Sony a7RII Canon EF Smart Adapter Tests

Published: September 9, 2015

Sony a7RII Canon Smart Adapter Test Canon EF 1200mm

Earlier this summer I posted my Canon EF Smart Adapter Guide for Sony E-Mount Cameras for Sony a7, a7R, a7S, a7II, a6000, a5100, a5000 and NEX mirrorless cameras, but Sony a7RII‘s 399-point PDAF and 25-pont Contrast AF system completely changes the game.

Last week I jumped on a plane and headed to B&H Photo for two days to test every Canon EF lens I could get my hands on. Here are my updated tests for the Sony a7RII using these Canon smart adapters:

Metabones Canon EF to Sony E-Mount Smart Adapter IV ($399)

I tested both my original Metabones Smart Adapter IV and the new Metabones T Smart Adapter IV, both running fw 0.41. As stated on the Metabones website, the new T adapter has better anti-reflective interior coatings, but AF performance was identical will EVERY lens I tested (at least this offered a larger sample size). So if you have the original Smart Adapter IV and you’re happy with the anti-reflective capabilities, there is absolutely no AF performance gain by upgrading. If you’re buying new, make sure you get the latest T version.

Metabones-Smart-Adapter-IV-T
Metabones Smart Adapter IV and Metabones T Smart Adapter IV

UPDATE: (5/10/17) Metabones T Smart Adapter V is now available (click here). It uses the same firmware as Smart Adapter IV, but with enhanced physical design.

I also tested a pair of the most popular $100 Canon smart adapters. Unlike Metabones, firmware updates are not possible with either of these adapters – so what you buy is what you get.

Fotodiox AF Adapter for Canon EF to Sony E-Mount ($100)

This smart adapter is my suggestion in the $100 category. While lacks user-updateable firmware port and takes a less sophisticated approach to Image Stabilization than Metabones Smart Adapter IV – it packs a lot of punch for the price.

Viltrox Auto-focus Canon EF to Sony E-Mount Adapter II ($100)

The Viltrox was my original $100 recommendation, but it appears to be running older firmware than Fotodiox. I had to re-tighten the lens mount screws several times over the course of each day and its AF is buggier and completely craps out with certain lenses.

Fotodiox-Vitrox-Canon-Smart-Adapters
Fotodiox AF Adapter for Canon EF to Sony E-Mount and Viltrox AF Canon EF to Sony E-Mount Adapter II

UPDATE: (5/10/17) Unlike Metabones, neither of these adapters support firmware updates, but Fotodiox has released an updated version of their Canon EF to Sony E-Mount Adapter (click here)

Electronic Functions

Unless otherwise specified, these Smart Adapters provide electronic aperture control, record the lens metadata, and transmit focal length to SteadyShot.

Focus Speed

Sony a7RII offers much faster AF with the Canon lenses than the previous Sony a7 Series cameras.

Focus Modes

AF-C and AF-S are compatible

Focus Areas

Wide, Center and Flexible Spot Focus Areas are compatible

AF System Selection using Canon Smart Adapters

This is actually the most important new setting on Sony a7RII cameras. It allows users to select between 399-point Phase Detection AF or 25-point Contrast AF when using Canon smart adapters.

Menu > Custom Settings > AF System

Sony a7RII Menu Settings

The Phase Detection AF setting allows you to shoot in continuous AF-C mode with choices of Wide, Center or Flexible Spot Focus Areas. I’ve tested both AF-C and AF-S with a wide range of Sony A-mount lenses using Canon smart adapters and in all my tests I found best performance was achieved using the default setting of Phase Detection AF.

Please note that Face Detection works when compatible Canon EF-Mount lenses are used with a Canon smart adapters, but Eye-AF and Center Lock-On AF are not compatible. While the performance of many Canon EF lenses is greatly improved on a7RII, you still get the best performance and most AF features using native FE lenses.

Image Stabilization with Sony a7 Mark II Cameras

Metabones is you best choice when using Canon EF Image Stabilized lenses on Sony a7RII. UPDATE: (5/10/17) Metabones T Smart Adapter V is now available. It runs the same firmware as IV, but with enhanced physical design. Metabones Smart Adapter IV firmware 0.41 (or later) addresses Image Stabilized Canon EF lenses. With this update, users can use the lens IS switch to choose between using lens-based optical Image Stabilization and Sony a7 Mark II Series IBIS:

• If the lens IS switch is ON, lens-based optical IS is used and camera IBIS is turned off automatically.
• If the lens IS switch is OFF, the a7II camera-based IBIS takes over image stabilization.
• To turn off all IS, hold down the WO button on the adapter while switching the lens”™ IS OFF.

I found that Fotodiox and Viltrox can over-compensated for image shake. I found that both camera and lens appear to adjust Pitch + Yaw when Canon IS lenses have IS switched on and when IS on the lens is switched off neither the camera and lens apply image stabilization. Essentially you get double or nothing.

Firmware on the Fotodiox and Viltrox adapters is not user-updateable. As a result, I recommend that anyone who plans to use Canon IS lenses on Sony a7II, a7RII or a7SII cameras stick to Metabones.

Please note that in-lens IS or VC pulls needed power from the adaptor, so the trick is to switch IS or VC OFF and allow the a7 Mark II SteadyShot to do the work. (This is not the case with E-mount OSS lenses – go ahead and turn OSS on)

Video AF Performance

These tests represent AF results for still photography mode. Video AF will not match these results because unlike E-mount lenses which are designed to perform well in both Still and video, DSLR lenses are not designed for video AF.

TESTING NOTES

Smart adapters are a lot like vintage sports cars. They can run great but you simply have to expect a bit of bugginess. In the course testing there were times smart adapters don’t make proper electronic contact. If they did not make contact on first try, I remounted the adapter at least two more times.

For consistency, all testing was done under interior lighting, which is a nice midpoint between full daylight and dimmer-than-a-coal-mine.

Here’s a look at how Canon EF-mount lenses perform on Sony a7RII using the camera’s on-sensor Phase Detection AF system with Metabones, Fotodiox and Viltrox Canon smart adapters:

CANON EF PRIMES

Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot

Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot

Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot

Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot

Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot

Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot

PLEASE NOTE: By default Sony cameras display 1/3 stops but F1.2 is a half stop. When the next lens is wide open, F1.3 will be displayed even though you”™re actually shooting at F1.2. If this bugs and you really NEED it to say ONE POINT TWO, do this:
1. Set the EV dial is set to Zero
2. Change this setting: Menu > Camera Settings > Exposure Step > 0.5 EV

Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Moderate speed PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens (Version 3)

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens (Version 2)

Metabones (FW 0.47): Slow but accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1x-5x Macro Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual focus lens – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual focus lens – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus lens – but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Sony a7RII Canon Smart Adapter Test
Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1x-5x Macro is just the ticket when you need to get really close.

