Metabones Speed Boosters sent a shockwave through the mirrorless photography world when they were first introduced last year, and the currently available, second-generation Speed Boosters have been improved significantly since their initial offering. Speed Booster ULTRA models are presently made for Sony E-mount and Fujifilm X-mount mirrorless cameras and offer connections for numerous lens types, including Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A and Leica R mounts.
Speed Boosters perform a particularly impressive feat when they connect a full-frame lens to a mirrorless camera. They increase the angle of view of the lens by 0.71x and increase its maximum aperture by 1 f/stop. Not only do Speed Boosters enable attaching a variety of third-party lenses to your camera, but by condensing the light passing through the lens onto the smaller mirrorless format sensor, they effectively enable full-frame shooting with E-mount and X-mount APS-C cameras and the accompanying low light.
The second-generation ULTRA Speed Boosters utilize ultra-high-index tantalum-based optical glass for enhanced performance with improved corner sharpness and reduced distortion and vignetting. While each model has mount-specific features, they all provide chromium plating on both camera and lens sides, smooth play-free attachment, black matte interiors and a detachable tripod foot. From the Canon EF-mount lens to Sony E-mount cameras, Speed Booster ULTRA also provides electronic control of aperture and autofocus.
12 Comments
Does this mean that you can use autofocus with Nikon lenses on the a7r now, like Canon?
None of the Metabones adapters will have electronic connections for Nikon lenses, so auto functions, such as autofocus, will not be retained. The Speed Boosters would not be suitable for full frame cameras, such as the a7R, unless you planned on only shooting in APS-C sensor mode.
I'd like to know more about these for use with a Olympus OMD system, for use underwater (in an aluminum housing).
Can they be used with the Olympus OMDs and in what circumstances (and with what lenses) would they be beneficial for underwater use?
If not Olympus - which other mirrorless systems used alot in underwater shooting (Sony and ??? ) and with which lens?
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 in the Aquatica AE-M1 is an excellent set up for shooting underwater. We suggest getting the housing with the vacuum lock. Here are the links to the camera and housing:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1057390-REG/aquatica_32000_opt_vc…
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1003633-REG/olympus_v207010bu000_…
At this time only certain micro 4/3rds lenses could be used in the housing with the correct lens port. Aquatica is considering producing port extensions for 4/3rd lenses with an adapter. But these extensions do not exist at this time.
The tiny micro 4/3rd lenses are an advantage when traveling with this system. So we feel using the correct micro 4/3rds lenses without an adapter is best. Here is a list of the best lenses to use underwater with this camera:
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/674724-REG/Olympus_261503_M_Zuiko…
Panasonic Lumix G Fisheye 8mm/F3.5
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/731983-REG/Panasonic_H_F008_Lumix…
Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/892512-REG/Olympus_v312010bu000_M…
For help in picking the correct ports, extensions, zoom and focus gears for using these lenses underwater please send an email to [email protected]. For more underwater imaging information you could watch this presentation on getting started in underwater photography: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n769dxhZcr0.
What the difference between traditional adaptor and this booster?
I have had already a Metabone NF(lens)->MFT(Oly body) adaptor..
By traditional adapter, I meant an adapter that simply lets one adapt a lens of a different mount to a camera. The Speed Boosters, unlike a traditional adapter, increase the angle of view and maximum aperture of the lens you are adapting. They are not suitable for full frame cameras. As none of the micro four thirds cameras are full frame, this would not be an issue with your camera.
Hi,
Can I use this Metabones for my Nikon glass to my Sony A7r e mount?
Thanks
The Speed Boosters are not designed for use with full frame cameras. For the Sony a7R, you would need to go with one of the regular lens adapters, such as the Metabones Nikon G Lens to Sony NEX Camera Lens Mount Adapter (Matte Black).
Yes, but a7s got also aps-c sensor size sensor mode. In that case you can use speedbooster to gain 1 stop light and got full frame view.On aps-c sensor mode video got less moire and rolling. Best.
Unelss you're doing lots of action work, in which case the a7s may not be the best all-around camera for you, is one extra stop of light really worth that much when you already have the best high-ISO performanc of just about any camera?
I would like to learn more about these Speed Bosters/Adapters!
Could you provide some examples of before and after use of this item? Thanks.