Panasonic 12-35mm 2.8 | Why I Regret It For The BMPCC 4k

[@erwinmarionneaux]

The lens is really great overall. There are times I still use it for certain situations but I honestly wish I bought the Olympus 12-40mm f2.8 instead. Does any of the things I brought up in this video bother you?

[@marketprodigyrealestate8703]

Thanks Erwin! You commented on a post on one of your old videos about how you wish you got the Olympus instead. I was really struggling on deciding on a lens and after watching that video I got the Olympus and I love it.

[@erwinmarionneaux]

I'm glad I was able to help you make the decision!

[@erwinmarionneaux]

Yea the focusing really is an issue when using it with a camera like this

[@shanekinsman1629]

Great vid, subscribed

[@cbenson76]

Good video. You talked me out of it. The focus by wire sounds like the pits. And you convinced me OIS isn't something I really need... I went with a Meike 12mm cine lens for the time being, but I'll need to find some zoom option at some stage (for the OG BMPCC). I guess Olympus? Or EF mount / Speedbooster...

[@ThongNguyen-fl9jp]

Those two sheets of paper were the best explanation of the limits of IS I've seen! So simple!

[@BillyBobDingledorf]

Started typing a similar comment and saw yours. Yes, so simple!

[@harryniedecken5321]

Absolutely

[@themediaman100]

Erwin, your point about the Lumix lens being partially corrected for Chomatic aberation and barrel distortion by the Lumix camera body, but not when used on something like the BMCC is a very valid point, and one that I had never considered until now.

[@homedepotindustrialfan936]

The two papers as a visual demonstration of the negative effects of OIS when there are large sudden movements was fantastic.

[@TopshelfJunior]

That lens, was specifically designed to be used on Lumix bodies...that also have stabilization, giving ya whole setup DUAL STABILIZATION. The GH5 and that lens, together...is AMAZING. Looks like a gimbal or steadicam. The Canon 24-105 F4 IS works way better on that BMOCC4K

[@AcholiHood]

This is a perfect video! Just had my 12-35 for the a few weeks and I can testify that everything you mentioned ring a bell

[@Shiznaft1]

I have been watching videos on youtube for a long time and your delivery method is so perfect. You provide a clear concise explanation without fluff or pointless jargon. It is also nice that you explain the reasoning that goes into your conclusions. Thanks for posting.

[@joaomestre2584]

I think the major problem with the sigma 18-35 + speedbooster combo is the softening of the edges, the chromatic aberration and the lack of IS.

[@funnygirl491]

Agree 100%

[@rodprod8522]

Everything you're saying is absolutely correct - exactly my experience of using this lens with the Blackmagic Pocket 4k!

[@SteveHolmlund]

Really excellent video with clear explanations and delivered with refreshing humility! I especially like your real-world experience with the benefits and limitations of IS and focus by wire. I have the Olympus 12-40 for my OG BMPCC but haven't had much chance to use it. I always wondered if I should have gotten the Panny 12-35 because of the IS but I've heard a lot about the 12-40's image quality and also like the manual focus clutch a lot. You've motivated me to go out and see how much distortion there is with the Oly 12-40. I also have the Oly 12-100 and will see if it's IS has the same limitations (I expect it does). Thanks!

[@YEIYO1]

Tought you were exaggerating, i got this lens and men that stabilization really is bad, if u use it all the way at 35mm is even worse, when i put all the clips on my computer at first i tought was Davinci resolve lagging but no, pretty dissapointed, i give this lens a 3/5 there are better options.

[@roadrunna.]

I almost bought it man. Thanks for taking the time to drop this. Have you done a video with your preferred lenses for bmpcc 4k?

[@oliverb.9121]

Thank you so much for this ! I had narrowed things down for me to the Olympus 12-40 and this one. The Panasonic came so highly recommended from all sides that I would have nearly bought it. So you just saved me from buying what would have been the wrong lens for me. Thank you again!

[@discorrdat]

Great information. I was just about to buy this lens for my BMPCC. The issues you pointed out would also be my concern. I will continue to do my research. Thank you Erwin.

[@VideoUpskill]

Thank you Erwin, you saved me from buying this lens. I now understand this lens is not the best fit for my style of film making rig I had in mind.

[@lovefirst6157]

This was a very great video. Everything you needed to know. You should do in depth video about the meike cine lenses.

