So it really works! The video on top shows how Canon EF lenses autofocus works on NEX cameras thanks to an adapter made by a Chinese company. UPDATE: I have been told that this is just a prototype version of an adapter that will be sold in a few months. Right now there is an “older” version for sale with aperture control but no AF control at [shoplink 14445 ebay]eBay Hong Kong (Click here)[/shoplink].
64 Responses
Is there one for Nikon with autofocus ?
So, it hunts like hell and took hours to focus.. Yeah that’s the adapter we should buy!
Have you seen the LA-EA1 focus?
Expect anything different? 😛
+1
It will probably work better on NEX-5R ad NEX-6 with on-sensor PDAF. And even better with Canon STM lenses. Finally somebody hired an EE. If only Cosina and SLRMagic did the same.
The focus accuracy and speed doesn’t seems too impressive. But still… at least I can use my 17-55/2.8?
Do you know if there are full frame adapters, that would work with Canon EF lenses and the VG900? This one seems to be APS-C size only
The adapter is about the communication between the lens and the body. It has nothing to do with the coverage. The VG900 will communicate the same with the adapter and the lens because it is a NEX-EOS communications matter and not APSC or FF or anything else.
In theory, it should work no problems.
If you look at the image on ebay, the size of the “hole” is just small, so I think its not full frame, or am I still wrong?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/110956618385?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_fspt%3D1%26LH_CAds%3D%26_udlo%3D%26_sadis%3D%26_sop%3D12%26_sacat%3D%26_fpos%3D%26_mPrRngCbx%3D1%26_udhi%3D%26_nkw%3D110956618385%26_rdc%3D1
Well, the lens in the video IS Canon 50mm f/1.8 which is obviously a fullframe EF lens.
how about flange distance? it has equal width to la-ea3 which allows to use fullframe a-mount lenses?
Flange distance is the same for canon FF and APS-C lenses. Otherwise how would you use a FF lens on a crop canon body? Adapter has nothing to do with coverage.
I see what you mean. Well…limited design. Unlucky for you my friend. I have no idea what other adapters can do what this one can.
For stray light control, it should limit the field to APS-C because the NEX sensors (for now) are APS-C.
Thanks! probably it’s a question of time for one to be developed to be usable on the vg 900 or other full frame e-mount camera
the AF speed is probably in line with the EA1 (i.e. pretty poor). Sony has only been able to offer decent AF using the SLT mirror on the EA2 adapter.
Anyway I don’t see any reason to look at this negatively, it’s a huge boon to get those canon lenses working and who knows maybe with future bodies featuring phase detect on the imaging sensors they’ll be able to hugely improve the AF via firmware.
And the other good thing about the LA-EA2 is you don’t have to press that photo button every time you want to autofocus. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice step forward, but what we really need is something with phase detection autofocus with a translucent mirror. I’m interested to know how fast the VG-900 autofocuses in 24p mode with the phase detection on the sensor. In other words, how much better is the hybrid phase/contrast system vs. just the LA-EA2 mirror?
@godsakes, a firmware update to improve AF would be great but this is Sony so I’m not holding my breath. They will just release new camera and expect everyone to bin their current one!!
I meant a firmware update on the adapters (assuming that’s even possible) on a future nex body with on sensor phase detect
But yes I agree sony doesn’t have a particularly good history of supporting old products
Screw auto-focus, so long as it gives me precise aperture-control and exposure readings.
Its probably as fast as the Canon EOS M, well judging by the video its faster 😀
lol 😀
I wouldn’t be surprised if the same manufacturer would be behind both of these.
The video shows the adapter on older NEX models without PDAF sensors so I expect this to be a lot better on the new models..
sorry but I don’t think the new sensor would work on Canon lens. Not even all Sony/Minolta lenses are supported.
What about IS?
it is hunting a LOT!!!!
By the way, I’ve noticed that the NEX-VG20 will not autofocus when pressing the photo button while the camera is recording (video mode). Pressing the photo button to autofocus definitely works while the VG10 is recording, but not the VG20, so be aware.
So now mtabones has some competition… good!!
Speed doesn’t depend by the adapter I think.
LOL, the EOS M hunts a lot too…..
EOS-M is superior! Canon is better than Sony. Sony needs to catch up.
where is the EOS-M superior? name only one if you can
It’s first when you put the 2 names in alphabetical order. There for, canon wins.
I’m very happy with manual focus and manual aperture…to the point where I’m selling my Canon cameras and lenses. I pined for the Metabones adapter for a while but EF lenses are just too big and heavy for use on the NEX cameras in my view.
And at 77 I use Canon lenses???
I just placed an order!
This could be real interesting.
Admin, thanks!
Better wait for a v2 or v3…
I have a feeling it will have a lot of room to move down in terms of pricing.
