UPDATED: July 10, 2021 / ORIGINAL: April 10, 2016
Here’s a round-up of AF Nikon Smart Adapters and Manual Focus Nikon lens adapters for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras.
Nikon Auto Focus Smart Lens Adapters for Sony E-Mount
The three most popular Nikon AF Smart adapters on the market are all produced by Commlite – just with different branding. When using a1, a7 II, a7 III, a7C, a7R II, a7R III, a7R IV, a7S III, a9, a9 II, a6100, a6300, a6400, a6500 & a6600, they work fairly well for still photography with most of the newer Nikon Type G or E lenses. They will still control aperture with older Nikkor D-Types lenses – but forget about AF. Nikon PC-E lenses are also incompatible. Read how these three adapters perform on a1, a7 II, a7 III, a7C, a7R II, a7R III, a7R IV, a7S III, a9, a9 II, a6100, a6300, a6400, a6500 & a6600:
Commlite Nikon F to Sony E Autofocus Electronic Lens Adapter v06 ($200)
Commlite made the world’s first Nikon AF adapter as well as the re-branded adapters listed below. Commlite made physical changes to all adapters beginning with v05 that adds compatibility with several additional Nikon lenses that cannot be used with previous adapters. AF works best with Sony PDAF lenses and E-type and G-type Nikon AF lenses – but not with many of the earlier D-Type lenses.
Order from eBay
FotodioX FUSION Smart Mark II Adapter v06 ($350)
This Second generation Fotodiox Fusion adapter is a re-badged Commlite adapter that also ships with fw 06. North American users may prefer for it’s USA warranty and support. AF works best with Sony PDAF cameras and E-type and G-type Nikon AF lenses – but not with many of the earlier D-Type lenses.
Vello Nikon F to Sony E Autofocus Lens Adapter v06 ($369)
Vello’s Nikon AF Adapter (now shipping with fw 06) is another re-badged Commlite which North American users may prefer for it’s USA warranty and support. AF works best with a1, a7 II, a7 III, a7C, a7R II, a7R III, a7R IV, a7S III, a9, a9 II, a6100, a6300, a6400, a6500 & a6600 and E-type and G-type Nikon AF lenses – but not with many of the earlier D-Type lenses.
Order from B&H Photo
In addition to Commlitte/Fotodiox/Vello there is finally a new player in town from Monster Adapter:
Monster Adapter Nikon F to Sony E Adapter ($329)
Monster Adapter supports AE / AF shooting with Nikon F mount CPU lenses with a built-in motor and aperture control with CPU lenses that don’t have a built-in motor. With Sony PDAF cameras, AF-C is possible for high-speed continuous shooting (up to approximately 10 frames per second) along with Face Detection and Eye AF support.
Order from B&H Photo
Nikon G Manual Focus Lens Adapters for Sony E-Mount
Nikon G Adapters have a ring on the adapters that allows rough control of the aperture of Nikon G lenses – think of aperture control as opening or closing a faucet – rather than precise F-stops. They Cannot control the aperture of Nikkor E-Type or Nikkor PC-E Lenses. Nikon G adapters will also work with Nikon D-type and manual focus Nikkor lenses, so if you have both types of lenses – get a Nikon G adapter.
FotodioX Nikon F/G Lens to Sony E-Mount Camera DLX Series Adapter ($80)
Designed to support G-type lenses, this adapter has a de-clicked aperture control ring that allows for precise manual adjustment of the lens aperture. DLX series version also comes equipped with an improved spring mechanism that provides a more secure fit. It is also guaranteed to provide infinity focusing capabilities. Includes a built-in Arca-type compatible tripod foot that also has a standard 1/4″-20 thread.
Order from B&H Photo
FotodioX Adapter for Nikon G to Sony E-Mount II ($60)
Allows you to attach a Nikon G lens to a Sony E-Mount camera body. Although the lens will fit physically, automatic diaphragm, auto-focusing, or other electronic functions will not operate correctly while using this adapter. Manual or aperture priority mode must be used when this adapter is attached. The adapter features a built-in aperture control ring for Nikon G lenses that can be clicked or de-clicked with the flip of a switch.
Vello Nikon G Lens to Sony E-Mount Adapter ($60)
This all-metal adapter allows you to mount a Nikon G lens onto a Sony E-mount camera. A tripod collar with a 1/4″-20 mount enables you to shift the center of gravity for easier handling with heavy lenses, and relieve strain on the camera lens assembly. There is no electrical communication between camera body and lens so you need to focus manually, and to set exposures manually or in aperture priority mode. The adapter has a manual aperture collar that provides approximate aperture control.
Order from B&H Photo
Metabones Nikon G to Sony E-Mount Adapter ($139)
This Metabones adapter allows you to attach a Nikon F-mount G lens to Sony E-Mount, including full frame cameras. Metabones’ adapters are precision-machined with brass and plated with chromium on both sides of the adapter. It is also designed to allow lenses to reach infinity focus while maintaining the correct registration distance required to support CRC lenses or lenses with floating elements. It features a clickless 8-stop aperture ring with half-stop markings and a detachable tripod foot compatible with Arca Swiss quick release. Additionally, its matte black finish minimizes internal reflections so as to maintain image quality. Automatic lens functions, like autofocus, will not be retained when using this adapter.
