The Pros & Cons of the Sigma MC-11 Adapter (Canon EF to Sony E)

[@Digimorphosis]

If interested in the MC11 adapter and if you found this video helpful, consider using my affiliate link: amzn.to/4fkFWT8 For those commenting about how only Sigma brand lenses have video AF, as stated in the video I'm using a Sigma Art lens specifically called out on Sigma's compatibility list, yet no video AF on the Sony A7IV. Just wanted to put this out there for others -- that I verified all of this as well as firmware updates to rule out I was missing something. Some claim they have gotten video AF to work, and I can't explain that against all the others that have also had video issues.

[@matteimages8154]

just putting this out there, I used the same 24-70 ART lens with the mc-11 adapter in video mode for my client work for over a year. It was fine and autofocused very reliably. There are a number of other youtube videos demonstrating this fact. You might want to reach out to sigma, or double check the lens firmware with the EF Dock. I don't have the A7iv anymore but I can tell you with absolute certainty, it does work. I hate to ask something that you might feel is a dumb question but did you have the switch on the lens set to autofocus or manual focus? I have forgotten a few times in the past and took me a minute to figure out it was me having the switch in the wrong spot.

[@Digimorphosis]

@@matteimages8154 Appreciate it. While I don't doubt that you're right, what I find confusing about this is that Sigma's own write up on their website even comes out and says they don't support video AF, so if so many people have experienced that it does work I wonder why Sigma says it doesn't.

[@Digimorphosis]

@@morepaleo Yeah good point. That seems the likely scenario to me, too. And it would explain why this video has gotten such a mixed response of people having the same issues and people claiming they have none of the issues.

[@Digimorphosis]

@@morepaleo I really appreciate you sharing that. Watched it and it makes sense, and I believe it's useful for anyone else watching who is trying to do this same thing. I am trying to remember since it's been awhile now, but I believe I was unable to use any Eye AF either because those also said "not available with the lens". Frustrating since Eye AF worked flawlessly in photo mode. A few months after I first made this video I sold my EF Sigma 24-70 and invested in the Sony E Mount native version of the Sigma 24-70 f2.8 DG DN. Works great in video and I even think, as a newer and updated version of the lens, it's a little sharper as well than the EF was. It was a shame to have to even switch out a lens that I loved, but every day I go out now with the new Sigma 24-70 and get great photos, and then know that if I need to do video it'll still do a great job, it was worth it.

[@niolss]

Did you try 7artisans EF-SE?

[@zhuber]

Omg thank you for this video! No video autofocus is a total deal breaker for me.

[@rodrigom.freitas7163]

I had the same problem with af-c for video with my sigma 18-35 1.8! After testing a lot, found a solution!! The manual mode is the problem! Try the custom modes in the a7iv ( 1,2 or 3), they are af-c as standard, and will work with the mc11!! I just changed the settings for my taste in one of the custom modes (1,2 or 3), and now i film this way!

[@timriese]

I have the Sigma Art 14-24, 24-70, 70-200, 150-600 (contemporary). All with EF mount. I use them with my MC-11 with a Sony FX3. Autofocus including eye and face tracking all works 100% in all video modes. The key is it needs to be Sigma glass. Canon glass does not offer autofocus in video.

[@Digimorphosis]

I wish that had been my experience. As I say in the video, I used a Sigma Art lens specifically listed on their compatibility chart and no video AF. Seems like people are having different and fairly hit or miss experiences with this adapter. That, or it's an issue with the A7IV (given that you're using a different Sony camera and aren't having the issues).

[@timriese]

@@Digimorphosis You are right, it may very well be the camera that's making the difference as I haven't tested it on other camera bodies.

[@Digimorphosis]

@@timriese I appreciate your feedback! It's interesting to learn these features do work on some Sony cameras. I'll be interested to see what experience other commenters have.

[@Fonseeker]

Just purchased the fx30 and glad to see it works with Sigma glass as I have a sigma 18-35 for my blackmagic 6kpro and would love to use that on my fx30.

[@bmefilms6879]

@@Fonseeker came here for the same reason. purchased the fx30, im a blackmagic shooter and I dont want to invest in expensive sony glass!

[@iancurrie8844]

Just starting the video. I’ve lived in the EF world since the 80s. I’ve got a massive EF glass collection. I’m looking to mirrorless and I’m turning off by Canon’s anti competitive behaviour with the RF mount. I’m going to watch this video because I’m looking strongly at switching to Sony with all my canon glass.

