31May Generic Canon EF to Sony NEX Smart Lens Adapter
As the release date of the Sony A7s looms large on the horizon, i’ve started looking at EF to Sony NEX lens adapters. The most obvious choice and the one I’ve had a chance to try out is the Metabones Mark III adapter. However, lately i’ve noticed that there are a few generic electronic adapters on the market.
These generic electronic adapters look pretty similar to the Metabones adapter at ruffly 1/4 of the price. You can pick up the generic version for around $95, while the Metabones Mark III adapter will set you back almost $400. Both appear to have metal adapter rings as well as a support mount, but i’m curious about the actual electronic control aspect of the unit.
I’m new to this whole Sony adapter business so I thought I’d ask for your input. Have any of you Sony users tried one of these generic adapters? Are these simply clones of the Metabones adapter? If so are they any good? Saving $300 on an adapter like this would be nice, but it really isn’t much of a benefit if the $95 model doesn’t work.
June 1st, 2014 at 12:52 am
Have done a lot of research on this and there is (as always) a mix of opinions on this one. My take away and thoughts.
Don’t cut corners on price.
Metabones is the way to go.
Cheap adapters can achieve great results (more so on long lens, rarely wide.) BUT with many caveats including consistent quality control. Hit and miss.
June 1st, 2014 at 1:51 pm
Ben, when you say cut corners, what are you referring to exactly?
When it comes to electronics, i’d say there isn’t any difference between metabones & the ebay one. (Totally different if we are talking about speed booster).
Even the metabones doesn’t guarantee AF nor IS on all the canon lens (same with 3rd party brands like Sigma, Tokina, Tamron, etc.)
For an electronic adapter, I say save yourself the money and buy the ebay one. Put the money you saved here into buying a metabones speed booster).
June 1st, 2014 at 3:22 pm
I’ve been looking at the metabones m4/3 to FD adapter. Maybe I’ll skimp on the Sony adapter for an extra speedbooster for the GH4.
June 1st, 2014 at 8:57 am
http://imgur.com/a/fpuHq
I own the same adapter from ebay (different badge).
1. All of my Canon EF lens, aperture works
2. 50/50, autofocus is slow but works [Only have NEX 5n and 5r to test]
4. 50/50, IS works fine on my L lens but iffy on USM lens [to be honest, I only own 2 IS lens]
5. Really good build quality, much better than cheaper ($20) adapters!
I think for ~100, you get a high quality adapter that allows you to change aperture on Canon lens. I would totally buy it again!
June 1st, 2014 at 8:59 am
edit, tested on Nex 5, 5n, and 5r.
June 1st, 2014 at 7:23 pm
I have used this one – works perfectly.
We’ve used it with 24-105, 300mm F4, 24-70, 85mm 1.8 with no trouble, stills and video on an A7R.
We are also buying an A7s.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Auto-Focus-AF-Canon-EOS-EF-lens-to-Sony-NEX-E-Mount-Adapter-NEX-7-A7R-Full-Frame-/171265262643?pt=US_Lens_Adapters_Mounts_Tubes&hash=item27e0348433
June 1st, 2014 at 10:01 pm
I’ve tried all the 3rd party adapters for EOS to NEX and now having the Metabone mk III version. I have Sony A7 and A7r at the moment so all the adapter is tested and heavily used.
Unless you’re looking for AF, then any 3rd party adapter will be fine. If you’re looking for AF then Metabone is the only way to go. HOWEVER, even with metabone, not all lens is working with the AF. Make sure you’re checking the metabone “test lens” page before making the purchase. I’ve seen lots and lost complains from the forum about the metabone slow AF and not AF when using lens that is not from the tested page.
June 2nd, 2014 at 7:44 am
check out this fourm discussing the same topic … they talk about the advance mode and other differences …
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53477035
June 6th, 2014 at 2:40 pm
Also it’s time to upgrade Metabones:
http://www.metabones.com/products/details/MB-EF-E-BM4
June 6th, 2014 at 2:50 pm
Looks like the only change is the size/shape of the opening. I wonder if there are any electronics differences.
June 6th, 2014 at 3:52 pm
Yes, mark IV have reduced flare and vigneting effects. I think there’s main difference between cheap ones.