Novoflex Adapter for Nikon Lens to Sony E-Mount ($293)
This Novoflex Adapter makes it possible to mount a Nikon lens to Sony E-Mount cameras with a precision mechanical adapter. It does not transfer functions from the camera to the lens, such as auto focus, but automatic exposure metering (stop-down metering/aperture priority) is possible.
Nikon F Manual Focus Lens Adapters for Sony E-Mount
Nikon F adapters are made for Nikon D-Type and Manual Focus Nikkor lenses which have a physical aperture ring. They Cannot control the aperture of Nikkor G-Type, E-Type or Nikkor PC-E Lenses.
Vello Nikon F Mount Lens to Sony E-Mount Adapter ($45)
This adapter allows you to mount a Nikon F lens onto a Sony E-mount (NEX or full-frame) camera body. The all-metal adapter is designed to fit the lens securely, yet can still be removed easily when not needed. Autofocus, automatic aperture and AE metering will be disabled by the lens adapter as there will be no electrical communication between camera body and lens. You will need to focus manually, and to set exposures manually or meter in aperture priority mode. The lens will retain its ability to focus to infinity.
Metabones Nikon F to Sony E-Mount Adapter II ($99)
This Metabones adapter allows a Nikon F mount lens to be attached to a Sony E-mount including full frame cameras. Metabones adapters are quality made, using precision-machined brass with chromium plating on both the camera-body and the lens sides of the adapter in order to ensure smooth mounting, quality aesthetic, and durability. It has a detachable tripod foot that is compatible with Arca Swiss ball heads. Although the lens will fit physically, automatic diaphragm (AE metering), or other auto functions are not retained using this adapter.
Voigtlander Nikon F to Sony E Lens Mount Adapter ($179)
Voigtlander’s Adapter for Sony E Mount Cameras–Nikon F Mount Lens (Black) allows you to mount a Nikon F mount lens to a Sony E mount camera. Adapter does not provide electronic communication between the camera and the lens–works with manual focus and exposure.
Order from B&H Photo
FotodioX Vizelex Pro ND Throttle Lens Adapter for Nikon F-Mount Lens to Sony E-Mount ($100) features a built-in, variable neutral-density filter. This filter has a 2 to 1,000x filter factor that provides a 1 to 10 stop exposure reduction. The adapter’s variable neutral-density filter can help maintain proper exposure by compensating for increased light levels after widening an installed camera lens’s iris to obtain a narrower depth-of-field.
Order from B&H Photo
APS-C Speed Booster Nikon F Manual Focus Lens Adapters
Speed Boosters are 0.71x focal converters that reduce a full-frame image to APS-C. They’re compatible with Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras like a6300, a6000, a5100, a5000 and NEX. They can also be used in APS-C or Super 35 Crop Mode with a7 Series cameras – but they will NOT cover fullframe. This adapter cannot control the aperture of Nikkor E-Type or Nikkor PC-E Lenses.
Metabones Nikon F-Mount Lens to Sony E-Mount Camera Speed Booster ULTRA ($479). With a 5 element/4 group optical design it allows a full frame Nikon F-Mount lens to be mounted to an APS-C format E-Mount camera and in doing so, increases the angle of view and increases the maximum aperture by approximately one f/stop. It is compatible with Nikkor F mount and F Mount G lenses including AI and non-AI mounts.
Tilt/Shift Adapters for Nikon G to Sony E-Mount
Kipon Tilt- Shift Lens Mount Adapter from Nikon G to Sony Nex ($360)
Aperture control on the adapter allows manual aperture adjustment. The adapter also providea 360 degree free rotation and a 12 degree tilt and 15mm shift function. This provides the adapter with the flexibility to be adjusted accordingly to meet the needs of every situation. The tilt function enables you to highlight specific subjects in a photo while the shift function minimize an size distortions that may result from objects being seen at an angle.
Order from Adorama
Tilt Adapters for Nikon F to Sony E-Mount
Lensbaby Tilt Transformer for Sony NEX ($349)
One more quite interesting choice for Nikon lenses is the Lensbaby Tilt Transformer for Sony NEX. It allows you to turn any Nikon lens from 8mm to 800mm into a tilt lens. This can come in handy for adjusting the focus plane when shooting landscapes or product photography. Since Nikon manual focus glass is available with fast apertures, this adapter works great for selective focus enabling users to to limit focus to just a small part of the frame. This adapter features easily adjustable metal swivel ball for smooth, fluid tilt with/metal locking ring and it tilts twice as far as normal Tilt/Shift lenses for extreme results.
Order from Amazon
Camera: Sony a7R + Lensbaby Tilt Transformer UPDATED: July 16, 2021 / ORIGINAL: April 10, 2016
Here’s a round-up of AF Nikon Smart Adapters and Manual Focus Nikon lens adapters for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras.
Nikon Auto Focus Smart Lens Adapters for Sony E-Mount
The three most popular Nikon AF Smart adapters on the market are all produced by Commlite – just with different branding. When using a1, a7 II, a7 III, a7C, a7R II, a7R III, a7R IV, a7S III, a9, a9 II, a6100, a6300, a6400, a6500 & a6600, they work fairly well for still photography with most of the newer Nikon Type G or E lenses. They will still control aperture with older Nikkor D-Types lenses – but forget about AF. Nikon PC-E lenses are also incompatible. Read how these three adapters perform on a1, a7 II, a7 III, a7C, a7R II, a7R III, a7R IV, a7S III, a9, a9 II, a6100, a6300, a6400, a6500 & a6600:
Commlite Nikon F to Sony E Autofocus Electronic Lens Adapter v06 ($200)
Commlite made the world’s first Nikon AF adapter as well as the re-branded adapters listed below. Commlite made physical changes to all adapters beginning with v05 that adds compatibility with several additional Nikon lenses that cannot be used with previous adapters. AF works best with Sony PDAF lenses and E-type and G-type Nikon AF lenses – but not with many of the earlier D-Type lenses.
