Sigma MC-11 Adapter Shipping!

[Ketan G]

I just received my adapter (had pre-ordered) and performed a quick test on the Sony A7R II.In terms of build, I like the quality of construction and the switch to unlock the lens from the adapter is larger and much easier to use than that of the Metabones IV.

One disclaimer: it is entirely possible that firmware updates could improve the results I experienced:

• Sigma 50mm Art: It seems to be using contrast-detect AF rather than phase-detect as the small phase-detect AF boxes within the medium-sized AF square do not light up when focusing this lens. They DO light up with my other Canon EF lenses using the same adapter. However, I tested Eye-AF and it works. I am guessing this could be fixed in an update.

I would not expect the phase detection points to light up. If you have a native lens and you put it in AF-S mode Small, Medium, or Large it will not show you the PDAF points. Just the larger bracket bars. So in my opinion its active like a true native lens Sony or Zeiss native lens with AF. You can confirm this by switch between between these three variable spot modes for AF-S and if just the outer braces light up its emulating a native lens exactly.

Thanks, you're right. I have a Batis 85mm as my only E-Mount lens; I tested it and the PDAF boxes do not light up. The Sigma 50mm seems to focus more slowly than my adapted 24-70mm so I assumed it was contrast-detect, but it could be the much larger aperture and lens design slowing it down. It is definitely a usable speed, however, and I was testing in low light levels (maybe ISO 1000, 1/60, f/1.4).

• Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS: Phase detect AF works. However, Eye-AF does not. This was not promised in the literature, but I was nonetheless disappointed. I had the impression it would focus Canon EF lenses using Eye-AF from watching DPReview's video (http://www.dpreview.com/news/854738...-lenses-full-range-of-af-modes-on-sony-bodies). I watched it again, and while Rishi doesn't explicitly say that it will focus Canon EF using Eye-AF, there are a number of general statements about the adapter focusing DSLR lenses using all Sony focusing modes that made me think it could.

• Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 (non-IS): Focuses using phase detect AF, but I can only open the aperture to f/3.5, or at least that is what shows on the camera. Eye-AF does not work.

• Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L: Focuses using phase-detect AF. Eye-AF does not work.

Overall, if you own a Metabones, it seems like the only reason to buy this (currently) is if you really want to use Eye-AF with Sigma Art Lenses. It could also be a good choice if you don't own any adapter as it is cheaper than the Metabones and performance is currently decent. However, I'm not sure how committed Sigma is to improving the AF performance of Canon EF lenses. For me, since I already have a Metabones, it is hard to justify $250 just to Eye-AF my Sigma 50mm Art, even though the results would be great.

 

[John G Moore]

My comment was about IS vs. IBIS and whether IS should be disabled.

As far as I am led to believe: when both are switched on the camera uses the OSS for Pitch & Yaw, and IBIS for X & Y and Roll. In essence the best of both systems combined. I will double check on this when I speak to Sigma on Monday. Stay tuned. I have shot the last two days with both on - my images look tack sharp.

But, yes, the information we have so far, which seems to be confirmed by observations of users that have already received their copies, is that (at least some) Sigma lenses on the MC-11 can emulate native lenses. Emulating native lenses means support for capabilities like eye-AF; while Canon lenses on the MC-11 are still adapted lenses, and do not gain fast CDAF or eye-AF.

I have shot with the following SA Mount lenses mounted on my A7R II over yesterday and today.

Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art Lens
Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM Art Lens
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports Lens
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens

Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art Lens

All behave as my native Sony lenses in AF-S Flexible Spot M mode.
All work with AF-C and Eye AF.

I should have received a new Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art Lens. Hopefully this coming week. Stay tuned.

 

[AlphaPhotography]

My comment was about IS vs. IBIS and whether IS should be disabled.

As far as I am led to believe: when both are switched on the camera uses the OSS for Pitch & Yaw, and IBIS for X & Y and Roll. In essence the best of both systems combined. I will double check on this when I speak to Sigma on Monday. Stay tuned. I have shot the last two days with both on - my images look tack sharp.

But, yes, the information we have so far, which seems to be confirmed by observations of users that have already received their copies, is that (at least some) Sigma lenses on the MC-11 can emulate native lenses. Emulating native lenses means support for capabilities like eye-AF; while Canon lenses on the MC-11 are still adapted lenses, and do not gain fast CDAF or eye-AF.

I have shot with the following SA Mount lenses mounted on my A7R II over yesterday and today.

Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art Lens
Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM Art Lens
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports Lens
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens

Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art Lens

All behave as my native Sony lenses in AF-S Flexible Spot M mode.
All work with AF-C and Eye AF.