This opens up the huge line of Canon lenses for NEX user. I like to see the performance of Canon 85mm f/1.8 on Sony…
More important for Sony is that it opens the Nex for Canon users 😉 so they can finally have a nice compact secondary body with them..
*nods* It’s more important for potential Canon EOS-M users then anyone else. I hardly can imagine anyone buying Canon glass with very slow AF when they can have Zeiss or Sony G glass with nearly DSLR-quality AF.
One thing haunts me since the announcement of the NEX-6/5R and hybrid contracst/phase detection AF on those cameras. Do you think these kind of adapters (and also LA-EA1) will work with the fast AF of the new line of cameras?
cheers
The Rear Black inner Frame part looks terrible rough unfinished on ebay
They could have used a better lens to demonstrate it! The nifty fifty is one of the worst lenses on Canon bodies for contrast detect, none of them are great because they weren’t designed for it but the USM lenses are the best for contrast af on canon bodies so would probably be better with this adapter too.
They probably wanted a lens with externally visible focusing process to prove their point. 🙂 Either way, this gets me thinking; ultimately I could get a NEX as a backup for my Canon body – with lots of good native E mount glass available as well – after all, and skip the M.
Please be aware that the eBay links didn’t mention about AF. As I know, the AF version are still in beta, which were limited to 50 and sold out already (on taobao.com). You probablely won’t get AF by buying through those two eBay links.
And the beta adapter is working fine with most of lenses. If you don’t mind use google translate, here you can find those reports: http://forum.xitek.com/thread-1037390-1-1-1.html . The really exciting news is the new autofocus Contax G adapter is coming soon:)
It should be more excited to create m4/3 to NEX AF /aperture adapter. But of course, it is even more crazy to make a device in 1.2mm thickness. lol
+9000
m4/3 lenses will never go on NEX or Canon bodies, they are made for smaller sensors…
Don’t say so. I have do some silly test to see how large is the image circle. M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 can cover APS-C entirely. 75mm f/1.8 is also able to cover, but should be hold it to center carefully. I just wonder may be Panasnoic 25mm f/1.4 able to cover the sensor. There is a m4/3 to NEX Adapter already but only the manual focus Voigtlander Lenses can be used on this because there is no need to have electronic contact with the camera. If somebody can make some handle to connect the gears inside the lenses, that’s possible to make it focus and control the aperture.
Who cares about AF? MP-E power
Well done! Accuracy is important, speed, no. If you want speed, get the native lenses. Good to begin with, hopefully the accuracy would improve over time. Then do the same for Nikon, Contax….Could be a very good business.
Mark my words: this and the VG900 is a fundamental change for the photography market. Mounts will be irrelevant.
why?
An adapter for Canon EF to Sony NEX is nice, but how about Canon EF to Sony Alpha?
Can’t be done. There is not enough space.
Yet another reason to support a fullframe mirrorless.
Isn’t it interesting how this is coming out soon?:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/883406-REG/Canon_6098b002_EF_M_Lens_Adapter_Kit.html
It seems like a hybrid of the above canon lens adapter and the LA-EA1 (or at least based on the same technology-maybe reversed engineered.)
Hello admin and all,
This adapter is still in trial version. They have invited more than 50 volunteers in the biggest photography forum in China to help them to test its compatibility and performance.
Well, the “company”, is really not a company. The prototype has been designed and implemented by only one person. We should always know how hard it was. The progress is rather slow. So please allow him for time.
From what I have read in that forum post, here comes some good news. The first good news is, IS is supported by this adapter. The second good news is, Nikon G version will be developed right after EOS version.
So if you appreciate his heart and idea, you may purchase one to support him. If you want more mature product, you may wait until next generation comes out.
Thank you.
Is it just me or is that a Nex with a Canon lens on a Nikon strap. lol~
anyway, the initial stages, it’s good to see that it’s working. the next step would be refinement. once it’s hit that stage, it’ll be darn cool. looking for investors? 😉
Maybe Kai from Digital Rev is helping them LOL!
The designer of this adaptor is from Guangzhou(Canton for those who don’t know where it is), there is an ongoing thread in xitek.com about his project, this adaptor is far from finished, I believe the one on ebay may be one of the early prototype he gave away to testers. For everyone’s interest, he is also working on a AF NEX adaptor for Contax G lens.
Did some on know if the current version can be upgraded to the AF version when the firmware is backed?
Autofocus not working.
Well, this is the “old” version. The new version made by a well-respected Chinese adaptor company Yineng, has already hit the shelves on Oct. 10th.
The adaptor was made by a Chinese enthusiast and has gone through extensive testing by his fellow forumists on Xitek.com since July. It allows all electronical funcions of an Canon EF mount lens, most of the Sigma and Tamron EF mount lens, but does not support AF on Tamron made EF mount lenses. The adapter is being mass-produced by 2 Chinese companies, one being the one shown in the video, the other being Yineng made, with much better build and sells for us$285.