Order from eBay
FotodioX FUSION Smart Mark II Adapter v06 ($350)
This Second generation Fotodiox Fusion adapter is a re-badged Commlite adapter that also ships with fw 06. North American users may prefer for it’s USA warranty and support. AF works best with Sony PDAF cameras and E-type and G-type Nikon AF lenses – but not with many of the earlier D-Type lenses.
Vello Nikon F to Sony E Autofocus Lens Adapter v06 ($369)
Vello’s Nikon AF Adapter (now shipping with fw 06) is another re-badged Commlite which North American users may prefer for it’s USA warranty and support. AF works best with a1, a7 II, a7 III, a7C, a7R II, a7R III, a7R IV, a7S III, a9, a9 II, a6100, a6300, a6400, a6500 & a6600 and E-type and G-type Nikon AF lenses – but not with many of the earlier D-Type lenses.
Order from B&H Photo
In addition to Commlitte/Fotodiox/Vello there is finally a new player in town from Monster Adapter:
Monster Adapter Nikon F to Sony E Adapter ($329)
Monster Adapter supports AE / AF shooting with Nikon F mount CPU lenses with a built-in motor and aperture control with CPU lenses that don’t have a built-in motor. With Sony PDAF cameras, AF-C is possible for high-speed continuous shooting (up to approximately 10 frames per second) along with Face Detection and Eye AF support.
Order from B&H Photo
Nikon G Manual Focus Lens Adapters for Sony E-Mount
Nikon G Adapters have a ring on the adapters that allows rough control of the aperture of Nikon G lenses – think of aperture control as opening or closing a faucet – rather than precise F-stops. They Cannot control the aperture of Nikkor E-Type or Nikkor PC-E Lenses. Nikon G adapters will also work with Nikon D-type and manual focus Nikkor lenses, so if you have both types of lenses – get a Nikon G adapter.
FotodioX Nikon F/G Lens to Sony E-Mount Camera DLX Series Adapter ($80)
Designed to support G-type lenses, this adapter has a de-clicked aperture control ring that allows for precise manual adjustment of the lens aperture. DLX series version also comes equipped with an improved spring mechanism that provides a more secure fit. It is also guaranteed to provide infinity focusing capabilities. Includes a built-in Arca-type compatible tripod foot that also has a standard 1/4″-20 thread.
Order from B&H Photo
FotodioX Adapter for Nikon G to Sony E-Mount II ($60)
Allows you to attach a Nikon G lens to a Sony E-Mount camera body. Although the lens will fit physically, automatic diaphragm, auto-focusing, or other electronic functions will not operate correctly while using this adapter. Manual or aperture priority mode must be used when this adapter is attached. The adapter features a built-in aperture control ring for Nikon G lenses that can be clicked or de-clicked with the flip of a switch.
Vello Nikon G Lens to Sony E-Mount Adapter ($60)
This all-metal adapter allows you to mount a Nikon G lens onto a Sony E-mount camera. A tripod collar with a 1/4″-20 mount enables you to shift the center of gravity for easier handling with heavy lenses, and relieve strain on the camera lens assembly. There is no electrical communication between camera body and lens so you need to focus manually, and to set exposures manually or in aperture priority mode. The adapter has a manual aperture collar that provides approximate aperture control settings.
Order from B&H Photo
Metabones Nikon G to Sony E-Mount Adapter ($139)
This Metabones adapter allows you to attach a Nikon F-mount G lens to Sony E-Mount, including full frame cameras. Metabones’ adapters are precision-machined with brass and plated with chromium on both sides of the adapter. It is also designed to allow lenses to reach infinity focus while maintaining the correct registration distance required to support CRC lenses or lenses with floating elements. It features a clickless 8-stop aperture ring with half-stop markings and a detachable tripod foot compatible with Arca Swiss quick release. Additionally, its matte black finish minimizes internal reflections so as to maintain image quality. Automatic lens functions, like autofocus, will not be retained when using this adapter.
Novoflex Adapter for Nikon Lens to Sony E-Mount ($293)
This Novoflex Adapter makes it possible to mount a Nikon lens to Sony E-Mount cameras with a precision mechanical adapter. It does not transfer functions from the camera to the lens, such as auto focus, but automatic exposure metering (stop-down metering/aperture priority) is possible.
Nikon F Manual Focus Lens Adapters for Sony E-Mount
Nikon F adapters are made for Nikon D-Type and Manual Focus Nikkor lenses which have a physical aperture ring. They Cannot control the aperture of Nikkor G-Type, E-Type or Nikkor PC-E Lenses.
Vello Nikon F Mount Lens to Sony E-Mount Adapter ($45)
This adapter allows you to mount a Nikon F lens onto a Sony E-mount (NEX or full-frame) camera body. The all-metal adapter is designed to fit the lens securely, yet can still be removed easily when not needed. Autofocus, automatic aperture and AE metering will be disabled by the lens adapter as there will be no electrical communication between camera body and lens. You will need to focus manually, and to set exposures manually or meter in aperture priority mode. The lens will retain its ability to focus to infinity.