I should have received a new Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art Lens. Hopefully this coming week. Stay tuned.

Very curious about the 50-100mm F1.8 performance and IQ. What primes do you own to compare it to in this range? For example Sony Zeiss 55mm, Batis 85mm, Canon 85mm f1.8, etc? Thanks

--
www.flickr.com/photos/sonyartisan/

 

[John G Moore]

Very curious about the 50-100mm F1.8 performance and IQ. What primes do you own to compare it to in this range? For example Sony Zeiss 55mm, Batis 85mm, Canon 85mm f1.8, etc? Thanks

Me too

I will compare it to the 85mm GM, 55 1.8, and 90 Macro during the week when it arrives - stay tuned.
I stopped shooting Canon four years ago when I switched Nikon so I don't have any Canon lenses to hand. I bought a Commlite ENF-E1 so that I could use my collection of Sigma GV F Mount lenses on the A7R II but it's about as useful as a chocolate flavoured suppository.

When I tried the A7RII with the MC-11 at The Photography Show last month and it performed so well, I decided the way to go for my Sony bodies was the MC-11 with SA Mount Sigma's. I am glad I did because so far I'm a very happy chappy!

 

[jpr2]

I should have received a new Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art Lens. Hopefully this coming week. Stay tuned.

the 50-100/1.8 DC HSM Art would be very highly interesting, in particular for street shooting - which do require responsive decisiveness above all. That is... if it'll deliver as expected: quick and snappy/accurate AF'ing, coupled with reliable tracking.

Esp. so on targets advancing or receding to/from the camera, and with high acceleration

jpr2

 

[John G Moore]

the 50-100/1.8 DC HSM Art would be very highly interesting, in particular for street shooting - which do require responsive decisiveness above all. That is... if it'll deliver as expected: quick and snappy/accurate AF'ing, coupled with reliable tracking.

Esp. so on targets advancing or receding to/from the camera, and with high acceleration

jpr2

I take the hint
I've got a lot going on in my schedule next week, but I'll test it like that if I can find the time jpr.

 

[holin]

When I tried the A7RII with the MC-11 at The Photography Show last month and it performed so well, I decided the way to go for my Sony bodies was the MC-11 with SA Mount Sigma's. I am glad I did because so far I'm a very happy chappy!

Any particular reason why SA mount instead of EF? (Since the adapter comes in both flavours..)

 

[John G Moore]

Any particular reason why SA mount instead of EF? (Since the adapter comes in both flavours..)

Think I touched on it on a reply above. I stopped shooting Canon when I moved to Nikon 4 years ago. As things stand I don't ever envisage moving back to Canon. TBH I also plan to use the SD Quattro H on release so I will be able to use my SA Mount lenses on both that, and my Sony bodies via the MC-11. Typical Scotsman trying to get maximum bang for my buck!

 

[Grizzlybob]

I just picked mine up a couple of hours ago - for use on my A7 II and A6000 with my EF mount lenses. I was a little disappointed to see the compatibility chart when I ordered the MC-11, as my new Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 was not listed as compatible. My new Sigma 24-105mm is compatible, though and seemed to work well in the limited tests I tried. Tried a couple of my Canon EF lenses as well 17-40mm L and 100mm L macro. The 17-40 worked well , but I only had it in AF-S mode. The 105mm macro started a weird effect of rolling bands in the viewfinder in the A7 II and wouldn't lock focus. I am planning to try several other lenses over the next few days and will report. Have tried the adapter on my A6000 yet.

 

[AlphaPhotography]

Very curious about the 50-100mm F1.8 performance and IQ. What primes do you own to compare it to in this range? For example Sony Zeiss 55mm, Batis 85mm, Canon 85mm f1.8, etc? Thanks

Me too

I will compare it to the 85mm GM, 55 1.8, and 90 Macro during the week when it arrives - stay tuned.
I stopped shooting Canon four years ago when I switched Nikon so I don't have any Canon lenses to hand. I bought a Commlite ENF-E1 so that I could use my collection of Sigma GV F Mount lenses on the A7R II but it's about as useful as a chocolate flavoured suppository.

When I tried the A7RII with the MC-11 at The Photography Show last month and it performed so well, I decided the way to go for my Sony bodies was the MC-11 with SA Mount Sigma's. I am glad I did because so far I'm a very happy chappy!

Great to hear. Do you also have an APS-C camera to test on or will you be using the 50-100mm solely in crop mode on the A7RII?