PLEASE NOTE: By default Sony cameras display 1/3 stops but F1.2 is a half stop. When the next two lenses are wide open, F1.3 will be displayed even though you”™re actually shooting at F1.2. If this bugs and you really NEED it to say ONE POINT TWO, do this:
1. Set the EV dial is set to Zero
2. Change this setting: Menu > Camera Settings > Exposure Step > 0.5 EV

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 (version I)

Metabones (FW 0.47): HUGE IMPROVEMENT! Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot with FW 0.47!!! Whoa!!!
Fotodiox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 II

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: PDAF struggles but Slow Contrast AF-S is possible
Viltrox: PDAF struggles but Slow Contrast AF-S is possible

Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: PDAF struggles but Very Slow Contrast AF-S is possible
Viltrox: PDAF struggles but Very Slow Contrast AF-S is possible

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47):Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: PDAF misfocuses but Very Slow Contrast AF-S is possible
Viltrox: PDAF misfocuses but Very Slow Contrast AF-S is possible

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: PDAF hunts but won’t lock, but Slow Contrast AF-S possible
Viltrox: PDAF hunts but won’t lock, but Slow Contrast AF-S possible

Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): AF is virtually impossible but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: AF is virtually impossible but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: AF is virtually impossible but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L USM Lens (Version 1)

Metabones (FW 0.47): HUGE IMPROVEMENT! Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot with FW 0.47!!! Whoa!!!
Fotodiox: PDAF hunts but won’t lock, but Slow Contrast AF-S possible
Viltrox: PDAF hunts but won’t lock, but Slow Contrast AF-S possible

Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: PDAF hunts but won’t lock, but Very Slow Contrast AF-S possible

Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L USM Lens (version 1)

Metabones (FW 0.47): HUGE IMPROVEMENT! Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot with FW 0.47!!! Whoa!!!
Fotodiox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: No Electronic Contact or AF
Viltrox: No Electronic Contact or AF
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Not Yet Tested
Viltrox: Not Yet Tested
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Very slow yet accurate PDAF AF-S but much too slow for AF-C

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Slow yet accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.41): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6L IS USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.41): Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII – but are you really gonna handhold this 36-pound monster?

CANON TILT/SHIFT

Canon Tilt/Shift lenses are all designed for manual focus only and no AF adapter will change that. But electronic functions like aperture control are supported and lens data is recorded in metadata.

Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L Tilt-Shift

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual Focus lens – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual Focus lens – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual Focus lens – but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual Focus lens – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual Focus lens – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual Focus lens – but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual Focus lens – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual Focus lens – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual Focus lens – but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual Focus lens – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual Focus lens – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual Focus lens – but adapter provides electronic aperture control

CANON EF ZOOMS

Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range

Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Lens (Version 1)

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot

Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Slow to Acceptable PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Slow to Acceptable PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Slow to Acceptable PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Focus hunts with PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range but is accuate when it locks
Viltrox: Focus hunts with PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range but is accuate when it locks
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII. Image jumps severly when focusing, so I do NOT recommend this lens for video.

Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM Lens (Push/Pull lens)

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Lens (Version 1)

Metabones (FW 0.47): Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Painfully Slooooooow AF
Viltrox: Painfully Slooooooow AF
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
NOTES: Fotodiox is a bit slower than the other adapters

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens (Black lens)

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: PDAF struggles at all focal lengths
Viltrox: PDAF struggles at all focal lengths
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII. This lens makes a loud mechanical sound while focusing.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens (Gray lens)

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Slow PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens (Green Stripe)

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and Accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S up to 200mm but struggles above 200mm
Fotodiox: Good PDAF AF-C and AF-S up to 200mm but struggles above 200mm
Viltrox: Good PDAF AF-C and AF-S up to 200mm but struggles above 200mm
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Good PDAF AF-C and AF-S across the full focal range
Fotodiox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S up to 300mm but struggles above 300mm
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Lens with Internal 1.4x Extender

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S without 1.4 Extender – but slow PDAF using 1.4x over 350mm
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S without 1.4 Extender – but slow PDAF using 1.4x
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S without 1.4 Extender – but slow PDAF using 1.4x
Notes: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

CANON EFS LENSES (APS)

Canon EFS lenses are APS format with a very hard vignette edge making them suitable for Sony APS cameras like a6300, a6000, a5100, a5000 and NEX – but will only cover APS and Super 35 crop mode on a7-series cameras.

Sony E-Mount Canon Smart Adapter Test shows a hard edge vignette with Canon EFS lenses
Fullframe crop shows a hard edge vignette with Canon EFS lenses.

Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF to 45mm then PDAF struggles but Contrast AF is possible
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF to 45mm then PDAF struggles but Contrast AF is possible
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF to 45mm then PDAF struggles but Contrast AF is possible
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Slow to Good but accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S to 50mm then only Contrast AF-S
Fotodiox: Slow to Good but accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S to 50mm then only Contrast AF-S
Viltrox: Slow to Good but accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S to 50mm then only Contrast AF-S
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range

Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

CANON TELECONVERTERS

Canon EF Extenders transmit electronic functions with all three Smart Adapters but with the accompanying light loss you may also lose AF with certain lenses.

Canon Extender EF 1.4x III + Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range

Canon Extender EF 1.4x III + Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Slow but accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Slow but accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range

Canon Extender EF 1.4x III + Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Slow but accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Slow but accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range

Canon Extender EF 1.4x III + Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Not Tested
Viltrox: Not Tested

Canon Extender EF 1.4x III + Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM

Metabones (FW 0.47): Slow but accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Slow but accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Slow but accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot

Canon Extender EF 2x III + Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Slow but accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Slow but accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range

Canon Extender EF 2x III + Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM

Metabones (FW 0.47): Slow but accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Manual focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Canon Extender EF 2x III + Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

Metabones (FW 0.47): Slow but accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Manual focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Canon Extender EF 2x III + Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Slow but accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Not Tested
Viltrox: Not Tested

Canon Extender EF 2x III + Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM

Metabones (FW 0.47): Painfully SLOW AF is possible but not recommended
Fotodiox: Painfully SLOW AF is possible but not recommended
Viltrox: Painfully SLOW AF is possible but not recommended

THIRD-PARTY CANON EF-MOUNT LENSES

Quoting from Metabones (FW 0.47): website:

“Only Canon-branded lenses introduced in or after 2006 are officially supported. Autofocus may be disabled for older Canon lenses and most third-party lenses, including most Sigma, Tamron and Tokina lenses and all Contax N lenses modified by Conurus.”