Metabones Nikon F to Sony E-Mount Adapter II ($99)
This Metabones adapter allows a Nikon F mount lens to be attached to a Sony E-mount including full frame cameras. Metabones adapters are quality made, using precision-machined brass with chromium plating on both the camera-body and the lens sides of the adapter in order to ensure smooth mounting, quality aesthetic, and durability. It has a detachable tripod foot that is compatible with Arca Swiss ball heads. Although the lens will fit physically, automatic diaphragm (AE metering), or other auto functions are not retained using this adapter.
Voigtlander Nikon F to Sony E Lens Mount Adapter ($179)
Voigtlander’s Adapter for Sony E Mount Cameras–Nikon F Mount Lens (Black) allows you to mount a Nikon F mount lens to a Sony E mount camera. Adapter does not provide electronic communication between the camera and the lens–works with manual focus and exposure.
Order from B&H Photo
FotodioX Vizelex Pro ND Throttle Lens Adapter for Nikon F-Mount Lens to Sony E-Mount ($100) features a built-in, variable neutral-density filter. This filter has a 2 to 1,000x filter factor that provides a 1 to 10 stop exposure reduction. The adapter’s variable neutral-density filter can help maintain proper exposure by compensating for increased light levels after widening an installed camera lens’s iris to obtain a narrower depth-of-field.
Order from B&H Photo
APS-C Speed Booster Nikon F Manual Focus Lens Adapters
Speed Boosters are 0.71x focal converters that reduce a full-frame image to APS-C. They’re compatible with Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras like a6300, a6000, a5100, a5000 and NEX. They can also be used in APS-C or Super 35 Crop Mode with a7 Series cameras – but they will NOT cover fullframe. This adapter cannot control the aperture of Nikkor E-Type or Nikkor PC-E Lenses.
Metabones Nikon F-Mount Lens to Sony E-Mount Camera Speed Booster ULTRA ($479). With a 5 element/4 group optical design it allows a full frame Nikon F-Mount lens to be mounted to an APS-C format E-Mount camera and in doing so, increases the angle of view and increases the maximum aperture by approximately one f/stop. It is compatible with Nikkor F mount and F Mount G lenses including AI and non-AI mounts.
Tilt/Shift Adapters for Nikon G to Sony E-Mount
Kipon Tilt- Shift Lens Mount Adapter from Nikon G to Sony Nex ($360)
Aperture control on the adapter allows manual aperture adjustment. The adapter also providea 360 degree free rotation and a 12 degree tilt and 15mm shift function. This provides the adapter with the flexibility to be adjusted accordingly to meet the needs of every situation. The tilt function enables you to highlight specific subjects in a photo while the shift function minimize an size distortions that may result from objects being seen at an angle.
Order from Adorama
Tilt Adapters for Nikon F to Sony E-Mount
Lensbaby Tilt Transformer for Sony NEX ($349)
One more quite interesting choice for Nikon lenses is the Lensbaby Tilt Transformer for Sony NEX. It allows you to turn any Nikon lens from 8mm to 800mm into a tilt lens. This can come in handy for adjusting the focus plane when shooting landscapes or product photography. Since Nikon manual focus glass is available with fast apertures, this adapter works great for selective focus enabling users to to limit focus to just a small part of the frame. This adapter features easily adjustable metal swivel ball for smooth, fluid tilt with/metal locking ring and it tilts twice as far as normal Tilt/Shift lenses for extreme results.
Order from Amazon
Camera: Sony a7R + Lensbaby Tilt Transformer Adapter + Nikkor 55 f/1.2 AI-S Lens
For more tips and tricks about getting the most out of your Sony a7 series camera, check out my book ‘Sony a7-Series: From Snapshots to Great Shots’. It’s your guide to all of the Sony a7 Series I & II cameras. While the camera manual explains what the camera can do, it doesn’t show how to use the camera to create great images! Starting with the Top Ten things users need to know about the cameras, author Brian Smith, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and Sony Artisan of Imagery, carefully guides you through the operating features of Sony a7, a7R, a7S, a7II and a7RII and how to use them. Get practical advice from a pro on which settings to use when, great shooting tips, and assignments at end of chapter to practice what you’ve just learned.
‘Sony A7 Series: From Snapshots to Great Shots’ is available NOW from Amazon
For more tips and tricks about getting the most out of your Sony a7 series camera, check out my book ‘Sony a7-Series: From Snapshots to Great Shots’. It’s your guide to all of the Sony a7 Series I & II cameras. While the camera manual explains what the camera can do, it doesn’t show how to use the camera to create great images! Starting with the Top Ten things users need to know about the cameras, author Brian Smith, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and Sony Artisan of Imagery, carefully guides you through the operating features of Sony a7, a7R, a7S, a7II and a7RII and how to use them. Get practical advice from a pro on which settings to use when, great shooting tips, and assignments at end of chapter to practice what you’ve just learned.
‘Sony A7 Series: From Snapshots to Great Shots’ is available NOW from Amazon
92 thoughts on “Guide to Nikon Lens Adapters for Sony E-Mount Cameras”
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I have the commlite adapter with the newest firmware on it. I tried to use it with the Nikon PC-E 45mm shift tilt lens. It allows me to change the aperture in the camera menu but when I press the shutter, the camera locks up. Any help?
