Lens for Martial Arts - Stills and Videos

[redelfm]

I'm planning on buying a 5D Mark III for my son, who is an upcoming martial arts stuntman. We will want to shoot stills and videos for his portfolio and demo reel, so we need some suggestions on lens.

Here is his demo reel to get an idea of what type of footage will be shot.

Noah Fleder Demo Reel 2013

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I'd pay more attention to the selection of a proper camera. DSLR video is not well suited to fast action sports where you must move the camera quickly and refocus. The only camera canon makes that will focus quickly for the type of video you are showing is the 70D, and the consensus is not fully formed for that.
Another issue is the jello effect you get when you pan the camera rapidly like you did in the sample video. Camcorder sensors are not susceptible to the jello, they use a different technology.

You might not know it, but most DSLR's are manual focus, and trying to stay in focus on a quickly moving subject is neigh impossible.

Aside from the 70D, a good camcorder is the best tool for sports.

Assuming you are getting a 70D, you might just start with the kit 18-55 STM lens. Its quite, has IS, and the 70D works well with STM lenses. Otherwise, I'd get a 17-55mm EF-S. The 24-70L is great on FF, but not wide enough for a crop body.
Also get some lighting, bright lights and a very large reflector that can light up the entire area involved in the video. You will likely need multiple units. Good lighting is expensive but your videos will look better with good lighting and a cheap lens than the other way around.