SIGMA EF PRIMES

Sony a7RII Canon Smart Adapter Test Sigma 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye Lens for Canon EF

Sigma 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot

Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across center third of frame
Fotodiox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot

Sigma 24mm f/1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF Macro for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Good-Fast speed and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Sigma 28mm f/1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF Macro for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across center third of frame
Fotodiox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: I could not make electrical contact after repeated tries with this lens and adapter

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot

Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Manual focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens For Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII. AF occassionally stalled with Fotodiox and Viltrox.

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S (slower at extreme close-up)
Fotodiox: AF hunts and misfocuses – stick to Manual Focus
Viltrox: Very slow PDAF AF-S is possible but much too slow for AF-stick to Manual Focus

Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: AF hunts but will not lock – stick to Manual Focus
Viltrox: AF hunts but will not lock – stick to Manual Focus

Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Manual focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Sigma 500mm f/4.5 EX DG APO HSM Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Very Slow PDAF AF-S is possible but much too slow for AF-C
Fotodiox: Manual focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Sigma 800mm f/5.6 EX DG APO HSM Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Slow but accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Manual Focus Only
Viltrox: Not Yet Tested
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

SIGMA EF ZOOM LENSES

Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 DG HSM II Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range

Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Sigma 24-105mm F/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Good-Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S in center third of frame
Fotodiox: Misfocuses with both PDAF and Contrast AF – stick to Manual Focus only
Viltrox: Slow Contrast AF-S across entire focal range
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across center third of frame
Fotodiox: Manual focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range

Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): AF only works at 70mm – Manual Focus only beyond that
Fotodiox: AF is virtually impossible – stick to Manual Focus with electronic aperture control
Viltrox: AF is virtually impossible – stick to Manual Focus with electronic aperture control
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: AF to 150mm – beyond that Manual Focus only
Viltrox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary EF Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Good PDAF AF-C + AF-S to 250mm but misfocuses beyond 250mm
Fotodiox: Slow PDAF AF-C + AF-S to 200mm but misfocuses beyond that
Viltrox: Slow PDAF AF-C + AF-S to 200mm but misfocuses beyond that
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports EF Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Slow PDAF AF-C + AF-S to 250-300mm but misfocuses beyond that
Fotodiox: Slow PDAF AF-C + AF-S at 150mm but misfocuses beyond that
Viltrox: Slow PDAF AF-C + AF-S to 200mm but misfocuses beyond that
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Viltrox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot

Sigma 300-800mm f/5.6 EX DG APO IF HSM Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Not Yet Tested
Fotodiox: Not Yet Tested
Viltrox: Not Yet Tested

SIGMA EF-S LENSES (APS)

Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Lens for Canon EF-S

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range

Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens for Canon EF-S

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Fotodiox:Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range

Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM Lens For Canon EF-S

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens for Canon EF-S

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Viltrox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Canon EF-S

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Viltrox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens for Canon EF-S

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range
Fotodiox: AF hunts but will not lock – stick to Manual Focus
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S across entire focal range

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Canon EF-S

Metabones (FW 0.47): Not Yet Tested
Fotodiox: Not Yet Tested
Viltrox: Not Yet Tested

Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Canon EF-S

Metabones (FW 0.47): Not Yet Tested
Fotodiox: Not Yet Tested
Viltrox: Not Yet Tested

Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon EF-S

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S AF-C + AF-S to 80mm – misfocuses beyond that
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art Lens for Canon EF-S

Metabones (FW 0.47): Not Yet Tested
Fotodiox: Not Yet Tested
Viltrox: Not Yet Tested

TAMRON EF LENSES

Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Viltrox: Manual focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC USD Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Good and accurate AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Fotodiox: Good and accurate AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Viltrox: Good and accurate AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Slow PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Fotodiox: Slow PDAF AF-C + AF-S up to 200mm – misfocuses beyond that
Viltrox: Slow PDAF AF-C + AF-S up to 250mm – misfocuses beyond that
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Tamron SP 35mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: AF misfocuses using both PDAF and Contrast AF
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S
NOTES: Turn off VC on lens when using a7 Mark II cameras with IBIS for better AF

Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot
Fotodiox: Good PDAF AF-C + AF-S but misfocuses at near distances
Viltrox: Descent speed PDAF AF-C + AF-S but misfocuses at near distances
NOTES: Turn off VC on lens when using a7 Mark II cameras with IBIS for better AF

Tamron SP 60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Very Slow AF-C + AF-S
Fotodiox: Manual focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Very Slow AF-C + AF-S

Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di Macro 1:1 VC USD Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Very Slow AF-C + AF-S
Fotodiox: Manual focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Very Slow AF-C + AF-S
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Tamron SP 180mm f/3.5 Di LD IF Macro Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): AF misfocuses using both PDAF and Contrast AF
Fotodiox: Manual focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Viltrox: Manual focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Slow AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Fotodiox: Good AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Viltrox: Slow AF-C + AF-S up to 250mm – Misfocuses above that
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.46): Fast an Accurate AF from 150mm-450mm. Manual Focus only above 450mm
Fotodiox: Manual Focus Only – No AF
Viltrox: Manual Focus Only – No AF
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

TAMRON EF-S LENSES (APS)

Tamron SP AF 10-24mm f / 3.5-4.5 DI II Lens For Canon EF-S

Metabones (FW 0.47): Good PDAF AF-C + AF-S but focus can hunt
Fotodiox: Good PDAF AF-C + AF-S but focus can hunt
Viltrox: Good PDAF AF-C + AF-S but focus can hunt
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro for Canon EF-S

Metabones (FW 0.47): Not Yet Tested
Fotodiox: Not Yet Tested
Viltrox: Not Yet Tested

Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC Lens for Canon EF-S

Metabones (FW 0.47): Not Yet Tested
Fotodiox: Not Yet Tested
Viltrox: Not Yet Tested

TOKINA EF LENSES

Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Fotodiox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Viltrox: Good and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range

Tokina 17-35mm f/4 Pro FX Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Fotodiox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range
Viltrox: Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C + AF-S across the entire focal range

Tokina AT-X 24-70mm f/2.8 PRO FX Lens for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Not Yet Tested
Fotodiox: Not Yet Tested
Viltrox: Not Yet Tested

Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X M100 AF Pro D Macro for Canon EF

Metabones (FW 0.47): Not Yet Tested
Fotodiox: Not Yet Tested
Viltrox: Not Yet Tested

TOKINA EF-S LENSES (APS)

a7RII Fullframe crop shows a hard edge vignette with Tamron EF-S lenses
Fullframe crop shows a hard edge vignette with Tamron EF-S lenses.

Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f/2.8 Pro DX-II Lens for Canon EF-S

Metabones (FW 0.47): Not Yet Tested
Fotodiox: Not Yet Tested
Viltrox: Not Yet Tested

Tokina AT-X 11-20mm f/2.8 PRO DX Lens for Canon EF-S

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual focus only, but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual focus only, but adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus only, but adapter provides electronic aperture control

Tokina 12-28mm f/4.0 AT-X Pro APS-C Lens for Canon EF-S

Metabones (FW 0.47): Not Yet Tested
Fotodiox: Not Yet Tested
Viltrox: Not Yet Tested

ZEISS ZE LENSES

Zeiss ZE lenses are manual focus lenses and no AF adapter will change that. Lens adapters communicate electronic functions like aperture and lens metadata – but these lenses remain manual focus – just the way Zeiss designed them:

Zeiss ZE 15mm f/2.8 Distagon T* Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control

Zeiss ZE 18mm f/3.5 Distagon T* Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control

Zeiss ZE 21mm f/2.8 Distagon T* Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control

Zeiss ZE 25mm f/2.0 Distagon T* Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control

Zeiss ZE 28mm f/2.0 Distagon T* Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control

Zeiss ZE 35mm f/2 Distagon T* Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control

Zeiss ZE 50mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control

Zeiss ZE 50mm f/2 Makro-Planar T* Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control

Zeiss ZE 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control

Zeiss ZE 100mm f/2 Makro-Planar T* Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control

Zeiss ZE 135mm f/2 Apo Sonnar T* Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control

ZEISS OTUS ZE LENSES

Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4 Distagon T* ZE Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control

Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 Apo Planar T* ZE Lens

Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Fotodiox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control
Viltrox: Manual focus lens – adapter provides electronic aperture control

The Bottom Line

Canon Smart Adapter AF performance was greatly improved with a7RII compared to previous Sony E-mount cameras. Overall AF performance was fairly comparable, yet each of theses three adapters performed slightly better with certain lenses . The $100 adapters from Fotodiox and Viltrox look identical and while the results are close, but I have grown to prefer Fotodiox because it has better build quality. I had to tighten the lens mount screws on the Viltrox repeatedly over the course of testing.

As I said in the introduction, Metabones Smart Adapter IV with Firmware 0.41 is the only adapter that allows you to use the lens IS switch to choose between using lens-based optical Image Stabilization and Sony a7II/a7RII IBIS. Firmware on the Fotodiox and Viltrox adapters is not user-updatable.

Because of this I recommend that anyone who plans to use Canon IS lenses on Sony a7II or a7RII cameras stick to Metabones. But if you never plan to use Canon IS lenses on Sony IBIS cameras such as a7II and a7RII you can save yourself a few hundred dollars with Fotodiox or Viltrox.

Acknowledgements:

Huge thanks to my friends at B&H Photo, Menashe Wodinsky, Abe Curland and all the nice folks behind the counter in the new and used departments at B&H for their assistance in compiling this report. You guys ROCK!

Sony-a7-Snapshots-bookFor more tips and tricks about getting the most out of your Sony a7 series camera, check out my new book ‘Sony a7-Series: From Snapshots to Great Shots’.
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142 thoughts on “Sony a7RII Canon EF Smart Adapter Tests”

  1. I could never hit focus consistently on my Canon 50L @ f/2 in either manual or auto-focus on the 5D3. For a “non-sports” shooter the whole Sony focussing pipe-line, be it manual or autofocus is extremely sure-footed and re-assuring. BTW, the new A7RM2, it’s a beautiful camera, the boys over in Japan did an exceptional job, and thanks to all involved.

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  4. Pingback: Canon EF Smart Adapter Tests for Sony E-Mount Cameras

  5. I just used the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Lens with Internal 1.4x Extender with the A7rII and the metabones adapter on safari (with a Canon body for backup). The autofocus was brilliant most of the time, but from time to time (10% +) the autofocus would just not lock no matter what, with or without extender engaged. Switched to manual for a few shots, them back to autofocus and would usually be ok. I liked to use manual when time permitted for absolute tack sharp focus on the intended subject.

    Overall, the experience was a bit challenging but rewarding. If they could clean up that last problem of random no-focus-lock, this combo would be the ultimate.

    1. AF really struggled indoors with the the EF 200-400 TC enabled, but bright sunlight could improve the performance. I tried to test in moderate conditions – not too good and not too bad.

    2. Brian, do you think the cause of this could be the lens and body contacts are somehow sometimes disengaging due to the downward forces of the larger lenses on the mount causing minor a separation/gap on the mount and thus the contacts?

      1. It’s not likely to be a contact issue. I don’t know how the Metabones computer works with the Canon computer, but it’s a hunting issue. Sometimes it hits focus but does not realize it and keeps hunting. Sometimes you can correct the focus by hand/manual focus and then auto focus might be ok, but more often not. Then a couple of minutes later it will be fine. This is my personal experience. The mating of the adapter, lens and camera seems sound to me.

  6. Have you looked at the Techart EOS-Nex adapter? It’s in the middle cost wise and uses Bluetooth for firmware updates. I’ve had good success with mine on the A7RII with the latest firmware.

    1. Techart has horrible customer service. They don’t reply to emails from our readers.

      Because Techart’s Contax G adapter is currently the only AF Contax G adapter, I have one on order to test with a7RII.

      If you’ve had good luck with their Canon Smart Adaopter – keep using it.

      But I cannot recommend it since I believe there are better options on the market.

  7. Amazing reviews! This is an enormous service to the photography community.

    Next question: What about autofocus in lower light with A7RII and Canon lenses?

    Hypothesis: I suspect that it has trouble if it stays in PDAF mode, and, if it switches to CDAF mode, then it might be the same as on an A7II.

  8. Great job Brian. I dont even want think how long all this testing took and how you had to stay organized to keep your notes on each and every lens and adapter and put it into a spreadsheet for this article! WOW. Just wondering if the Metabones adapter results would be similar on the a6000 or not (can only be used to get these results on the A7R2). I see you were able to test and get good results on the Canon 10-22mm even on the Photodiox adapter. I guess my copy that I had to send back was defective as I couldn’t even mount the lens on it to test. (wouldn’t rotate to lock). hmm. Thanks again for all your hard work and dedications to the Sony user community/

  9. This is really great work, Brian. Thank you so much for all the effort you went through for the testing of so many lenses.

  10. I was not always able to achieve fast and accurate focusing with the A7RII and the Canon 100-400 Mark II and the Metabones IV (.41 firmware) – it works well up to around 300 but beyond that it is sometimes slow to focus and can hunt in some situations – especially at infinity. Is there something you did special in your testing that enabled it to focus fast and accurate across the entire range?

    1. Hello Glenn, I tested all the lenses on this list under interior lighting conditions. I was able to achieve good AF across the entire focal range of that lens from 100-400mm using two different Metabones Smart Adapter IV’s.

      1. HI – Does that mean that you were not testing with focus points at close to infinity, but rather at close distances? If so would that really be a valid test for the longer lenses?

        1. Near and far – if you’ve never been in B&H photo the far wall is about the length of a football field from where I was testing. Metabones and Fotodiox focused accurately the entire range but Viltrox mis-focused above 300mm. Just as I wrote.