Nikon PC-E lenses are a problem with all the adapters. The auto adapters allow you to control the aperture but the shutter will not release if the aperture is stopped down.
I have. If I keep the aperture to f2.8 the camera releases. It also releases in this case when the Release w/o Lens is Off. Also, the camera allows me to film. In this case I can change the aperture and it physically closes the aperture. This is the only case when the lens actually physically closes down. Strange isn’t it?
BTW I use the firmware V04.
The A7Sii and the A7Rii behave identically.
Also I used a different PC-E 45mm lens and the same happened.
Has anybody ever managed to use the PC-E45mm on a A7Rii without restrictions? Thank you for any input.
Question I have a Nikon d5200, but I am getting a a5000 Sony . Which adapter would be best for my af s lenses to the a5000
Nikon AF lenses are a challenge to adapt and a500 is an early generation Sony mirrorless camera that’s simply not up to the challenge. You need a minimum of a6100 to get AF with adapted glass.
I want converters for my 8 Nikon lenses;1) AF Nikkor 80-200 mm F 2.8 D ED 2) AF DC-Nikkor 135 mm F 2 D 3) AF Nikkor 85 mm F 1.4 D 4) AF Nikkor 28-105 mm F 3.5-4.5 D Macro 5) AF Nikkor 18-35 mm F 3.5-4.5 D ED 6) AF-S Nikkor 50 mm F 1.4 G 7) AF-S Nikkor 24 mm F 1.4 G ED 8) AF-S Nikkor 105 mm F 1.4 E ED .
to be used with Sony a7R II
Nikon lenses don’t adapt well. The D lenses are going to be manual focus only no matter which adapter you use, but the G and E lenses will give you some degree of AF with either a Vello Nikon F Lens to Sony E-Mount Camera Auto Lens Adapter or FotodioX FUSION Smart AF Adapter for Nikon F Lens to Sony E-Mount.
Hi i really liked the way you explained and it was really helpful, but i still have my doubts for my case and i would really appreciate it if you could help me out.
I dont have a lot of equipment but i have the sony a6000 and i found an old lense from an nikon fm10(analog). The lense is nikon series E, 50mm focal length and i want an adapter. I dont really care for the autofocus cause i dont think i can afford it but i have my doubts on how the focal length is gonna translate. Any advise would be really appreciated… i m lost here
You’re not going to get anything close to acceptable AF with Nikon lenses on a6000. My advice is to grab one of the native lenses from this list:
https://briansmith.com/aps-e-mount-lenses-for-sony-mirrorless-cameras/
Hi Brian, thank you for the guide but I am still confused as to what is the best way to adapt the Otus line of lenses to Sony E mount. Is the ZE version with a Metabones IV better (electronic aperture control + EXIF data) or a ZF.2 version with say a NovoFlex NEX/NIK be better (all manual control, no aperture info)? Which Nikon F to Sony E mount adapter is recommended for mounting a Otus 55 on a A7II body?
If you have your heart set on Otus, then I’d go with the Zeiss 55mm f/1.4 Otus Distagon T* Lens for Canon EF Mount + Metabones Smart Adapter IV and allow the camera to control the aperture.
Though it’s REALLY hard to see a visual difference between that lens and the Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA except in your bank account…
I have recently picked up some old Nikon manual focus lenses for my D800 to use in night photography. I got a 300 f4.5, a 28 f2.8 and a 15 f3.5. I would also like to use them on my Sony AR7ii. Which one of these adaptors would be best for them. I don’t mind spending the extra money for the more expensive ones but if they aren’t going to do anything better I’d rather not. Thanks
Any of the manual focus Nikon F adapters on this list will work fine for that. You can also use Nikon G adapters on Nikon F lenses – but the aperture control ring on the adapter is not necessary.
Hi Brian,
Thanks for your comprehensive list, but I’m not sure if any of these adapters will work with my combo. Sony a6000. Nikkor*ED 400mm f/5.6 manual focus lens.
I love the lens and have had great success over the years, but I’m traveling to Germany and Israel (with probable stop at Hula). I’d like to leave my Nikon DSLR home to save weight and was wondering if there’s an adapter that will let me put the Nikon lens on the Sony camera. From your list, I doubt it.
I’m starting to think I should just bring all my cameras and not worry about the weight.
Thanks for any help
That lens has a working aperture ring, so any of the Nikon F or G lens adapters will work fine. You don’t need the aperture control ring found on G adapters – but it doesn’t hurt either.
Cool. Thanks for the quick response.
I don’t really know what the ED means on my Nikkor lens. Does that mean my lens is E-series? How would I know that F or G might work as well?
ED stands for its extra-low dispersion glass elements
So this took less than a minute to turn into disaster. I bought a Vello lens adapter and tried putting a Nikon lens on it. I just took the lens that I happened to have on my DSLR, an 18-200. The lens went on fine but when I tried to remove it, the locking pin wouldn’t budge. I took a butter knife to try to release the pin and the pin snapped. So now the adapter is broken and stuck on my mainstay lens. I guess I have to find a repair shop to get the adapter off. I’m going to ask for my money back.