[@iancurrie8844]

Bah. Just watched the video and learned that it doesn’t work well I video or with exit data - not weather sealed. What a shame. I feel totally trapped in Canon’s ecosystem and I guess I really am. :(

[@AbdonPhirathon]

@@iancurrie8844 There are many other adapters out there. One adapter you should definitely look at is the Metabones. While it is expensive, it’s definitely worth it, especially if you need AF for video. I used to own the MC-11 back in 2017. I had just switched to Sony, and I can definitely say that if you’re using Canon branded lenses, it will work without any problems, save for the generic lens name being recorded into the EXIF. I didn’t really care much as I knew that besides the lens name being generic, the focal length, maximum aperture, and all the other details were recorded correctly. I remember using the 50mm f/1.8 STM and the 85mm f/1.8, and they worked amazingly well. No video AF, but I suppose that a 30-year Canon EF shooter is mainly doing photography anyway.

[@topshelf223]

What did you do I’m in the same boat 😢

[@iancurrie8844]

@@topshelf223 Stuck with Canon for now. However, I'm just sticking with EF lenses. I will not buy any RF.

[@topshelf223]

@@iancurrie8844 yeah but canon just announced 3 party lens makers are not allowed to make adapters anymore for canon and they just banned every manufacturer that’s the last straw I’m leaving canon thank you for you advice

[@silverlightphotoco]

Thank you, I really appreciate the honest, practical notes! Just subscribed.

[@ibidefredi8783]

Is it possible that the mc-11 makes the camera digitally crop in? Or does it crop in the lens physically?

[@123456789shaikh]

Appreciated sharing experience and helping community

[@es_flightsim]

I use the same adapter for my Sony a7iii with Sigma 24-105 f4 lens for shooting a video. The AF settings that I set this onto for Sony camera body, with this adapter, the AF Drive Speed - Standard & AF Track Sens - Responsive. So, from there, you don't need to switch it on manual from Canon or Sigma lens. But make sure , double check the firmware of the adapter is up to date. So the autofocus would work for any canon/sigma lens and Sony body, correctly. I hope this helps. :) ;) (Y)

[@Digimorphosis]

Interesting. Not sure why the A7III seems to work if the IV doesn't. As firmware goes, as said in the video, the lens, adapter, and camera's firmware is all up to date as of publishing the video, unfortunately. For me, none of the AF settings can even be set since everything is greyed out and it says "not available for this lens".

[@bala1000mina]

Thank you so much Brian for the detailed information and helpful video about the adapter! I learnt a lot! God bless you and good luck!

[@АлександрФоменко-ц7ы]

A week ago I tested the lens sigma 50mm f1.4 art ef + sony a7iv in video mode and everything worked perfectly on mine

[@Digimorphosis]

Yeah, what I've observed in comments to this video and other places I've read is how inconsistent the experience is with this adapter. Some people can seemingly use whatever lens and Sony camera combo they want and are fine, and others like me experience all sorts of limitations. As covered in the video, even parts of Sigma's literature is a bit inconsistent, implying in some parts video AF works and then saying in others that it doesn't. Just when I think maybe it was just me, another person shares their story of issues. All I can do is share my experience. I'm happy it worked perfectly for you, though!

[@slashedbeauty]

thank you so much. AF is a must for me in video as a mostly video creator. did you ever find an adapter that did work for AF video?

[@Digimorphosis]

I've heard people say that the Metabones adapter does video better, but I've not tried it. After the experience with this adapter, though, I ended up getting some native lenses for video. I'd started there, but otherwise can't comment on other adapters at this point. Hope that helps you in your search.

[@slashedbeauty]

@@Digimorphosis thanks for the reply!! yep, i have a few native lenses coming. needed the write offs anyway in the next couple days so hopefully they work out lol.

[@fangkc]

Thanks for the review, I’m also thinking of getting a A7Cii coming from the Canon EF system, no AF in video is gona be a dealbreaker for me. Thanks for the heads up.

[@davefoc]

I bought the MC-11 and returned it. I was trying to buy an adapter that would work for all for of the lenses I used with my Canon t8i. It seemed to work fine with my Sigma 18-250 zoom and my Sigma 150-600 Sport lens. It didn't work with my Canon 50mm, F1.4 or my Canon 65mm macro. I feel like I should have been more careful about the purchase. From the instructions it is clear that it is designed for Sigma stuff. I asked the Adorama rep about that but they suggested that the MC-11 would work for my purposes and my thinking was that by now Sigma would have made it a universal adapter. So now what? I was very close to buying the Metabones adapter either used or new. I probably would have except for comments from the Adorama rep. And then there are the much less expensive adapters. Can a $40 adapter really do what a $400 adapter does?

