Top Filmmaking Gear of 2025: Cameras, Lenses, and Accessories to Consider for 2026

Of Two Lands

Introduction to Essential Filmmaking Gear [0:00:00]

The presenter introduces a selection of his favorite and most useful filmmaking gear from the past 12 months [2025], emphasizing items that have made a significant difference. The video covers both previously featured and new gear.

1. Blackmagic Pyxis 12K [0:00:41]

• This camera was highlighted as one of the most talked-about cameras of the year.
  • It offers impressive image quality, dynamic range, and resolution.
  • Frame rate options contribute to its versatility.
  • The presenter considers it a culmination of Blackmagic's cinema camera advancements.
• Practical usage:
  • Used on diverse projects including documentary, spec yard, outdoor, and commercial shoots over five months.
  • Praised for its power and flexibility compared to the Pixie 6K.

    

2. Tenba Cineluxe Backpack 24 [0:01:20]

• Described as one of the most useful pieces of kit, significantly changing how gear is packed, carried, and stored.
• Design and functionality:
  • Features a "doctor-style" opening, allowing users to keep their kit fully built up for quick deployment.
  • Super sturdy and protective, ideal for travel and shoots.
• Personal experience:
  • Upgraded from the 21 shoulder version to the 24 backpack to accommodate larger rigs and for hiking/on-location shoots.

3. Thypoch M2L Adapter [0:02:05]

• Addresses the need to adapt Simera C lenses (E or M mount) for use with Blackmagic cameras (L mount).
• Adapter features:
  • Super light and well-made.
  • Includes an active and safety lock for secure attachment.
  • Creates a very compact filmmaking setup when combined with the already small Simera C lenses.

4. Sirui Iron Star Anamorphic Lenses [0:03:05]

• These anamorphic lenses surprisingly impressed the presenter, despite him not frequently shooting anamorphic content.
• Performance:
  • Delivered excellent results across various scenes, from city streets to landscapes and outdoor content.
  • Captured some of the presenter's favorite frames ever.
• Recommendation: Highly recommended for those looking to acquire their first anamorphic lenses.

5. Nisi Aureus Cine Primes [0:03:42]

• Praised for punching above their weight in image quality, aesthetics, and especially build quality.
• Key attributes:
  • Considered the nicest spherical lenses used this year in terms of shooting experience and overall quality.
  • Small and light for full-frame cine primes, yet cover a 46mm image circle with a T1.4 aperture.
• Collaborative use:
  • Utilized for a 3-day portrait piece with a collaborator on both the Ursa 12K LF and Pyxis 12K, yielding impressive results.

6. Murage Talos Damping Magic Arm [0:04:22]

• Identified as a very sturdy and useful accessory, standing out from cheaper, unreliable magic arms.
• Build and versatility:
  • Very well-made and ridiculously strong.
  • Can be used in many different ways with multiple available adapters.
  • Suitable for mounting monitors, small cameras, lights, and other accessories.

7. Mac Studio (M4 Max) [0:04:58]

• An essential tool for editing high-resolution video and photo work.
• Specifications:
  • M4 Max chip with 64 GB of RAM and a 2 TB SSD.
• Performance:
  • Capable of editing 8K videos and playing back 12K or even 17K files in real-time.
• Value: Described as expensive but definitely worth the investment for demanding daily workflows.

8. Blackmagic Ursa Cine 12K LF [0:05:29]

• Touted as a workhorse camera, equipped with everything needed in a camera body.
• Features:
  • Incredible image quality and huge 12K resolution.
  • 16 stops of dynamic range.
  • Internal ND filters and impressive frame rates.
  • A plethora of connections.
• Field experience:
  • Extremely reliable and enjoyable to use on several multi-day projects.
  • The sensor and image quality are among the presenter's favorites.
• Versatility: Recommended for productions of all sizes, from small to large, as well as for freelance and solo shooters.

9. DZo Vespid 2 Cine Lenses [0:06:08]

• Described as "go-to lenses" for their reliability across virtually any project.
• Characteristics:
  • Offer a great look, are small, fast, and cover large sensors.
  • Nicely priced for their capabilities.
• Adaptability:
  • Can be integrated into large rigs or mounted on small gimbals, adding significant flexibility.
• Usage: Successfully used on specat-style projects with Pixie 6K, Cinema Camera 6K, and Ursa 12K LF to capture favorite images.

10. Blackmagic Ursa Cine 17K [0:06:53]

• A unique and "absolutely insane" large-format cinema camera.
• Sensor capabilities:
  • The sensor is its standout feature, offering incredible resolution and depth.
  • Provides a digital shooting experience comparable to IMAX-style formats.
• Global impact:
  • Opens up numerous possibilities for filmmakers worldwide.
• Personal experience:
  • Had the opportunity to use it in Iceland and the French Alps, finding it to be an "absolute beast."
  • Considered an insane camera to rent or own for its price point.

11. Sirui Vision Primes [0:07:37]

• Included for their incredible value proposition.
• Core attributes:
  • Small, fast, and light with great image quality.
  • Offered at a very affordable price.
• Recommendation: Highly suggested for owners of mirrorless mount cameras seeking a new set of lenses.
• Personal enjoyment: The presenter enjoys the look and shooting experience these lenses provide in various scenarios.

Final Thoughts on Gear's Impact [0:08:10]

• Acknowledges that gear isn't everything, but certain items can significantly enhance production and post-production.
• Benefits of quality gear:
  • Can elevate style and overall project quality.
  • Opens new filming opportunities and creative avenues.
  • Reinforces that exploring camera gear is inherently enjoyable.