Sorry to hear that Rick. I use lots if adapters and never have had any trouble removing any of them. Sounds like you might have gotten a defective adapter. Sorry again for that…
Brian, I found a camera shop (had to drive 40 miles from the Oregon coast) that was able to remove my broken Vello adapter. This was really my fault. I was trying to pull the locking pin up and away from the assembly. You actually slide the pin toward the rear of the adapter, away from the lens. So I broke the pin. The shop, Focal Point Photography in Dallas, Ore., sold me a different brand adapter, Kiwi, that goes on and off pretty easily. Just about the same price ($50). Now I’m going to go out and try my new toy. Thanks for your help
Another thought. I doubt that I have ever changed the aperture on my f/5.6 lens. It’s hard enough getting the light and speed I need.
Thanks for this great site, most hel[pfull
Just a follow-up comment. I was able to use my manual Nikkor 400mm lens on the Sony a6000, using the Kiwi adapter. But the results were not good. The image quality was very poor compared to what I usually get with my Nikon DSLR. So I probably won’t bother putting my Nikon lenses on the Sony again. I don’t see any advantage.
There’s a reason that I only recommend the adapters that I do – and Kiwi is not one of them.
With any adapter listed on this website image quality will be as good or better than on a Nikon body.
hmmm … duly noted
Do you lose all auto focus with adapter? I have nikon lenses and i am thinking of making a switch to either sony a9 or the 7rii, i currently have nikon d610.
Thanks.
Depends on the lens. Nikon AF has more personalities than Sybil.
Read this: https://briansmith.com/vello-nikon-sony-e-mount-af-lens-adapter-review/
Thank you. Lucky for me I don’t have that many lenses, but the ones I have I would like to make work till i can afford to make a full switch over!
Right now I am totn between fugi and sony…
Also i was told by my local camera shop that my lenses wont autofocus at all and I would have to switch everything. I typically manually focus my lens anyways, bit sometimes auto focus on the lens is nice to have.
Hello,
Thanks you a lot for the guide, its so helpful. I bought a commlite adapter, which is similar to the metabones. To my surprise not all my lens can focus to infinity, and I think it’s because of the CRC system. Being the same distance to the camera I can not understand why some can focus and others can not. Is it because of the distance to the camera? An adapter that only works with ai-s / afd lenses is shorter? What do you recommend me? Thank you!
Double check that. Chances are very good that it’s actually focusing PAST infinity.
Thanks you for the answer! Im going to check it again but im shure that i can’t focus to Infinity with a Nikkor 50mm 1,2 and a Tokina 17mm atxpro.
Ignore the focus scale. Infinity focus will be before the lens marking for infinity.
Hello!
I have tried all my lenses. I do not know why but with short focal lengths I can not focus to infinity but with long focal lengths yes. I am not looking at the focus scale.
I tested the adapter with a Nikon 24-120 f4. The fact is that at 120 I can focus on the infinity mark but at 24 I have to go PAST infinity to focus it. If I zoom to infinity at 120 and then I put 24, I have to correct the focus. In my Nikon, infinity focus doesn’t change when I zoom.
I will surely change the adapter for another. The fact is that I measured the distance from the sensor to the Nikon mount of the adapter and is exactly the same distance as the Nikon reflex to his mount (5.75cm-6cm). If the adapter is fine my only option is for the Sony sensor to be farther back than it should be.
Thanks you!!!
I have been looking for more information on the internet. I read that cheap adapters are shorter than they should to ensure focus to infinity. It is when it allows focusing to infinity before the infinity mark. When using adapters with the exact distance, you may not be able to approach infinity in some cases. I think that’s my situation. I am going to change the adapter for another one and I will continue reporting.
Thank you!
All adapters are made slightly short. This means you focus can focus past infinity. If they are even slightly too long you can’t focus to infinity.
Ok, thanks!
Hi! I own a AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G and I’ve been thinking about getting a Sony a6000. Since Sony lenses are more expensive, i thought of just getting an adaptor for my Nikon lens.
What would you recommend?
Any adapter that offers AF will cost more than that lens. You’d be better off buying the SEL 35mm F1.8 OSS
Hi. I wonder if focusing speed drops a lot with those auto-focus adapters and how much approximately if so? I used Canon lens with Sony camera through some latest Canon-Sony adapter, the speed loss was about half a second that, in my opinion rendered the lens unusable for portrait sessions, however it was still acceptable for landscapes. Also, do any of those adapters allow image stabilization (VR for Nikon) ?
You’ll definitely get better AF with native lenses – particularly for features like Eye AF, DSLR lenses simply aren’t made for that, so native glass is a much better choice for portraits.
You actually DON’T want image stabilization from the lens as thet eats up too much power from the AF. The problem with most AF adapters except Metabones is that when you turn IS/VR off on the lens that also controls the body. Only, Metabones T Smart Adapter IV/V allows you to control that separately so you get IBIS from the camera – without enabling IS/VR from the lens.
Hi Brian,
I’m hoping you can help clarify something for me. I currently own Nikon gear and want to switch over to Sony. My goal is to use a Nikon 24mm 1:3.5D ED PC-E lens on a Sony A7R-ii with (hopefully) a Vello Adapter. Where the confusion sits is on your post here… https://briansmith.com/where-are-the-nikon-af-lens-adapters/ you write…
PC-E Nikkor Tilt-Shift Lens Compatibility with Nikon to Sony E-Mount Adapters:
[UPDATE: 6/8/16 I can confirm that PC-E lens Aperture Control IS supported by Vello Nikon F to Sony E-Mount AF Lens Adapters.]
but on this post…
https://briansmith.com/where-are-the-nikon-af-lens-adapters/
you write…
Nikon PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED Tilt-Shift Lens
This is a Manual Focus lens and the adapter does not change that but it does provide electronic aperture control and EXIF data not possible with non-electronic lens adapters. HOWEVER”¦as of firmware version 4.0, while it’s possible to control the aperture using this adapter, you can only shoot wide open.