          1. Hi Brian,
            Thanks for all your good work. You should be getting a bonus check from Sony for all questions you are answering about the A7R2 for them. I’ve had the same problem with the Canon 100-400 lens not auto focusing past 300mm. I have been using the Viltrox adapter and just ordered the Photodiox after reading your article. Thanks.

  11. Thanks for doing this and being so detailed. I already had the Fotodiox and rented the Metabones to see if it seemed any better. I didn’t see a difference in the autofocus speed, but now that I’ve gone back to the test photos, I can see a difference in sharpness using the Canon 70-200 IS 4.0 and the 24-105 f/4. I’m assuming it’s because of the double IS, so I ordered the Metabones T. Since I’ll have a redundant adapter that’s not worth much as a resale, I expect I’ll just leave it on my 16-35 2.8 since I suspect that the weak point on these adapters may be the connection between the lens and adapter and it might make it last longer. Unless you have a different thought on that after testing so many of these that I’m much better off leaving the Metabones on the body as much as possible since that’s the weak link.

    1. It never hurts to have a back-up adapter and since the EF 16-35 F2.8 does not have IS it should function well on the Fotodiox. There are about a hundred theories of what Smart Adapter sometimes go dumb and your is as good as any – though I do like my Italian sports car analogy since they can be blazing fast right up to the time they come to a crashing halt…

  12. Pingback: New Sony A7rII test and news roundup (Diglloyd, Brian Smith, Stuckincustoms, ePhotozine, TheMe). | sonyalpharumors

  13. Thanks for the invaluable testing!!!

    I didn’t see the 15 fisheye on your list? But I assume the AF wouldn’t be too good, since it is such an old design (way before 2006), probably same results as 50 macro since its the same motor type? Any thoughts?

  14. I’m late to the party. I hope the host is still here and the beer isn’t all gone.

    To quote Brian regarding using Fotodiox and Viltrox: ” I found that both camera and lens appear to adjust Pitch + Yaw when Canon IS lenses have IS switched on and when IS on the lens is switched off neither the camera and lens apply image stabilization. Essentially you get double or nothing.”

    While it would not be particularly convenient, I’m assuming that LENS IS can be left ON and the a7RII in-camera IS can be turned OFF via menu so that there is no doubling of the image stabilization. This would then be like on a native Canon camera. True? Or does turning off the in-camera IS somehow disable lens IS…or vice-versa; turning on the lens IS override the in-camera menu by turning it from off to on?

    But, whatever…thanks for all the invaluable information. This is bookmarked on my workstation and tablet.

    1. In my experience that is not the case. Except for Metabones Smart Adapter IV with fw 0.41, when you turn the lens IS switch off using other Canon Smart Adpaters, it also turns in-camera SteadyShot off.

  15. Yes…but what about leaving the lens IS on and turning IS off in the camera?

    OO both on…double IS
    XX both off… no IS
    XO lens off/camera on… but lens overrides camera…no IS
    OX lens on/camera off… this is what I’m wondering about???

      1. great info, but I am confused about the various combinations…I have the Fotodiox pro version of the canon adapter…and the canon 70-300mm L lens on the sony a7r II. When I have the stabilizer “on” for the lens and the Steady shot system off for the camera, I get a very nice sharp photo. When I turn off the lens stabilizer, and turn on the steady shot in camera, I also get a sharp shot but I think that the lens stabilizer working alone might be slightly better. I know that they are working separately, because when I turn off both and take the same shot, it is not nearly as sharp and clearly camera shake. So it doesn’t appear that the camera status overrides the lens status. My question is do you think that the adapter I am using handles it differently than the metabones since I am getting good results with just the lens on and the camera off insofar as stabilization?

  16. Brian,
    I have had a very unique problem with my Canon 85mm 1.2 II. On the metabones IV adapter it will neither auto focus or manual focus! I also have a King adapter (great buy at $80) but the lens won’t even mount completely (won’t click in place) on that adapter. The lens works perfectly on all my Canon EOS bodies (6d, sl1, 70d). Any thoughts?

  17. Hello,

    I’m planning on buying a Sony A7RII kit next week.

    Could someone tell me why there are discrepancies between Brian’s earlier post on smart adapters and his updated one? I mean, some configurations were acceptable or misfires but now are Fast and accurate.

    Following his original review/guide here, https://briansmith.com/canon-ef-to-sony-e-mount-smart-adapter-compatibility-guide/, Should I get one Metabones and one Fotodiox?

    I will be using these lenses:
    EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens
    EF 35mm f/1.4L USM Lens
    EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens
    EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens

    Thank you in advance for your time, help and advice!

    Cheers,
    Kevin

    1. Hello Kevin, as I point out in both posts, Sony a7RII has an entirely new AF system that performs much better with Canon EF and Sony A-mount than previous a7 series cameras. I would personally recommend Metabones. They just issued firmware update 0.43 specifically to improve AF on a7RII so it’s possible the results will be even better with that update.

  18. Hi Brian,

    Thank you for the nice article. I just wonder which adaptor to go this article one or more expensive Ultra version. Do you know what is the main difference between ‘Sony E-Mount Camera Speed Booster ULTRA’ and ‘T Smart Adapter Mark IV’.

    Cheers,
    Ayo

        1. But, couldn’t you use the speed booster in crop mode, (21 mpx is still a lot) ? And wouldn’t your lens get one stop faster, which would help in low light, or action situations? I’m thinking the 70-200 f4 performing like a 105-300 f2.8.

          1. It’s actually still be 70-200 but f2 in APS-C equivalent when you apply the focal length reduction factor you get from using this speed-booster.

  19. Pingback: The Complete Sony A7rII Autofocus Review - MirrorLessons

  20. Brian great post. One question. I have the fotodiox adapter and tested the 100mm 2.8L is maco lens and was not having the luck you were when it comes to focusing on the A7Rm2. Where could I have gone wrong or is there a possibility that the information on the focusing capability on the 100mm 2.8L IS canon lens is incorrect.

  21. Hi Brain, would you know, if the latest firmware for the metabones iv works on the sigma 150-600 , throughout the whole range ? ( heard that it worked up to round 300mm then fails to lock on focus with the old firmware???) cheers

  22. I have quite a big Autofocus issue when im using my canon lenses (with Fotodiox adaptor) on my Sony A7rII. When I half press exposure to focus, the phase detection points which are little green squares cover the face of the subject. This covers the face to a point where one can’t see expressions which is obviously super important. I have tried continuous and single shooting with central focus and it all seems to have the same issue of a lot of little squares. Is there any way to get around this?

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  25. Very useful post. I’m bookmarking this one. Thanks to you and to the people at B&H (from whom I bought my a7R II). And thanks for updating the e-book on the 7 series – very useful as well.

