works with BMPCC or not. You don’t need to waste money on a lens that you cannot mount on your camera.
Versatility
Investing in a lens can cost you a lot of money. Therefore, you should go for a versatile lens that you can use in a variety of situations. In my opinion, a 24-70mm zoom lens can meet all your requirements. It can shoot amazing landscapes all the way to spectacular close-ups at 70mm.
Zoom lenses are jack of all trades but masters of none. For optimal image quality, you must consider a prime or specialized lens. However, do figure out what kind of photography appeals you before buying such a lens.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What lens can I use with Blackmagic 4K?
You can use the following lenses with Blackmagic 4K.
- Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN
- Panasonic LUMIX G LEICA DC 42.5mm F1.2
- OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8
- Panasonic LUMIX G II Vario Lens 100-300mm
- Sigma Art 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM
- OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm
- Rokinon 100mm F2.8 ED UMC
- Tokina 11-16mm F2.8
- Panasonic Lumix G Lens 25mm F1.7
- Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS
2. What lens mount does BMPCC 4K use?
MBPCC uses an MFT lens mount. The camera features a resolution of 4096 x 2160 and a 4/3 image sensor. As a result, you can capture great quality images with a high dynamic range.
3. Can you use Canon lenses on Blackmagic Pocket 4K?
Blackmagic Pocket 4K uses an extremely flexible MFT mount. You can use EF, C, PL, and many different types of lenses using an adapter. Therefore, you can technically use Canon lenses with Blackmagic Pocket 4K.
4. Do you need a lens for Blackmagic 4K?
It depends on your requirements and shooting style. Blackmagic Pocket 4K takes beautiful images and records stunning videos. But – you can use a lens to further complement its performance. Similarly, you may need to use a lens with good autofocus because the camera’s built-in autofocus doesn’t have subject tracking features.
Final Thoughts
With this, we conclude our guide to the best lens for Blackmagic Pocket 4K. By now, you must know that you can easily find the best lenses for BMPCC 4K. Out of them, you need to choose the one that meets your particular requirements, matches your shooting style, and falls within your budget as well.
Rest assured, all the lenses on our list do a wonderful job of enhancing Blackmagic Pocket 4K’s performance.