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FAQ About Camera Lens Adapters

That new camera with all the latest bells and whistles may also have a new type of lens mount. So what about those lenses you bought for your old camera? A lens mount adapter may be the solution. Here we answer some common questions and explain the benefits a camera lens adapter ring offers.

What are lens adapter rings and what are they used for?

A lens adapter fits between your camera body and interchangeable lens. These lens adapter rings are machined so that one end fits your camera, and the other attaches to a lens designed for a different lens mount, i.e. a lens made for another brand or type of camera.

Why do I need a camera lens adapter?

While there are likely plenty of directly compatible camera lenses for you to choose from, there are also a number of reasons a mount adapter has its benefits:

Savings

You can find high quality alternative lenses, often with substantial savings versus adapted brands. With the right adapter, you can often get comparable results at a lower cost.

Specialty applications

The wide selection of alternative lenses available includes those with very specific uses. You may find something better optimized for a particular style of photography than anything offered by your brand.

Switching to a new camera

If you've purchased a new camera that's a different brand or than your old one, you may be left with perfectly good lenses that don't readily fit. An adapter ring can ensure you get more use out of those lenses after all. You can, for example, get an A to E mount adapter for your new mirrorless camera that allows you to use your existing DSLR lenses with it.

What factors should I consider when selecting a lens adapter?

Ensure the adapter you get is designed to fit the mount on your brand and type of camera, and to accommodate the brand and type of lens you want to use. Consider the brand of the adapter itself, as some will have a better reputation for quality and offer more functionality than others. Some lens adapters will preserve electronic features like autofocus and auto-aperture adjustment. Others only allow you to mount the lens, in which case the lens itself must have manual controls.