    1. I have not tested a7II since the latest firmware update but I imagine you’ll get similar performance as a7RII if the camera and adapter are updated to the latest firmware.

  26. Thanks for your detail posting. Do yoi have any plan to test with updated a7ii?
    I wonder if a7ii also works well with sigma 120-300os but nothing can I find on the web.

    1. It takes a day or two to run these tests and another day to write them up plus s flight to New York since I only own a few of these lenses, I have to disrupt B&H Photo. I really only planned to do this ONCE and I’m waaaay past that…

      1. Oh, I see. By the way, all your tests are really really helpful for me to plan to buy lenses. Thanks so much 🙂
        I’m looking for used 120-300 lens for testing. Hope that works well haha

  27. Brian,
    thanks for Your great job.
    One more question: I saw that with the metabones adapter you have two possible modes (green and advanced) to operate it.
    Which one would you suggest and why?
    thanks!

  28. Thanks for your extensive review. I’m wondering about the compablity of these adapters with “Sigma AF 100-300mm f/4 EX DG HSM APO”(Canon EF mount)? Do you have any idea any idea? How I could make sure that at least I’ll have electric aperture control with one of these reviewed adapters?
    Actually, I looked it up a lot and searched around the customer reviews, but there is no reliable answer. Please help me out if got a clue.
    Thanks a lot.

  29. Hi Brian,thank you so much for your effort! I have a question to you or everyone who reads this. I am using the a7ii with adapted lenses,Contax Yashica lenses to be precise. Now there is the Leitax mount wich can convert them to Canon EF mount with the possibility to put a focus confirm chip onto the mount. And you can program them to give the camera the exif data for focal length and aperture. Do you know of any adapter that could read the exifdate of a focus confirm chip? I am getting one mount equipped with a dandelion and another mount with an optix chip,and I am willing to find out,but if someone KNOWS anything…. 🙂
    What I already did find out is that metabones states themselves that focus confirm chips like the dandelion are not campatible,I hope this might change or that a different adapter will work. The good thing to already know that is that I can try the cheaper adapters without the fear of missing something. I will not use the adapter with native Canon lenses since I have everything I need in Contax.
    But beeing able to just mount the lens,have the exif read focal length and max aperture AND have the focal length set for the image stabilizer would be so nice!
    Greetings,and thanks again for the great work
    Lorenz

  30. Hi Brian, have you tested AF performance on the A7ii since the update? I have 3 lenses that state they will AF very well on the A7R2 and the firmware update suggests it would transmit to the A7ii but obviously I don’t want to drop £1,300 if it won’t work 🙂

    1. Testing requires a flight to New York and takes me 1-2 days. I only planned to do it ONCE and have now done it 4 times. It’s possible I will test again but I do not have plans to at the moment

  31. Don’t know if you’ve come across this, but since updating to Firmware 3.0 on the A7R2, the Canon 135mm F2.0L seems to autofocus just fine with a Metabones IV Smart Adapter. Pretty quick, works in AF-S and AF-C. Quicker in infinity-1.6m mode, but okay in the infinity-0.9m mode (though that latter mode hunts a bit).

    1. Metabones image stabilization settings are listed I this post. I highly recommend letting the camera handle image stabilization with a7 series Mark 2 cameras.

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  33. Hello Brian,

    I would like to mention that the Fotodiox Pro EF-NEX Auto adapter only partly works with my A7RII and A6000, using a Canon EF 50mm F/2.5 Macro lens (manufactured in 2003). The combination adaptor/lens intermittently causes both cameras to fail. On pressing the shutter nothing happens, the screen goes blank, then after some time the camera starts up again with all settings reset (so if M1 was selected with ISO 100 & 1/100th, say, but the settings were changed to ISO 800 and 1/200th, the settings will revert to ISO 100 and 1/100th).

    Fotodiox tell me that this lens will not work, even though their website says that it is tested and supported (although the site also says, in the section on 3rd-party lenses, that Canon-branded lenses manufactured before 2006 are not officially supported).

    The adaptor does seem to work fine with an EF 100mm Macro F/2.8 and an EFS 15-85mm F/3.5-5.6 and an EF 70-200mm F4L.

    Robert

  34. I’ve received a new version of the Adapter IV with firmware version 47 installed from the factory. I have used it with the EF 16-35L (old version): entirely satisfactory. And the old version (slide zoom) of the 100-400L 4.5-5.6.

    The adapted 100-400 is not “excellent”–as in “works identically as Canon body.” It IS somewhere between good and very good. In good light it focuses on nearly every subject nearly instantly in AF-S mode. I am using it with lens IS off. In AF-C mode it works well, but AF-C itself is a bit annoying for stationary subjects. Flexible spot small is too small–there aren’t enough sensors to gain focus. Flexible M and L work very well. Center, which is really flexible L stuck in the center, naturally works. As light grows dimmer, then subjects with high contrast work consistently. Low contract subjects don’t work well–but I compared the same low-contrast subject to the lens on a Canon body and the Canon couldn’t focus on it either.

    The old version of this lens is not stellar and it needs to be stopped down 2 stops to 7.1 at the long end. The Sony produced incredibly sharp images. I am pretty pleased with this combination. I wish I had the 100-400 Mk II, but I don’t.

    When I get back from an upcoming trip I’ll report back how it performed. I’ve conquered the back yard, but real conditions will be more challenging.

  35. Brian, that’s an excellent article. I keep coming back to it to check on lenses compatibility. Is it me or have you updated several lenses? I recall seeing that the Canons 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8 and 100mm 2.0 didn’t initially work with the metabones…I’ve looked everywhere and I cannot find any samples or tests with the metabones IV and these lenses other than here. Do you happen to recall if the af speed and accuracy on the 85mm 1.8 and the 100mm 2.0 were comparable?

  36. I’m currently using the A7rii with a Metabones/Sigma 35 art and when not using the silent shooting mode, my ISO cannot be adjusted any lower than 800. Not a problem when shooting in silent mode…is this just an issue that comes with shooting with a non-native lens? Or is there something I’m missing…thans for the work by the way this was very helpful in my decision making process when considering picking up this camera.

  37. I’ve tested the metabones with the A7II (both with the latest firmware) and neither the 50mm 1.4 USM nor the 85mm 1.8 USM worked 🙁 The AF hunts back and forth non-stop. I’ve checked and phase detect support is marked. Any ideas on what to do?

    1. Are you speaking of the latest adapter firmware or camera firmware? A7II camera firmware must be updated to 2.00 in order to get results similar to these tests on a7RII. Please also note that PDAF is only available at F8 and faster.

      1. Yes, I have the latest firmware on both the camera and the adapter. My canon 28mm 1.8 and 50mm 1.8 stm work perfectly at f1.8. Are you saying pdaf only works starting at f8.0?? That would render both the canon 50mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.8 usm useless to me and many….