 

[tammons]

I should have received a new Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art Lens. Hopefully this coming week. Stay tuned.

the 50-100/1.8 DC HSM Art would be very highly interesting, in particular for street shooting - which do require responsive decisiveness above all. That is... if it'll deliver as expected: quick and snappy/accurate AF'ing, coupled with reliable tracking.

Esp. so on targets advancing or receding to/from the camera, and with high acceleration

jpr2

I wish it was a FF lens. Also it weighs like 3.25#.

 

[capt3450]

Ketan,

When you take the pictures with Canon Lenses, do you notice the EXIF reported the corrects lenses model?

-capt3450

Thanks, you're right. I have a Batis 85mm as my only E-Mount lens; I tested it and the PDAF boxes do not light up. The Sigma 50mm seems to focus more slowly than my adapted 24-70mm so I assumed it was contrast-detect, but it could be the much larger aperture and lens design slowing it down. It is definitely a usable speed, however, and I was testing in low light levels (maybe ISO 1000, 1/60, f/1.4).

Overall, if you own a Metabones, it seems like the only reason to buy this (currently) is if you really want to use Eye-AF with Sigma Art Lenses. It could also be a good choice if you don't own any adapter as it is cheaper than the Metabones and performance is currently decent. However, I'm not sure how committed Sigma is to improving the AF performance of Canon EF lenses. For me, since I already have a Metabones, it is hard to justify $250 just to Eye-AF my Sigma 50mm Art, even though the results would be great.

--
http://www.ketangajria.com

 

[jpr2]

I should have received a new Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art Lens. Hopefully this coming week. Stay tuned.

the 50-100/1.8 DC HSM Art would be very highly interesting, in particular for street shooting - which do require responsive decisiveness above all. That is... if it'll deliver as expected: quick and snappy/accurate AF'ing, coupled with reliable tracking.

Esp. so on targets advancing or receding to/from the camera, and with high acceleration

jpr2

I wish it was a FF lens. Also it weighs like 3.25#.

indeed, it is "only" APS-C , but do you imagine how big something like this would be with equivalent specs, yet translated to the FF terms? Already it has 82mm filter thread!! However, this exactly the specs: 50-100mm coupled with constant f/1.8 which do make it so interesting (plus of course the glass inside).

Hopefully the tripod ring there is of detachable variety?

jpr2

 

[John G Moore]

Great to hear. Do you also have an APS-C camera to test on or will you be using the 50-100mm solely in crop mode on the A7RII?

I'm waiting on an A6300 but I'm not sure if it will arrive next week. If it doesn't I'll still test it in crop mode on the A7R II.

 

[John G Moore]

I wish it was a FF lens. Also it weighs like 3.25#.

indeed, it is "only" APS-C , but do you imagine how big something like this would be with equivalent specs, yet translated to the FF terms? Already it has 82mm filter thread!! However, this exactly the specs: 50-100mm coupled with constant f/1.8 which do make it so interesting (plus of course the glass inside).

Hopefully the tripod ring there is of detachable variety?

jpr2

I'd love it if they made a FF version I shoot a lot of portraits between 50 and 100 so I'd probably use it a lot.

 

[Si019]

Any particular reason why SA mount instead of EF? (Since the adapter comes in both flavours..)

Think I touched on it on a reply above. I stopped shooting Canon when I moved to Nikon 4 years ago. As things stand I don't ever envisage moving back to Canon. TBH I also plan to use the SD Quattro H on release so I will be able to use my SA Mount lenses on both that, and my Sony bodies via the MC-11. Typical Scotsman trying to get maximum bang for my buck!

So if you have the ef version and use sigma ef mount lens what focus options do you get?

 

[John G Moore]

So if you have the ef version and use sigma ef mount lens what focus options do you get?

I don't have the MC-11 EF-E version or any Sigma EF Mount lenses so unfortunately I'm unable to tell you what focus options are available using that combination. Hopefully someone using that combination will answer your question soon.

 

[Mr Keyboard]

Has anyone tested MC-11 with TS-E 24mm yet? MC-11 has a smaller opening compared to Metabones and I wonder if that will affect the edges of the image.

 

[D Cox]

Sigma is helping canon guys to acquire Sony body with this adapter I think...

Mainly helping Sigma to keep the number of different versions of each lens that they make to a minimum.

 

[vett93]

Sigma is helping canon guys to acquire Sony body with this adapter I think...

Mainly helping Sigma to keep the number of different versions of each lens that they make to a minimum.

Sigma also helps Sony guys (like me) to acquire Canon lenses. ;-)