[@erwinmarionneaux]

Thank you! I will do a video about them but I want to grab one or 2 more before I do

[@leonarddavies-garner7218]

Very well explained🙏 Just one question. I'm supposed to Film a Video that contains a lot of action. So a lot of handheld shots. I've been looking for an IS lens for my pocket 4k because while I do want the camera shake, the shake the pocket 4k gives me is just too gittery and too much. With the issue you explained in this video in mind, what would you do in my situation, because obviously a gimbal is not an option. (I don't have the money to add more to my rig than a cage and an ssd, so making it heavier also wouldn't work for me)

[@_eugenechia]

I have the same lens on a BMPCC4K. I use a neck strap to add 3rd point of contact to minimize jitters.

[@Diegesis]

Okay I'm realizing the focus by wire is the main thing that makes me irritated with this lens.

[@jakkuphotography4472]

That intro was FLAMES for real!!!!

[@erwinmarionneaux]

I appreciate it!

[@jjseandxcefree]

I have zero issues on my BMPCC og. Best lens ever for it.

[@erwinmarionneaux]

It’s a great lens! It just depends on what you need. For example, focus by wire was a major no go because you can’t have repeatable focus pulls

[@jjseandxcefree]

@@erwinmarionneaux True. But that is a "professional" requirement. 99% of those on here using these lenses and bodies are amateurs. No one is getting paid for film work here. I think people need to go out and have fun. This gear we are using is out of this world quality compared to the gear from the 80s or 90s.

[@erwinmarionneaux]

@jjseandxcefree I wouldn’t say that, a lot of my audience and a lot of the people I know who used this camera use them for professional work. Tons of people were trying to figure these things out and messaged me because it helped them make an informed decision. Fly by wire focusing can be annoying even where you’re not doing professional work. If it doesn’t apply to how you use the camera then it’s a great lens!

[@JohnRicard]

Great video. Thanks for talking at a normal pace and thank you for not adding music underneath the talking.

[@costamusica1]

How about mind that Olympus 12-40 is very sharp and non-cinematographic? Correct sharpness in post-processing?

[@erwinmarionneaux]

Promist filter

[@LuzestudioEs]

Awesome video with a lot of vital details some other people don't talk about. Specially the image stabilization border explanation. Thanks a lot

[@hubey]

You're an excellent communicator. Thank you for all the information you relayed, super helpful.

[@caesarblanko1399]

THANKS man, but how is the OIS working on a gimbal ?

[@criticalthinker1776]

Saving me money and stress EVERY time. Thank you Brother! Blessin me!

[@theamazingworldoutthere]

I have this lens with the pocket 4k and i started noticing clicking noises when open or close the aperture, and when I turn the camera on or off. This noises were not there before and i cant find any conclusive answer online. is that normal? when i skae the camera a bit it also happens.

[@cbenson76]

Great job explaining OIS and the limits it has. Thanks!

[@thejoyofwigmaking]

Really great demo bro bro 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 ppl need to see that! Make a shot ✨

[@dudepersonvids]

You brought up some really great points I hadn't been thinking about before, and I understood what you meant about image stabilization already but that was an excellent way of illustrating and explaining it!

[@fryguyshvifty5]

Wow was just about to buy this for the ois. You just saved me some money. Thanks brother!

[@bigman2626]

You are my favorite youtuber your vids are so wholesome and I aspire to be like you one day your photography astounds me and I just want you to know you are amazing :)

[@AberHangie]

Hi. Great video. Re the stabilisation, in my Lumix there is a stabilisation pan setting which overcomes the issue you described with the 2 bits of card!

[@pgtips4240]

Thank you, this video has sime really great logical information and it has made me definitely reconsider my lens choice. I currently have the sigma 18-35mm with metabones speedbooster which does work well. I have wondered if there are any other viable options for lenses that might allow me to not have to rely on a speedbooster.

[@chloescanlon1107]

Curious as to why so many other Bmpcc4k users swear by this lens though?

[@EightsEverywhere]

Is there a lens with better image stabilization for a more movement or is that how it works on all lenses with image stabilization?

[@erwinmarionneaux]

That’s pretty much how lens stabilization works. It’s really to help with photography but it does help a bit with video if you’re trying to hold the camera steady

[@D-Harm]

What lenses would you recommend for the BMPCC4K?

[@A1Bokeh]

Hey man I am looking for a lens like this but thinking about going for the olympus.

[@trevorbukowski849]

Great video! Thanks for pointing out those small details like the difference between cine primes.

[@osea142]

A bit late, but you just saved me from the same mistake, i was gonna buy thoses lenses for those exact reasons. Great content.

[@SALVATl0N]

Thanks for the iOS breakdown! That was very helpful to understanding it

[@TheophilusCarlos]

Great video. Excellent visual representations of the points you were trying to convey. You've gained a subscriber! Thank you.

