Here are a few things to consider when choosing your next lens adapter.
Lens adapters are annoying but necessary purchases anytime you are dealing with different types of lenses and cameras. Even though it adds weight, bulk, and expense to your production, the right lens for your camera is absolutely crucial. One of the questions I had when choosing the right adapter was how it would affect my the image, so let’s take a look at what to expect.
What Are Lens Adapters?
To put it plainly, lens adapters bridge the gap from mismatched lenses so that they might fit a different type of camera. So, if you have to shoot with a Canon (EF mount) camera and use a Sony (E mount) lens, adapters make this possible. Generally, it’s better to move down from a larger format lens to a smaller format camera that can translate from full frame to APS-C and Micro Four Thirds. But overall, adapters can save you from losing precious glass when you upgrade to a different type of camera body and brand.
A notable downside to using a lens adapter is the loss of autofocus while recording video. Using auto-focus while recording video isn’t the best way to capture accurately focused shots, but if you’re vlogging or have the camera turned towards yourself, autofocus will help out a lot. Regardless, just know that autofocus isn’t as direct when you use an adapter.
Focal Reducers
There are lens adapters like the Metabones Superbooster that actually expand and increase your aperture by a stop. This improves the crop factor of your camera, whether it’s from APS-C to full frame or micro four-thirds to APS-C. The Superbooster is a viable option for improving your image, especially if you want to capture a “bigger image.” However, the Superbooster does lose tracking capabilities for autofocusing and, like I said earlier, autofocusing is the main consideration here if that’s how you’re used to shooting. Expect to pay around $500 – $600 for the Speedbooster, regardless of the type of camera you use.
Lens Adapters to Consider
As with any pre-production decision, cost is everything. However, you may not need something like the Metabones Speedbooster if your shoot doesn’t need all the benefits of such a product. For instance, the Fotodiox lens adapter lineup is filled with cheap, worthy adapters that are about 1/4 the cost of Metabones or Vello. Again, consider the brand of camera you’re using. Often, Sony, Canon, and Nikon offer their own adapters that work perfectly fine.
There are many different types and brands of adapters to consider, so think about what you’re shooting, how you shoot, and what kind of glass you actually like working with.
What are some adapters you’ve worked with in the past? Let us know in the comments.