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Will the BMPCC + Lumix 12-35 be an adequate kit?
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  • Actually I'm not sure the sharpness is the problem, watching Inception as I type and its razor sharp, soft doesn't mean cinema. My opinion is the lens is, and I know this isn't technical but looks kind of dull, not glossy like Leicas and even other lumix lenses. I blame the coatings they use that takes away the glossy clearness of good glass. I could be wrong but I want to see some better footage before I risk on such an expensive lens.

  • MB pocket cinema has two options, video and cinema

  • I have high hopes for the 12-35 on the pocket cinema cam. Hopefully, there is no in-cam sharpening going on like there is on the gh2 which IMO is why the lens creates a video look on that camera. Sharpened edges has never been cinematic.

    The 12-35 has been OK for me as a utility lens (on the gh2) but it has it´s quirks which has managed to make me fuck up some stuff over time. Among other things it´s the lens that seems most prone to creating aliasing / moiré problems, maybe not surprising considering how sharp it is in itself and considering the in-cam sharpening.

    Gaussian blur is a friend in post with that one. Other than that, it is quite "neutral" and can relatively easily be corrected to fit other lenses in look.

  • That clip is ok, near the end of the better stuff I've seen BUT its been processed with some kind of cinema look plugin ie that's after really trying to look cinematic! I'm not convinced. If your renting many will like the combo I'm sure, it's the emperor new clothes of lenses as far as I can see. If you renting a kit, then a 14-42mm might be a very compact option, you could also throw a prime in like a sigma 19mm or 14mm lumix for less than a 12-35mm.

  • I'd have to agree I haven't been impressed with the 12-35 as well, but I'm not a big fan of any Pany glass. If I have to have stabilization I'll resort to it but I avoid it at all costs. Maybe the 20mm.

  • the footage I saw looked video-ish to me, but i believe it was probably the proRes and the grade

  • @jimmykorea What really sold me on the 12-35 was this video:

    though of course it's all exteriors. The color and sharpness to my eye is quite cinematic. I would just really love to see the lens perform in a cinematic context with human subjects, professional lighting, etc so I can get a better idea of how it deals with motion. Sure there have been plenty of tests of events/crowds, but the look of running and gunning is very different than if you have planned movements, controlled setting...

    I have SLR Magic primes, but I am considering this lens as an all-in-one solution, specifically to rent out to others as a package with the BMPCC at low cost. I am always wary about renting out primes to people because of the damage that can occur when changing lens or the damage to lens mounts when changing. I have insurance, but I like to minimize the risk as much as possible. Haha

  • @Conformist I have been thinking exactly the same thing. I've tried to discuss the merits of the 12-35mm but I swear it drives me crazy cause all I see is quite dull looking footage online alongside people raving about how great a lens it is. One thing I do like is that it's the widest stablized zoom so far which I think people are underestimating will be important for handheld. The o.s seems almost steadycam good too.

    This is my thinking. I would rather see what people can do with the cam if it does get a rapid mass release. Loads of people have the m4/3 lenses that are using cams like the GH2 so a flood of footage should come pretty quickly, so it's worth sitting it out. The other funny thing is I have found footage using far cheaper stabilized zooms look nicer and less clinical looking. For example even the 14-45mm cheap zoom looks great, have a look at this,

    http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=relmfu&v=kaqafBhvcb0

    Looks great to me, so I'm thinking to first get a cheap zoom to start.

    Some other thoughts. There is a new Tamron 14-150mm that has been announced at the start of the year but has yet to arrive, I have a hunch based on the brand and its e mount zoom offering that it could be an interesting all rounder that has stabilization and also might not have the lumix video look.

    Something I would also consider is that if you can having a selection of lenses can help with the video look. I mean you can use the best zoom you can find and cut it with more expressive lenses like slr magic, pancakes like the 20mm, 14mm. Also stupidly expensive but the 30-100mm lumix looks like a nice lens to have too. Another option though some have expressed issues is four third leica 14-50mm 2.8 which is probably the best looking zoom I've seen that has stabilization, but is pretty big.

    one thing I want to challenge people who keep saying how great the 12-35mm is to show some damn footage that proves this lens is as awesome as people are saying. I've seen some ok stuff but nothing that justifies the price tag and is any better than much cheaper lumix zooms that are almost as fast.

    come on show me, prove me wrong!

  • I wouldn't describe John Brawley's footage as looking video-ish

  • @evilken "works fine" meaning...?

  • It works fine on the GH2 and I'm planning to use it on the BMPCC too when it shows up. If by "video-ish" you mean sharp, then yes it is a sharp lens.