There’s no doubt that mirrorless cameras offer more features than DLSRs.
However, can you use your existing collection of DSLR lenses on a new mirrorless camera?
The quick answer is yes, and it’s easier than you might think!
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to use your DSLR lenses on a mirrorless camera.
Read on to discover a way to upgrade your camera without getting rid of your lens collection.
Can You Use Old Lenses With a Mirrorless Camera? Making the Switch!
Mirrorless cameras are more compact than DLSRs. They have features like electronic viewfinders, eye tracking, and focus peaking.
Even entry-level mirrorless cameras are better for sports photography and videography. However, there are a few disadvantages to them.
In particular, mirrorless systems have a smaller selection of lenses than DSLRs.
Fortunately, you can attach old DSLR lenses to a mirrorless camera with a mount adapter!
How to Use DSLR Lenses on Mirrorless Cameras
DSLR lenses work just as well on mirrorless cameras. Plus, investing in a mount adapter means you may buy more affordable third-party lenses.
Here are some useful tips on how you can make the switch!
1. Buy a Mount Adapter
First, select and buy an appropriate mount adapter. There are various options to choose from. For instance, Canon offers adapters with control rings and drop-in filters in addition to their standard models.
Some mount adapters have no electronics, while others have auto-focus features. Mounts with extra features are more expensive, so think about your needs before you buy one.
A great tip is to consider the flange distance, which is the length between the lens mount and the camera’s mount.
The system you want to adopt should have a longer flange distance than the camera system. Otherwise, the DSLR lens won’t physically fit into the adapter.
Finally, check the image sensor coverage to see if the lens will fit your camera. A few third-party lenses can’t physically fit into adapters, so you must research beforehand.
2. Update Your Firmware Version
To avoid compatibility issues, it’s important to update the firmware of your camera and lens. It should only take a few minutes.
After this, you can connect DSLR lenses to the mirrorless camera using the mount adapter.
3. Change the Settings
Once your lenses are up-to-date and connected, go to the shooting menu of your camera.
Disable the peripheral illumination correction, digital lens optimizer, diffraction correction, and distortion correction.
After changing the settings, you can begin capturing the beauty of life with your camera. Mirrorless cameras with DSLR lenses are perfect for wildlife photography and street photography!
The Benefits of Using DSLR Lenses on Mirrorless Cameras
Here’s why using DSLR lenses with mirrorless cameras is advantageous.
- Save on costs: Professional camera models are expensive. If you have an adapter, you can use your current lenses with your new camera and save on costs.
- Have more options: Lens options for mirrorless cameras are limited. You get access to a larger collection of lenses by having an adapter.
- Achieve better quality photos: Using DSLR lenses with a mirrorless camera allows you to achieve better image quality.
- Gain control: In some cases, DSLR lenses have better manual focus. You may want to combine a DLSR’s manual lenses with a mirrorless camera’s features.
Possible Disadvantages of Using DSLR Lenses on Mirrorless Cameras
Some professional photographers may not like using DSLR lenses on mirrorless cameras. Here’s why.
- Bulkiness: A mirrorless camera body is compact, but an adapter and DSLR lenses can make it bulky.
- Battery life issues: Some photographers complain that lens mounts have short battery lives.
- Manual adjustments: You may have to adjust your lens and camera before you start shooting.
Tips for Choosing a Lens Adapter
Here are my tips for choosing a suitable lens adapter!
- Check the measurements: Not all DSLR lenses will fit into an adapter. Remember to measure your camera’s flange distance, mount diameter, and sensor coverage.
- Determine the adapter features: Some adapters are electronic, while others are purely connectors. If you plan to use older lenses, you may not need expensive electronic adapters.
- Don’t be afraid to go cheap: There are plenty of good-quality and affordable adapter options. It’s okay to buy a cheap one as a beginner.
- Consider doubling adapters: You don’t have to buy adapters for every lens you have. It’s possible to combine two adapters and save on costs!
FAQs
Do lens adapters affect image quality?
Adapters don’t affect the quality of your photos in most cases. One exception is if you use mounts with built-in speed boosters or focal reducers.
Speed boosters have a glass layer that may cause blurriness.
How do I know if my lens is mirrorless or DSLR?
There are a few key differences between mirrorless and DSLR lenses. Mirrorless lenses are lighter, with an autofocus system.
What’s more, a mirrorless type of lens often has electronic connections. They can provide more information to the camera compared to DSLR lenses.
Can you use lenses from mirrorless cameras on DSLR cameras?
You can use DSLR lenses on mirrorless cameras, but it doesn’t work the other way around.
The focal distance on mirrorless cameras is shorter. This means MILC (mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera) lenses will protrude into a DSLR camera even if they have the same mount diameter.
Are DSLR lenses cheaper than mirrorless lenses?
Yes. In general, DSLRs have cheaper lenses than mirrorless cameras. Because of this, some professional photographers buy a mount adapter to use with mirrorless cameras.
With this adapter, you can expand your lens library.
Mirrorless camera beginners don’t have to spend money on new lenses. The image quality would be the same.
Which camera lens mount is best?
One of the most popular adapter lenses is the Helios 44-2. It has an exceptional center sharpness and bokeh effect.
Of course, if you have a limited budget, you can go for any M42 mount. M42 mounts will work on most full frames and smaller sensors.
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