Blackmagic Forum

Hi, I just received my 2.5K EH camera as well as a top handle grip and the Blackmagic handles. I am about to order the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens to use as my all-purpose lens. What major accessories do I need and would you have any recommendations for someone on a budget? I want something that is quality but affordable. Is it matte box a total necessity and would you recommend any (that would obviously have to work with the 2.5K EF) that are under $500? As far as an external mic/boom what would you recommend? Any other major must-haves? Is a shoulder mount a must-have? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! -Ian

I don't think that lens is going to work as all-purpose. You need something much wider. I would recommend the Sigma 18-35 1.8 or 17-50 2.8 OS. A matte box is not a total necessity if you buy screw-on filters.

Buy a v-mount battery and some SSDs and you can start shooting right away.

Lens never can work in every situation and This is my personal experience. I think you need something more perfect than it as "Hearnia" said you before.

Are Sigma lenses compatible with EH Mount? Also, basically my budget for lenses is $2500, so what would you suggest as far as lenses, and you mentioned it's not nearly wide enough.. What combination of lenses that are of high quality that would fit in the budget would you suggest? Someone had mentioned a wide lens, long, medium, and short to cover all the basis, but is that necessary? I'm overwhelmed as far as lenses go because there's so many different ways to go and everyone is telling me different products to try and different combinations/number of lenses to use.. Also, don't I need a matte box just to mount the filter anyway?
Thanks. -Ian

could you recommend me a good v-mount battery and SSD's to get?

There is no EH mount. I'm guessing you mean EF.

There are many threads on this forum discussing all the questions you have. Take a few minutes to read them and you have most of your answers.

Most lenses designed for can EF and EF-S DSLRs will work with the BMCC EF. Again if you do a search or browse through the treads you will find many reports on what works and what does not.

As for batteries there are many options. IBX, SWIT, etc all make good v-mount batteries.

For SSDs you are best to refer to the recommended list from Blackmagic. You can find that under the support section of the BM site.

As you seem to be struggling with the basic knowledge of lenses and how they work you might want to take a moment and watch these videos:
Part 1: Intro to lenses -
Part 2: Focal Length - vimeo.com/27556331
Part 3: Depth of Field - vimeo.com/27556482

This will help you understand what people are talking about when they say wide, long, medium, etc.

This is all explained on DSLRs. You would need to consider that the sensor on the BMCC is smaller so there is a crop factor on the field of view.