You can switch from a Canon DSLR to a Sony mirrorless camera without tossing your lenses. Use a Canon EF lens to Sony E-mount adapter.
Sony offers excellent mirrorless cameras. Since the a7 launch in 2013, Sony has made a name for itself for high-performing cameras.
They’re lighter and smaller than a DSLR. Also, Sony has better quality photos, autofocus performance, and style.
Making the switch from a Canon DSLR means you’ll have incompatible lenses.
Before selling or giving them away, consider keeping them. All you need is a Canon EF lens to Sony E-mount camera adapter.
The following is your complete guide to using an adapter and the best choices.
What’s a lens adapter?
A lens adapter allows you to combine cameras and lenses that are incompatible.
It’s an excellent way to switch camera brands without reinvesting in new lenses.
A lens adapter sits between a camera and a lens. Some allow for electronic communication, while others lack the ability.
With electronic communication, you can use autoexposure and autofocus.
A mechanical adapter means you’ll use manual mode to control the functions.
An adapter introduces another factor that can go wrong. Also, performance can be lacking.
Lens adapters are best when shooting still and slow-moving subjects. If you need speed, use a native lens.
How lens adapters affect photo quality
Most lens adapters don’t have glass. So they won’t affect image quality.
You’ll lose quality when there’s another element between the lens and the camera.
Aside from optics, problems with autofocus and continuous tracking may lead to blurry photos.
So, ensure the lens adapter is compatible and buy a quality one.
The best Canon EF lens to Sony E-Mount adapters
Canon has high-quality lenses that capture beautiful images. When switching to a Sony camera, you can keep your Canon lenses.
What you need is a Canon EF lens to Sony E-mount adapter. The following are the best options.
Metabones Smart Adapter
Metabones offers the original and most popular Canon EF lens to Sony E-mount adapter.
The T Smart Adapter supports autofocus, auto-exposure, and image stabilization. It also retains EXIF data.
While the lens adapter works well, it’s the most expensive option.
You can buy older versions of the T Smart Adapter, but the latest one works the best. They’re cheaper at the expense of quality.
The Metabones lens adapter also gets firmware updates that make it perform better. It’s an edge that most other lens adapters lack.
Sigma MC-11 Mount Converter
The Sigma MC-11 Mount Converter is ideal if you have Sigma lenses for a Canon DSLR.
You can transfer the lenses to your Sony E-mount camera with the adapter.
It allows you to use all the native autofocus functions. It also supports automatic exposure and retains EXIF data.
Another benefit is the ability to use in-camera correction features and image stabilization.
Remember, the MC-11 Converter works best with Sigma EF lenses. But you may be able to use some Canon lenses.
Vello Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Sony E-Mount Camera Auto Lens Adapter
Vello offers a Canon EF lens to Sony E-mount adapter for $99. It’s a popular and inexpensive choice.
The lens adapter works well most of the time. But, autofocus struggles with fast-moving subjects.
The Vello lens adapter has a durable build and supports native lens functions.
Commlite High Speed Electronic Autofocus Lens Mount Adapter for Canon EF/EF-S Mount Lens to Sony E-Mount Camera
The Commlite Canon EF lens to Sony E-mount adapter offers electronic communication.
It supports autofocus and auto-exposure. It feels like the native lens.
The autofocus works fast, but it can stop functioning at times. The lens adapter gets firmware updates to improve its performance.
FotodioX Pro Fusion Plus Smart AF Adapter for Canon EF Lens to Sony E-Mount Camera
The FotodioX Pro Fusion Plus Smart AF Adapter is one of the more inexpensive options.
It supports autofocus, image stabilization, and EXIF data. Also, the adapter gets firmware updates.
It works well but lacks compatibility with some Canon EF lenses. Aside from not working with some lenses, it’s a good budget option.
The lens adapter also has a removable tripod mount, supporting heavier lenses.
Sony cameras with the E-mount system
Sony has two lens mount systems, A and E. The A-mount is for DSLR cameras, and the E-mount is for mirrorless cameras.
The following are Sony cameras with the E-mount lens system:
- a1
- a7
- a7 II
- a7 III
- a7 IV
- a7C
- a7R IIIA
- a7R IVA
- a7R V
- a7S III
- a9 II
- a6000
- a6100
- a6300
- a6400
- a6500
- a6600
- ZV-E10
Sony offers APS-C and full-frame cameras with the E-mount lens system.
If you’re making the switch from Canon, keep your EF lenses.
You can use an adapter to capture excellent photos with your new Sony E-mount camera.
Conclusion
Canon EF lenses can work on Sony E-mount cameras with an adapter.
It’s an excellent way to keep your high-quality lenses without investing in new ones.
The most popular and best-performing ones are from Metabones and Sigma.
But the best Canon EF lens to Sony E-mount adapter depends on your budget and needs.
Related: The Best Lightroom Export Settings for Instagram
Featured photo courtesy of Adorama.
About David Em
David Em is the founder of Portraits Refined. He’s a published portrait photographer dedicated to helping photographers develop skills, capture incredible photos, and build successful businesses.