PLEASE NOTE: This combination is NOT RECOMMENDED. I suggest adapting Canon TS-E lenses instead.
——————
Can you please help me to understand what you are saying. Does aperture control work or doesn’t it? Because if you can only shoot wide open, that suggests that the lens aperture is not working, but when you write that you can control the aperture, then it seems like the aperture is working. Do you see how that is confusing?
If you can do it manually on the lens, but not electronically though the camera I am fine with that, but it really is hard to understand what you are saying and some clarification would be appreciated.
Coming from a Nikon system to Sony I’m trying to find a solution to use my existing shift lenses without having to sell them and repurchase the equivalent Canon lenses.
Nikon lenses are just weird. The adapter can control the aperture BUT you can only shoot wide open. Never seen such weirdness adapting Canon glass, but Nikon is just….different…
You might want to add the rayqual in your review.
I have tested them all and it is by far the best one.
It is the only one without any play on the body side and the lens side. The build is also much better than any other one. The fit is perfect without being to tight.
Having no play at all is a true joy.
Hi Brian, thanks for your comprehensive review and recommendation on the nikon f to sony e mount adapters.
Since I am very new to the sony cameras, I’d like to ask for your kind opinion. As fas as I know the sony library of macro lenses is still very limited, so I’m planning to buy an adapter for my tokina 100 2.8 f mount so that it can work on a7r3. But it seems that none of these adapters would allow AF on this lens. Could you please give me some comments if it would be a good idea for me to buy a simple MF-only adapter? Although I still have another f lens to use on the adapter, the macro lens would be my main lens to be used. I’m not good at MF but if there’s no option I can still go with it. If none of them is a good option, I wonder if you consider it as a good idea to wait for a future 100 macro fe lens instead.
Camera: A7R3
My F lens: nikkor 50 1.4d, tokina 100 2.8
Thanks in advance.
I doubt Sony will make a 100 Macro since their FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G is the SHARPEST macro DxO ever tested and 90mm-vs-100mm is just splitting hairs. Rather than wasting money adapting the Tokina, you’d be much better off upgrading to the FE 90 Macro G
Waiting for a sweeter future that includes a full format Nikon DSLR(or mirrorless)I’d like to use my old AI lenses(24 f2.8; 28 f2.8E ; 35 f2.5E; 50 f2;
105 f2.5 ;135 f2.8; 100-300 f5.6 and bellows extension,filters,etc.) with an old Alpha 500.
I assume factor conversion for the smaller format,but need the camera to “know” the aperture I set on the lens. Thank you in advance.
Not. Gonna. Happen.
Mechanical aperture connection of AI lenses does not communicate electronic Metadata for aperture setting camera.
Hi there Brian,
Here’s my problem, curious if you could answer…
I was given a nikon dx 18-55 3.5-5.6 and decided to buy an adaptor for my a6000.
The lens automatically closes the iris and creates dark images even when controlling settings on the body. Is there a way to open the iris without a nikon?
Hope you can help, thanks!
Which adapter are you using?
Hi, Brian.
I’ ve been using Zeiss planar 50mm 1.4 and Zeiss 85mm 1.4 planar with Canon mount on Canon APS-C camera. Then I had to get rid of all of that and switched to Nikon. I have Zeiss planar 50mm 1.4 ZF.2 F mount MF. Which adaptor would be the best to use it with Sony a7ii? All I need is auto aperture control and focus peaking. I would like to get Sony ZA planar 50mm autofocus but it’s not gonna happen for now.
Thank you
I’m not sure how you would get “auto aperture control” with Zeiss 50mm 1.4 ZF.2 F-Mount since it’s a manual aperture lens.
ZF.2 model allows to control the aperture from the camera.
If the camera can control the aperture you would need one of the Nikon AF Smart Adapters listed here.
Hello, Brian!
Trust this finds you well in Corona times…!
Looking or an adapter to use the Nikon 300mm f4E PF lens on a Sony A7 Mk II. It should permit lens based AF and VR and camera based aperture control to function efficiently. Can you please advise? Thanks!
Bharat
Hello Bharat,
Aperture control is the easy part – AF is the bigger challenge with Nikon smart adapters.
This is what I found in my Commlite/Vello/Fotodiox Smart Adapter tests with that particular lens.
“a7RII/a7II/a6300: Moderately Fast and accurate AF-S & AF-C Wide, Center, Flexible Spot. No Video AF.”
Be aware that VR sucks power away from AF, so you will get better AF with VR turned off.
Hello, will any of these work with the Sony FS5m2? I think af is a no go with any of them but aperture control would be good as my Nikon lens does not have a manual aperture ring on the lens.
Thanks!
You won’t get video AF with Nikon lenses on any Sony cameras but you should get aperture control
Any idea if the adapters activate the VR of the lens? I can deal with no autofocus shooting video (just need aperture and VR would be a bonus)
All the Nikon AF adapters on this list pass all electronic communication between lens and the camera. VR is controlled from the switch on the lens. If the camera has IBIS, this is also controlled by the lens. They are both either ON or OFF – there’s no way to select one or the other. You get both or nothing.