          1. Oh, yes. That’s what I meant. I’ve tried the 50mm 1.4 and the 85mm 1.8 USM at from f1.4 up to f8 and no luck with pdaf. The same goes with the 85mm…with a small detail…the 85mm won’t go to 1.8, only 2.0…strange

  38. Hey Brian, I think you got something mixed up.

    “Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 (version I)
    Metabones (FW 0.47): Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control
    Fotodiox: HUGE IMPROVEMENT! Fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot with FW 0.47!!! Whoa!!!
    Viltrox: Manual Focus only – but adapter provides electronic aperture control”

    I think you got Metabones and Fotodiox mixed up.

    I have 85L Mark I and metabones works very fast and accurate with 85L mark I.

  39. Pingback: Metabones Canon EF Adapter Compatibility | Sony Addict

  40. Excellent article, Thanks a lot 4 the tremendous effort!
    R u suggestimg in one of ur replies down here that a7ii with updated firmware could get results similar to a7r2 in this article?

      1. Thank you very much for your prompt reply!
        May I ask just one more question? Is it possible that the AF speed conclusion listed in your article can also apply to A6300/6500?
        ————————————————–
        I’m into birding, so A6500’s APS-C CMOS seems to suit me better, and I’m thinking of getting it to match my canon 400/5.6 (with metabones of course).

  41. Hi There,

    Thanks for this.
    I recently purchased an a7s ii and tried my Metabones (non T) version on it with the latest firmware. It would not register the adapter or any lens I had, although the adapter has worked perfectly on the fs7 and a7s…

    Was just wondering if you have tested the non T version on an a7s ii and had it work?

    Thanks

    1. The non-T Smart Adapter adapter is exactly the same electronically as the T. The only differences is the T has better non-reflective internal coating. Both versions have worked fine on a7SII in my tests, but obviously unlike these tests of a7RII, a7SII does not have Phase Detection Auto Focus so AF is much slower than a7RII.

          1. Video is a different beast as I explain in these tests.

            So you’re able to get video AF with FS-7 and a7S using a Metabones Smart Adapter IV??? That’s a pleasant surprise. I’ve never found it to work.

          2. Apologies for miscommunication, I was referring to getting the adapter to work at all, not in terms of AF function or not. It just wasn’t recognised on a7s ii camera at all but a7s & Fs7 without any issue.

          3. In that case, I suspect it’s not fully locking into place properly. I occasionally hear that from people with a new camera if the adapter is not turned all the way until the click. It can also occur if any of the contacts on the adapter are dirty.

  42. Hello.. Thankyou for your review..BUT still not sure whether to go with the SONY A7Rii or the Canon 5D mkIV. Similar price..I only do video work and have several Canon lenses…Any feedback on peoples ideas would be greatly appreciated..Thanks

  43. Thank you Brian; we appreciate your help sorting through the best options for happy experiences with the A7Rii camera. I need to let you know of a problem with the Metabones T Smart Adapter Mark IV for Canon EF to Sony E-Mount, however, that is now fairly well-known. Apparently there is a machining issue that makes the contacts for the Metabones Mark IV not align well with the Sony A7rii body mount which causes intermittent connectivity issues, and that also prevents aperture to be changed in camera for certain mf lenses (e.g., Zeiss 50mm f2 Macro ZE).

    Here is some discussion regarding the issue: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3891282

    On some Canon lenses there is no problem; I’ve just found that Zeiss ZE lenses and Sigma Art Lenses with EF mount often do not allow aperture change using the Metabones Mark IV for Canon EF to Sony e mount adapter. Maybe you could investigate this and get the word out before your fans shell out $400 for an adapter that won’t work as they might hope… (I speak from experience!)

    1. They’ve worked when I tested them, but the issue is likely that neither Sigma or Zeiss use licensed EF lens mounts from Canon. Metabones adapters are designed for Canon EF lenses, so if there’s a tolerance issue I’d say it’s in Zeiss or Sigma lens mount – not the adapter.

      (Please Note: Zeiss does use licensed Sony lens mounts in their Batis, Loxia and Touit lenses).

  44. MIGUEL MONTERO MARTINEZ

    Hi. Good job.
         I have tested two adapters on the commlite and sigma mc-11 on a sony alpha 7II. They work fine BUT the auxiliary focus light (orange) does not work with the built-in adapters. This has happened to you with the adapters you tested.
        I updated the a7ii to its latest version 3.3 and it happens the same. I do not want to think that it is a “market extra” limitation of sony.
        What do you think? Thank you

    1. There are a number of incompatibilities with adapters and third-party lenses. I can’t say that I’ve ever tested whether the in-body focus assist light work with various adapters, but it’s possible that it is not compatible.

  45. Hi Brian. I purchased the Metabones T Smart Adapter Mark IV for Canon EF per your recommendation, but the EV (i.e., live view display – setting effect ON) while using/adapting the Canon 50mm 1.2L does not indicate aperture / DOF changes in the viewfinder. Strange. Have you also experienced this?

      1. I realize that it’s normal not to see the aperture value listed in the EV display, but in this case I am not seeing any change in the EV itself in terms of depth of field when I close down the aperture. I hope I am making sense here?

        1. I understand what you are saying and that’s normal for third-party lenses. They focus wide open and stop down to shoot. You DON’T want Canon lenses struggling to AF at F8.

          If you wish to preview depth of field before you shout, you can assign Focus Preview to a Custom Button and hold that down to preview DoF once focus is acquired.

          1. Wow, I somehow thought that the Metabones T Adapter mii (for Canon EOS) allowed you to use your lenses as if they were mounted on a Canon DSLR, and not . for example, like an old vintage M42 manal focus lens adapted for e-mount. That’s a bit disappointing, actually, and now I wonder why I paid $400 for what could be accomplished using a $50 adapter.

  46. Brian, thanks for all the research you have performed. This is extremely valuable for many of us. I purchased the Metabones T Smart Mark IV and have been using it with the A7RII and the 24-105L f/4 lens. I was experiencing frequent problems with the camera not recognizing the lens. I would continuously get a F – – reading for aperture and would need to remove and remount the lens for it to be recognized by the camera. This would occur not just upon startup, but also during continuous usage. I thought it might be due to the lens being about 8 years old, but it is also occurring with a new 24-70 2.8 II that I just purchased. I’ve updated to the latest 53 firmware and have cleaned the contacts on the adapter, but still have the problem. I have seen posts from people having a problem like this, but not to the extent and frequency that I’m experiencing. Do you think I may have a bad copy? Do you have any suggestions?

    1. It rarely happens in testing but over long term use, I’ve seen it in occasions. Metabones occasionally attempts to address this in firmware updates by dialing back the AF speed in favor of better stability (fewer disconnects). But when they do, some users complain that the update ‘crippled’ their lens and Metabones dials speed back up again and we’re back where we started.