[@easyyttv]

So you have shot the oly 12-40mm and none of those things are an issue? Stabilization is better, less distortion? basically the small flaws you pointed out don't exist there? What about other flaws? would be curious to hear your thoughts on why the oly is better. right now the 12-35 is on sale for like $800 and was thinking about grabbing it since I just bought the bmpcc 4k

[@erwinmarionneaux]

The Olympus lens doesn’t have stabilization and it has the distortion as well but the focus system is much better which is enough to choose it over the Panasonic. It’s not as good as a cine lens focus but it’s much better than the focus by wire that the Panasonic lens uses.

[@kadeemcvisions]

i have the GH6 and it works really good with the lens. u sed these lens on the G7 at first. i did music videos with these lens. i do get an out of focus for like 1 to 2 seconds while filming. also, the GH6 depends on contrast lighting i beleive so...the better..the more focus ill get.but i want a very good lens for videography

[@traianivanescu24]

Thank you for the video. Among the other things you mentioned, now I got why and when the image stabilization can have a negative impact for the first time. Not that I searched for it before but I'm grateful for the info you put in this video.

[@tyleradams3490]

Absolutely fantastic explanations. Thanks for the info!

[@LA3198]

Great explanation of how the lens image stabilization works.

[@RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

Fantastic job! It was great to hear your thoughts. Now I have more research to do. 😀

[@JuliaBergdoll]

can anyone PLEASE tell me what the focal length will be if I put a 25mm meike lens on a bmpcc4k since the bmpcc has a crop factor?

[@erwinmarionneaux]

47.5mm

[@JuliaBergdoll]

@@erwinmarionneaux could I please get your suggestion on this: I don't have a ton of money to spend, but I'm going to be buying the bmpcc4k soon and I can't decide if I should purchase the meike 12mm and 25mm, or only the 16 mm to meet in the middle, or 16 and 35, or as a fourth option just some other zoom lens of some kind where I effectively have a 12, 16, 25, and 25mm all in one?

[@erwinmarionneaux]

@@JuliaBergdoll I would suggest picking the lens based on the type of shooting you do. If you work in a wide range of situations where you need different focal lengths, a zoom may be more important to you. If you are in situations where you need to focus a lot, you might want to use lenses that are easier to focus (like the meike lenses). Personally if I had to choose one lens, I’d go with the meike 16mm

[@JuliaBergdoll]

@@erwinmarionneaux great point thanks this is one reason I was leaning away from two prime lenses as opposed to one zoom. would you recommend the sigma 18-35? plus the viltrox, I can't afford a metabones currently

[@JuliaBergdoll]

or just the meike 16mm and I could also purchase a viltrox and use the canon lenses I already own

[@monteestowes1245]

I think you're onto something about the issue with Panasonic IS lenses and BMPCC4K because I have the exact same issues with the Panasonic Lumix Vario G 14-42mm. It's a wonderful lens, but I absolutely hate using it. I brought it out today for an event and...ugh. I think I used it for a few minutes and got annoyed, so I swapped to my vintage lenses. I didn't even care about losing IS. And the distortion is really distracting.

[@cli23]

Great honest look at this lens. I, like so many others, assume that this is the way to go. Happy I watched your video!

[@cli23]

On that note. Would love to see your top recommendations for BMPCC4K lenses now :)

[@bryanhiltner3552]

Thank you… you saved me from a bad purchase. I don’t want to worry about weird stabilization or focus-by-wife either, too many other more important things to worry about on set

[@MaxMautner]

Super helpful, thank you for the warnings! I'm still buying, but grateful for the heads up 🙏

[@vicorjh4520]

Great description along with things to think about. I was always of the same thinking that paying the adder for IS is a good thing. Now, I understand it simply doesn't always make sense. Thanks.

[@JordanElliottMcClure]

Thank you for this video! Subscribed! ❤

[@FrugalCreator]

Good and important points to note man ! Thank you ! This helps me

[@Imvipinchoudhary]

Gr8 video, I was one step away buying the 12-35 lumix lens. Thnx

[@gerenarquero1485]

What's the best lens for blackmagic 4k. I like my video auto focus

[@erwinmarionneaux]

The camera doesn’t have continuous autofocus

[@gerenarquero1485]

@@erwinmarionneaux does it focus good when u tap on the person?

[@scotthensley269]

Is the the lumix g?

[@glennsak]

This was a great overview and saved me from buying the 12-35. Much thanks to you!

[@darrylsmith3102]

The Pocket 4 & 6k Bodies Actually DO! have Auto Focus with that lens.

