Lens to camera compatability

[alamengual]

Can I use Nikon series E 70-210mm f/4 lens with Canon EOS 5D body, and some tips on operation with that lens attached. Thx

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by alamengual

Can I use Nikon series E 70-210mm f/4 lens with Canon EOS 5D body, and some tips on operation with that lens attached. Thx

Obviously a different mount..so the short answer is no. The long answer, however, is there may be Nikon > Canon lens adapters available, but I don't know too much about them. If it exists, you will probably have to focus and meter manually

[inkista]

Originally Posted by auto-focus

Obviously a different mount..so the short answer is no.

Err....



But auto-focus is half correct: you can't mount the lens directly, but a simple adapter ring will let you use it, and you won't be able to autofocus. You will, however, have full stop-down metering capability.

You can use most Nikon lenses with an F mount -> EOS adapter, but when you're going full-frame, with the 5D, there's an additional factor to look for which is mirror clearance. If the rear element of the lens and mechanics don't protrude beyond the end of the mount flange, you're definitely ok, but if there's something sticking back into the body, watch for mirror clearance. Manual lens 5D shooters often "shave" their mirrors; this is not an issue with the crop bodies.

When using an adapted manual lens on a Canon dSLR, be aware that there's no communication between the lens and the body, which (aside from autofocus being a no-go) also means the body cannot control the aperture of the lens. The practical upshot of this is you're only going to be able to shoot in full Manual or Aperture priority, and you only have stop-down metering (i.e., where the lens is physically stopped down as you meter, rather than wide open all the time until the picture is taken). You're also (obviously) going to have some missing EXIF information (focal length, aperture, etc.)

Generally speaking, it's best to compose and focus while the lens is wide open, and then stop down and deal with the metering before taking the picture.


Canon XT (350D). Nikkor 55mm S f/1.2 (pre-AI) with Fotodiox ring. iso 100, f/2.8-ish? Not sure, 1/4000s.

[alamengual]

Thanks, that was very helpful.