      People don’t like to hear it, but even the best smart adapters can’t match the performance of a native lens. Unless you already owned the Canon 24-70 2.8 II, I’d never buy it. Sony’s FE 24-70 2.8 G Master is a much better lens – and without all the headaches.

      1. Thanks for such a quick response, Brian. Since my problem has been there since day one and not after long-term use, I’m concerned that I may have a copy with bad contacts. I’ve e-mailed the Metabones customer service Dept. to see if they have an opinion on this.

  47. Hi Brian,

    I’ve been testing the Metabones adapter with the A7Rii and my 24-70 2.8 ii and 70-200 f4 IS lenses. At the longest focal lengths, both lenses back focus significantly. When shifting to manual focus, I need to make very substantial adjustments to bring the lenses into accurate focus. Do you know of any way to correct this?

    Maybe all the problems I’ve been having indicate that I have a defective copy??

    1. I’ve not found any misfocus issue with those lenses. The focus is from the sensor – not the adapter. Then again I don’t switch from AF to MF so possibly the issue comes when focus mode is changed not holding the focus point.

      1. The switch from autofocus to manual focus was just to see how far off the auto focus was. I had the A7Rii on a tripod with stabilization off and auto focused on a subject. Seeing that the image was not in proper focus, I then switched to manual focus, used the magnification function and adjusted the focus ring to bring the image into sharp focus. A significant adjustment was required to achieve proper focus. The autofocus was way off. The problem seems to be worse at the long end of the zooms. I have run this test many times with my 24-70 2.8ii and my 70-200 f4 IS lenses with the same results. Autofocus always back focuses.

        Both lenses are tack sharp at all focal lengths using my Canon body. I’m unsure whether the problem is with my adapter or the A7Rii. I sent e-mails to Metabones customer service, but can’t get a response from them. Any thoughts, Brian?

        1. Make certain you have the latest camera and adapter firmware (though I don’t recall seeing misfocus in any previous version.)

          Metabones Customer Service is normally quite quick to respond – but maybe they are out for the holidays.

          1. I’ve also experienced this. This happened after I had updated the firmware on the metabones to 0.54. I almost sent may canon lens in for repair. But then I realized that this is the case for all my canon lenses, I knew it had to be something else. For some reason I wasn’t able to roll the firmware back to previous versions so I went to the store where I got the metabones and exchanged for a new one. I believe the firmware is version 0.47. and everything is working fine again. I too didn’t think it could happen since the focusing is done at the sensor, but it definitely happened for me and it definitely was the adaptor. I do notice that for version .54 more of the focus mode worked like DMF. Where version .47 doesn’t have that. All said, I would caution against upgrading to the latest firmware for the metabones.

  48. I agree with Jay. My focus problems occurred after updating to Firmware 0.54. Before that, focus seemed to be OK and my only problem was the very frequent loss of communication between camera and lens. I returned the adapter and am waiting for a replacement. I hope Metabones can correct problems with 0.54 quickly.

    1. Best of luck with your exchange, I had some rare occurrences with the lens not being recognized as well, but all you have to do is just twist the lens tighter. It was a little annoying but not that detrimental. Fortunately, with my new metabones, the fit is actually tighter and I’m having less occurrences than before. This tells me that the manufacturing tolerances of metabones is rather large.

  49. Would anyone be able to test the Metabones with the Tokina 24-70 F2.8? I want to buy the adapter but not sure it will work with this lense.

  50. Rustam Maharramov

    Hi Brian

    I have Canon 5D Mark iii body. My lens are: Samyang 14mm f2.8, Canon 17-40mm f4, Canon 50mm f1.8 STM, Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD.

    I want to change my Canon 5D Mark iii to Sony Alpha a6500. So i will buy Metabones Canon EF Lens to Sony E Mount T Speed Booster ULTRA 0.71x.

    I have two questions for Metabones Speed Boster (including last firmware update). If you can help, i will be happy.

    1. Is there any problem with video autofocus with speedbooster and these lens?
    2. Is there any auto focus problem with any f-stop?

    Thanks much.

    1. Video AF is much more of a challenge than stills. Obviously the EF mount Samyang lens is manual focus, and while you may get descent AF for stills with the other lenses, don’t expect AF for video. Native lenses are still your best bet for that.

  51. I just received my Canon 100-400 to use with an A7rii/metabones adapter. The primary reason I purchased it is for wildlife/outdoors (fly birds would be nice). I took a few shots and my initial thoughts are that the pictures are quite sharp and once it locks onto a focus point it seems to be very accurate. My question is… it seems to take quite a while to lock onto a focus point. It seems to go past the focus point and then come back every-time. Sometimes taking a good 5 seconds (maybe more) to do so. I should mention that the time is base on the 400mm focal length. When I tested it at 100mm it was much faster.

    This is my first time using this type of lens in this situation and I don’t have anything to compare it against. Is this normal? It’s really unusable for flying birds at 400mm

  52. Hello. Thank you for this. I have one question, though. I’m new here and i just bought a Sony 35mm f1/8 for my Sony a7RII and i think it’s damaged or something like that because it has a vignnette look. Al 4 corners al black, even with a f 1.8. Could you help me with an answer? It’s something that i should set on Sony a7rII or not? I didn;t see anybody on in the internet facing with this kind of problems. Just aking

  53. Hi Brian,

    Thank you so much for sharing your research with us.
    Today I bought the Sony a7RII and the Metabones EF/T Mark IV for my original Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L lens.

    The problem is that the aperture value is not visible (“F–“) on the screen and I can’t change this turning the dial.

    I updated the firmware, checked the connection between the lens, adapter and camera.

    It is the original TS lens from around 1991. I read you tested the TS 45mm and you can change the F value. Is there some setting I have to change?

    1. That happens when the contacts on your lens are not making proper contact with the adapter. Be sure the lens really snaps into place with a firm click. If that does not do the trick – try cleaning the lens contacts with alcohol.

    2. I have had this problem with two of the same adapters (and same Sony A7Rii body). The first copy would have this problem intermittently every few minutes with every Canon lens I used. I had to remove and remount the lens from the converter, and/or the converter from the camera, to regain the aperture reading. This became such a nuisance that I returned the converter. The replacement was even worse. I could not get an aperture value at all for any Canon lens I mounted. I sent this one back for a third copy, which so far works fine. In my opinion, based on my experience Metabones’ quality control with respect to contact tolerances is not too good. If you continue to experience this problem with more than one lens, I would suggest returning it for a replacement.

  54. Andre Moreira

    I just want to say thank you for this post. This is quite impressive. Really. I’m speechless.

  55. Pingback: Canon EF Lens to Sony E-Mount Camera Adapter Guide

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