[@erwinmarionneaux]

Yes but it’s not continuous. You can tap to focus but it won’t continue to keep anything in focus. So it isn’t if any use unless it’s on a tripod and nothing is moving, and I’d still prefer to manual focus so I can dial it in perfectly

[@manyalozovskaya923]

@@erwinmarionneaux that lens in preference for me, pocket 4, my first and only for now lens, for documentary film?

[@johndicksonjr2216]

Bro we spoke about this before and I'm thankful you shared this with me before my project. Afterwards, due to my curiosity I rented one (as opposed to buying it) and tested it out and the frustrations are so unreal, especially when dealing with focusing. I also agree with you that the image stabilization is not necessarily what one may think it to be. I started getting that warped effect trying to move my camera. I shoot a lot of run and gun mini doc work and boy, that was not good. Great information dude!

[@bostonpartygoer]

So which one did you end up liking the best?

[@JJ_Lawson_VFX]

Thank you for this fantastic breakdown! I've had the Meike Cine Prime set for a while and I love them, but with doing lots of solo run-and-gun shooting I definitely need a zoom lens to make it easier on the go. I'll look into the Olympus as an alternative to the Lumix. Subbed!

[@rich8037]

I've owned this very lens for several months and used it a lot, and that focusing issue does get on my nerves - mind you, I'm mostly shooting interview-type stuff where you focus once at the start of the shoot and then leave it there. All the same, it's frankly annoying. I learned photography on cameras that would shoot without a battery fitted and I'm used to the directness of old-fashioned mechanical focusing.

[@BorchOka]

Thank you sooooo much!!! Best review! Focus ring with no stop sucks a lot)))

[@travelthroughart]

Dude I was using this setup on a gimbal for some rotating shots and didn't understand those f*cking little jumps in the image. Thank you so much for explaining this! Turning off that image stabilization right now :)

[@Makta972]

Man You're so right. Olympus lensed are MUCH better than panasonic crap. You should try the Zuiko Pro Prime line. Gorgeous lenses. The stabilized 12-100 f4 is superb on a BMPCC4k for example.

[@geekazoid]

This info is super helpful and I appreciate it a lot.

[@flukybrain9393]

nice comment on the subject....nice and clear

[@daveyespo]

Excellent video Erwin. Thank you!

[@Alxndrzlkrnn]

Does the follow focus ring comes with the lens?

[@erwinmarionneaux]

No it doesn’t, it’s a rubber gear I added to it

[@artistjoh]

No other zoom for MFT is wider with IS. The IS with constant aperture f2.8 is a golden combination.

[@erwinmarionneaux]

That’s very true! It’s a great lens for some people, but as I realized the IS wasn’t worth it for me and I could get faster primes with a better image quality and ease of use, this lens was no longer worth it for me

[@artistjoh]

@@erwinmarionneaux For me, a dream MFT lens would be a 10mm f1.7 IS prime. IS is not needed for stills in ultrawides, but the manufacturers need to learn that video has changed the game, and us videographers are the only growing segment in the camera industry, and they need to think of us more when designing lenses.

[@erwinmarionneaux]

You also have to look at physics when thinking about lenses. Some combinations just aren’t possible without being super expensive or very huge. Also with just about every major brand of camera now offering full frame lineups or at least apsc, it’ll be less and less worth it for companies to develop mft lenses as we move forward. Video is a fast growing industry but it’s still much much smaller than the photography industry so continuing to creating hybrid lenses makes sense in a time where camera sales are dropping significantly because of smart phones.

[@artistjoh]

@@erwinmarionneaux we already can see the physics involved in an f1.7 10mm lens because of the 10-25mm f1.7 zoom. Experience tells us that primes are much smaller than zooms, and that IS will bulk up the girth, but not to the size of the zoom. In fact, the IS system used by Panasonic in other lenses suggests that a 10mm f1.7 would be considerably smaller than the 10-25mm zoom. In full frame systems 18 and 21mm sizes (9 and 10.5mm in MFT) are quite popular and it surprises me that both Olympus and Panasonic have avoided rectilinear primes in this range and have opted for only fisheyes and zooms. Voigtländer does make one, but their primes are expensive, heavy, and soft at wider apertures. I am sure that Panasonic could give us a lighter and sharper alternative if they wanted.

