Sigma to Sony Converter MC-11

Along with the new 50-100 f/1.8 and the 30mm f/1.4 DN announced last night - Sigma has also announced at Mount Converter - Similar to the Metabones and Commlite adapters - this adapter/converter whatever you want to call it allows you to use Sigma's lenses designed for Canon EF on Sony E- Mount with full electronic control.  Price is just $249. This is exciting! As A sony owner I also happen to have a few Sigma lenses and can tell you that both the commlite and metabones adapters provide a poor experience with the Sigma lenses - especially the commlite, I wouldn't even call it functioning - loses connection constantly.   Hopefully having an adapter direct from Sigma will provide much better results with Sigma lenses.Preorder from B&H Photo  for $249.00Full press release from Sigma below.

New Sigma Global Vision Lens Mount Converter Expands High-Performance Lens Options for Sony CamerasBrings Sigma’s Global Vision Lenses to the Sony E-Mount Camera FamilyKANAGAWA, JAPAN – February 23, 2016 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading DSLR lens, camera, flash and accessories manufacturer, today announced the release of its new high-performance Sigma Global Vision lens converter – the Mount Converter MC 11 – for Sony E-mount, full frame and APS-C sensor cameras. With the new MC-11, Sony camera users will be able to utilize 19 Global Vision lenses in Sigma Canon Mount (EOS) and Sigma Mount (SA).“There are many challenges to designing high-quality mount converter and topping the list is aptly handling phase detection AF in newer cameras and this is where the Sigma MC-11 is groundbreaking in its support for the Sony E-mount systems,” states Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “The new Sigma MC-11 mitigates complications with a purpose-built lens control data system engineered for maintaining superior AF functionality. So the growing number of Sony E-mount camera users who have been asking for more lens options, now have access to a large pool of lenses that fully embody Sigma’s signature quality and performance.”The Sigma MC-11’s sleek LED display lets Sony users know if the attached Sigma lens is compatible and whether or not the MC-11 needs to be updated for that specific lens. Its internal control data system keeps detailed information on each compatible Sigma lens, automatically optimizing performance of AF drive, aperture control and other critical lens functions. The MC-11’s internal control data system also maintains continuity with key camera functions that control brightness and correct transverse chromatic aberration, distortion, and more. The complete compatibility with both Sigma lens OS and Sony in-camera OS ensures correction of camera shake and other stability issues and when used with in-camera stabilization, MC-11 allows angle shake correction in the lens. The integrated flocking helps prevent internal reflections and reduction in lens performance. In addition, the MC-11 retains important EXIF data ensuring users can analyze every detail of their lens setting.The Sigma MC-11 converter can be updated with the latest compatible lens information from a workstation or laptop using the Sigma Optimization Pro software and Sigma USB Dock (sold separately).For information on the Sigma MC-11 converter please visit www.sigmaphoto.com/mount-converter-mc-11.

Steadsnap Universal Tripod Plate Adapter

You may remember I’m the one that did a bit of DIY by taking an angle grinder to my camera gear. I did get a Black Rapid Sport (Amazon | B&H) strap to work well with my tripod’s quick release plate but if you don’t have the tools to grind metal the project could be a bit difficult. As I’m not the only one with this problem Steadsnap created an adapter that slips between the tripod quick release plate and your camera for a spot to hook your strap. The major improvement in this method is that you still can use a tripod without completely having to remove the shoulder strap from the camera.The plate is milled out of aluminum and features a steel tripod bolt so it’s not going anywhere and can take up to 44 pounds of gear. Unlike my setup it's universal so if you switched to a MeFoto tripod for example there is no additional work altering its quick release plate. Unfortunately as these are small batch orders the drawback is that the Steadsnap adapter costs $35. Compared to the BlackRapid FastenR-T1 that I used, which retails for $17.95, its the pricier option but an easy solution.As for use the adapter held up fine in review, I covered about 20 miles hiking while testing the plate and had no major issues. Since the mounting point is on the side versus the bottom smaller lenses work better with this setup as larger lenses such as the Canon 55-250mm telephoto lens tended to bump into my leg while walking. I do wish the attachment points were larger, being low profile there is a limit to how big the holes could be but I found that if you didn’t detach it exactly right the tip of the Black Rapid’s carabiner would catch. Since the attachment point to the camera is now on the side taller users get a bit of a bonus using a black rapid strap it gives a couple more inches of material to get low profile shots.Now as for safety you are adding an additional failure point to an expensive camera hanging on a thread. The steel tripod bolt the Steadsnap uses fit quite well and I never had any of the connection points loosen. If you're paranoid of having a camera fall off the connection, or just want a backup, an Op/Tech strap can still fit securely between the carabiner and the DSLR’s body mounts.So would I buy it? Yes & No. Since my current DIY setup works for half the price on a Dolica tripod my method works fine in my case. Now if I ever upgrade to a mefoto tripod having a low profile connector would work quite well and for $35 it isn't the most expensive adapter for sale at the moment. If your looking for a simple setup for your shoulder strap and like the option of not having to detach everything to use your tripod the Steadsnap adapter would be a good solution. https://vimeo.com/105384625Steadsnap Universal Tripod Plate Adapter, available now at B&H for $34.99

Metabones EF to E Mount Adapter

Video review of the Metabones EF to E Mount Adapter used with Sony a7

Metabones EF to E Mount PROS:

• Auto focus, aperture control and full lens to camera communication for complete EXIF info
• Powered by camera body. No external power source required.
• Lenses with image stabilization still work.
• Wide open button (opposite of depth-of-field preview function) makes manual focusing easy.
• Tripod mount
• True electronic integration of aperture diaphragm - let camera automatically choose aperture in P or S exposure modes, or dial in yourself on the camera body in A or M modes.

Metabones EF to E Mount CONS:

• Autofocus is slow and sometimes confused
• Cost is $399

Images taken with Metabones EF to E Mount and various Canon lenses:

 More information at the Metabones website