Metabones: Canadian manufacturer of lens adapters that make various mounts compatible with each other.
Technical Details
Metabones adapters feature active electronic circuitry with ARM processors and up to 5 contact pins for data transfer. Speed Boosters utilize a 4-element optical design with multi-coated glass that compresses the image circle while increasing available light by up to 1.3 stops. Mechanical tolerance is ±0.02mm for precise flange focal distance maintenance. Available combinations include Canon EF to Sony E-mount, Leica R to MFT, Nikon F to Fuji X-mount, and over 40 other variants. Firmware can be updated via USB connection.
History & Development
Metabones was founded in 2012 by Caldwell Photographic Inc. and initially released passive adapters for Leica lenses. The first Speed Booster followed in 2013 for Micro Four Thirds cameras with full-frame lenses. In 2014, the company expanded its range to include Canon EF to Sony E-mount adapters, which became particularly relevant for the Sony A7 series. With the Smart Adapter Generation IV (2018), Metabones achieved near-complete compatibility with Canon functions on Sony cameras. In 2020, Cine versions optimized for cinema applications, featuring dampened adjustment rings, were introduced.
Practical Use in Film
Film productions primarily use Metabones adapters to combine Sony FX9/FX6 cameras with Canon CN-E Cinema lenses or to use full-frame optics on Super35 sensors. The Speed Booster allows for an effective f/2.0 aperture with f/2.8 zooms on MFT cameras. Documentary filmmakers appreciate the weight savings when using large telephoto lenses on mirrorless cameras. Autofocus in newer combinations operates at up to 60% of native speed, with continuous AF achieving around 40% of original performance.
Comparison & Alternatives
Sigma MC-11 and MC-21 adapters are limited to Sigma/Canon to Sony E-mount without optical elements. Viltrox offers more affordable Speed Booster alternatives with a 0.71x factor but lower electronic compatibility. Native lens systems remain superior in terms of autofocus speed and full functionality. However, for pure video applications with manual focusing, Metabones adapters represent an economical alternative to purchasing complete lens sets, especially for established production companies switching systems.