Hi it’s been a while. I have a Tamron 24-70 2.8 G2 and a Tamron 70-200 2.8 G2 Nikon mounts and wanted to know if there’s any new adapters for a A7RII or if there’s one you recommend so I maintain the most features. I’m new to Sony and it’s confusing considering I don’t actually have Nikon glass and have Tamron. What do you recommend?
I’ve stopped testing Nikon AF adapters as their performance is acceptable at best.
Hi!
My dad got the Nikon f401x with the 35 to 70mm f3.3 autofocus lens as well as the 70 – 200mm f4 lens. When looking them up they were labelled as “Bayonet Mount” which my research showed is F mount? which adapter would be best for that and will the autofocus work with the Sony a7iii?
He got these lenses and camera in 87.
HI thank you for your guide but I’m still lost. I have a Sigma DC 18-200mm 1:3.5 -6.3 HSM lens for NIKON and I want to use it on my Sony a7iii camera. What adapter should I buy?
Here’s the deal, that’s an APS-C lens which means a7 III resolution would drop to 10mp and you get mediocre AF at best with any of these AF adapters. My advice is to sell the lens and buy a native Fullframe lens in with a similar range such as the Sony FE 24-240 F3.5-6.3 OSS or Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD.
Hi, I recently Purchased the Nikkor 105 f2.5 for my Sony 7r2. Which of these adaptors works best for this type of lenses
Since the Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AIS is a manual focus lens, any of the manual focus adapters will on this list will do fine.
I have just got the Commlite adapter from B&H , but non of my Nikon AF lenses will AF with this adapter. Have also tried Sigma lenses, same problem The Sony body is A7111. What am I doing Wrong?
Are they the Type G or E lenses listed in this post and are you shooting stills or video?
Trying to find out of the Nikon 85mm f/2-8 PC Micro T/S lens can be adapted to Sony A7r4. Apertur control is a must have.
Do you have any knowledge to share?
Won’t work. Technically you can control the aperture however the shutter will only release if the lens is wide open. I have no idea what Nikon did with the design of their PC-E lenses that causes this. Canon TS-E lenses adapt flawlessly.
I only shoot stills. Even my AF S 70 to 300 mm 4.5 / 5.6 G. VR lens will not AF. But I have tried some Sigma lenses that will AF , so I now know the adapter is not faulty.
It’s the lens. I found exactly the same thing when I tested adapted Nikon lenses.
Nikon has the goofiest AF on the planet it’s as if they let the new guy design a different AF system for each lens.
Hi Brian,
I have a specific question. I am a Nikon shooter. I have a 300 f2.8 VR II that I love for sports/action/wildlife. I was considering an a9 II or perhaps, an A7R ( 3 or 4). I saw a video where in a photog had the exact same lens I described, on an A9, and it was impressive. I believe he was using Comlite. He then told me that after Sony did a firmware upgrade, the adapter no longer worked? What would you recommend to adapt the 300 f2.8 to an a9 II for example? Do firmware updates by mfgs throw off the communication abilities of the adapters?
Thanks!
Sony has on several occasions updated camera firmware to improve AF performance with their A-mount lens adapters. This can mean that third-party adapter makers must update their firmware as well. Commlite, Vello & Fotodiox are all made by Commlite, so Commlite firmware updates are compatible with all three. Commlite’s typically fairly responsive to releasing a firmware update if they’re alerted to an issue.
Is the replacement for the one you linked to?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Commlite-CM-ENF-E1PRO-Auto-Focus-Lens-Adapter-for-Nikon-F-To-Sony-E-Mount-Camera/274697609233?hash=item3ff540e011:g:xbcAAOSwLf9gOFWc
I have Sigma and Nikon F and G lenses that i need an adapter for.
Thanx in advance.
Hi Brian;
Is there a Nikon lens adapter for the Sony A7C camera ….?
You have searched but cannot find.
Thanks.
a7C is basically a7 III without an EVF, so these adapters will perform the same on a7C.
Hi! I have a 35mm DX Nikkor and I wish I could use it on a Sony A7III full frame. It’s possible? What adapter do you recommend?
That’s an APS-C lens so it can only be used in crop mode which reduces a7 III resolution to 10mp. Instead of wasting money on an adapter – invest that cash into a native lens instead. You’ll be much happier if you do.
Brian,
Planning on getting a Voightlander 40 f2, or 58 1.4 for Nikon FE2. What adapter would work for using on Sony a73. How would I have to meter and is the aperture in auto mode,(stays open until actually taking the picture). Any other restrictions I should know about.
Thank you,
FW
Any of the adapters in this post will work for that. Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIS and Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f/1.4 SL II S will function in stop down mode with all of the adapters.
I’m trying to connect my “Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens” to my Sony a7sIII.
I’m very unclear if the lens is considered a G or D lens and I want to just make sure I have aperture control and reliability.
Any recommendations?
THANK YOU for this article and all your responses, Brian!
All the lenses I was able to test are listed here: https://briansmith.com/vello-nikon-sony-e-mount-af-lens-adapter-review/
If that’s the same model of 105 macro I tested you get aperture control and EXIF data – but no AF
Thank you so much Brian!
Hi,
I have a Micro-Nikkor 55mm lens that I would like to use on a Sony A6000, what is the best adapter to use please?
Will the lens perform well with the Sony?
Thankyou for your time!
Cheers,
King
Since that’s a manual focus lens with an aperture ring – any of the manual lens adapters on this list will work fine.