[@erwinmarionneaux]

That’s very true, but that brings you right to the main point of if it’s worth it. Panasonic using the new L mount means their lens focus will be on that for years to come. Once many of the lenses the majority of people are looking for are established, then manufacturers usually start to expand into the more unique offerings. So for a mount that’s receiving less and less attention and for a very niche lens, it just probably wouldn’t be worth the time or investment for them to make. A third party company might take it on because they can accept smaller sales but for Panasonic to do that in the beginning of the L mount is highly unlikely

[@oliverb5798]

I went thru the same experience. At the end I sold it and went with the meike's lenses.

[@chrisrichtermindset]

Bro you inspiration. Appreciate the knowledge and advice.

[@BloodSugarS3XMajik]

This is definitely one of thee top tier lenses for the MFT series. Definitely rent it and check it out. I’m a prime user, I love cinema lenses but dam time and time again, for films, music videos and client work I keep coming back to this lens. if you have a Gh series camera it shouldnt even be a question. Rent it and check it out and ull be happy u did

[@dakotacastro7596]

You're the best thank you so much for this!!

[@rodroyo]

Thank you. Your video has been very usefull.

[@overnightdelivery]

Well presented and good honest points

[@DroseMr]

Intresting. Now i know y im seein the snap.Thank You

[@markchristopher4165]

Great explanation

[@madeiramedia]

Great video, thank you for the information!

[@jackbisson9226]

This is a great video. I got the Olympus 12-40mm f2.8 because of the clutch for manual focus throw is linear. I was surprised with the lumix kit 14-42mm lens and its OIS for very short movements with handheld shooting. It made a big difference just like you said for some smooth movements become smoother and the small micro movements are really smoothed out.

[@erwinmarionneaux]

Thank you! The Olympus 12-40mm would be the more ideal lens for me!

[@rüzgarınadı]

@@erwinmarionneaux Im searching this answer thanks

[@jared_taylor]

Dude yes. Just ran into your channel on my recommended section and now I’m going to subscribe because of what you mentioned about the subtle bump on drone shots! Haha Plus I agree, when the focus by wire is exponential, it feels really bad. I have the lumix 42.5mm lens and I thought the focus style wasn’t a big deal until I got the Leica 15mm lens and it pulls focus on a more linear level.

[@erwinmarionneaux]

Haha those bumps will have me redoing the whole shot lol. And I think they should make it an option in all cameras because it’s great when you’re doing photography and it’s exponential but horrible when you’re doing video!

[@jsarahina]

is this mark 1?

[@erwinmarionneaux]

Mark 2

[@Valentino636zdm]

Nice! Thanks! Very helpfull!

[@iamdamore]

Thanks for the info

[@mike_kue]

Yesss, a new Video!

[@erwinmarionneaux]

More to come soon!

[@jsarahina]

@OfTwoLands mentioned the opposite. They showcased this lens so impressively. I also love their color grading.

[@erwinmarionneaux]

The lens is impressive! Like I said in the video, the lens is not a bad lens. I’m not saying don’t buy it, I’ve done beautiful work with it and I’ve seen many others do beautiful work with it. But the issue I point out in this video made me regret getting it because even though it was capable of doing beautiful work, it also was a pain to use for me personally. Once I started using cine primes, I realized how much smoother using the camera became.

[@GruBerry-Weddings]

The biggest Problem as you sad is the electronic Focus Gear. You cannot work seriously with a FollowFocus (manually) and even that the Gear is so hard to turn. The IS you can turn off, thats not an issue. Should someone ask me again for a standard lens for the bmpcc4k - take the olympus 12-40 f2.8

[@erwinmarionneaux]

I agree!

[@ravenshaw1514]

Mind elaborating the hurdles using an electronic gear?

[@LittlePooky]

Thank you for this.

[@ksasat]

You are right, I have this lens, it is a great lens and like the quality it produce, but the distortion is killing it so sad 😤

[@AadilDar]

Thank you for your time!

[@omnihassan246]

I totally agree about the "drone twitch" ..I see it in cinema all the time tho its crazy. just look at some of those motion picture films you'll catch quite a bit those little twitches in some of them aerial shots

[@RC-go2kl]

sometimes you have to learn on your own before you discover a preference

[@slaww666]

Good boy, thanks!

[@petrub27]

the panny is still a great lens, just not for professional work imagine an actor delivering a stellar performance, yet you screw the footages due to focus by wire it's just unacceptable but for slomo coffee making b rolls is grand

[@thetruthseeker23]

Great explanation. Thanks.

[@erwinmarionneaux]

You're welcome!

[@mackjopah8894]

You broke this down very well Bruh..thank you..btw the Lumix G 25mm f1.7 works the same way

[@tednarcotic8437]

Now I get it.

[@danielbourne9826]

Yes the focus is a complete ballache!