[@Digimorphosis]

Yeah I feel your frustration and as I've seen especially since posting this video and reading people's comments, experiences with this adapter are inconsistent and really hit or miss. Some people for whatever reason seem to be able to use basically any lens they want even if it's not Sigma, and it even works in video. Other people like me find that some lenses don't work very well or are missing key features, even when I have the same camera model as some of the other people reporting the adapter works fine. You mentioned you were already looking at the Metabones adapter, and that would be the only thing I can think of to try next. When I was doing some reading ways back it seemed like in forum discussions people were having a lot more consistent experience with that adapter with Canon and Tamron lenses as well, especially with video auto focus. I've not used it myself to offer you a firsthand assurance. I would've looked into it if I still had my Canon lenses but after the bad experience with this adapter I just started investing my money in native Sony lenses and didn't need an adapter at all. Good luck with your search!

[@davefoc]

@@Digimorphosis Thank you very much for the thoughtful reply. After I watched your video I came across a video on the Metabones adapter that explained why a passive adapter is just not going to be able to solve some problems. I also took a look at another adapter video where the adapter seemed pretty good, but the comments told a different story. I have considered replacing some of my lenses to be native Sony. Unfortunately the two lenses I care the most about are more than $1500. I'm an amateur and $3000 feels like a lot of money to spend on something that is not going to make money.

[@nicklaytonUK]

Hey, thanks. I was on the point of buying one and this has helped! Good news though, the viltrox EF to E adapter is terrible for vignetting.

[@LocalMotions]

I have no control of my aperture when using the MC -11 with the Sigma 150-400mm on the Sony FX30. Every other function works though. Yet the same adapter/ lens works flawlessly with the Sony A6500. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks.

[@Cesarfierrom]

you solved the problem?

[@LocalMotions]

@@Cesarfierrom Unfortionitally no. Even after I updated the MC-11 firmware. I sold that lens and upgraded to a 600mm emount. All good now. MPB is a great company that you can buy & sell to. Great way to upgrade your gear!✌🏼

[@darren1393]

Please correct me if I was, my understanding was this Sigma MC-11 adapter with Sigma EF lens (SIGMA interchangeable lenses), it works like native Sony FE lens with video and photo shooting auto focus, and I think that's what Sigma meant on their official web site. For Canon EF lens on their compatibility list, the auto focus only works on video mode, but not with photo shooting mode.

[@Digimorphosis]

I'm not sure how this differs from what I said in the video. I stated that while I did try a variety of EF lenses knowing not all of them were officially supported, I was also drawing my conclusions specifically from a Sigma EF Art lens that was on its compatibility list -- a list that their language implied would act as a native E lens. But the video AF did not work, which to me is not "native" performance.

[@darren1393]

@@Digimorphosis I see. Thanks for your feedback. Because I found another youtuber tested it with Sigma 24-70 and auto focus works (with video mode), where Canon EF 50mm 1.8 doesn't work with auto focus (video mode), I don't have any Sigma EF lens on hand, can't test it on my own. However, I asked the guys from different camera stores couple years ago and they all said that all EF lens will not support auto focus with video mode, so I gave it up, but recently I am considering to purchase Sigma18-35 1.8 Art, if the auto focus works with MC-11, probably I will buy this len.

[@Digimorphosis]

@@darren1393 Yeah I had a similar experience with watching at least 1 other KZbinr claiming it worked well with video AF and thought I must be doing something wrong and couldn't figure it out. But I eventually found that even on Sigma's website they admit video must be done in manual focus, albeit putting that detail at the very bottom where people probably wouldn't be as likely to look. And disappointingly when I asked Reddit's Sony Alpha forum all I got in return was basically, "This is what you get for adapting lenses. Knock it off and get a real E Mount lens." Sigh. I feel you.

[@darren1393]

Could you try out the sigma EF lens with auto focus mode switched to “flexible spot:M” on video shooting please? Probably this is what we missed

[@darren1393]

I guess what those KZbinrs meant was the eye tracking and object tracking auto focus work.

[@shuttersnapphotography2409]

I’m kind of in the same boat. I’m fully invested in canon. I bought a a7iii for fun and wanted to try Sony. I’m not in love with the auto focus so I’m trying to see if getting a native lens will make a difference

[@Digimorphosis]

It may, though my experience has been that the difference isn't huge. I got a Samyang 45mm prime E-mount lens and have been happy with its image quality and its focus speed. It locks onto eyes well and did a great job of holding my face in focus during videos. The newer Sigma 28-70 DG DN also works great as a native lens I just tried (video coming soon). It focuses quickly and produces nice images -- and weighs less than half what my 24-70 Art lens did. Hope that's helpful.

[@gracesmith5021]

It will definitely make a huge difference! I made the switch recently and sony's AF system is complicated but really good and for some reason only native sony lens seems to be able utilise it perfectly. And yeah they are all cost hell lot of money but well worth it.

[@edmundojesus5117]

Digimorphosis Thanks for the information, I see that you recommend the SIGMA MC-11 adapter. I just bought the Sony Fx-30 camera and I have a canon EF 16-35mm f 2.8 USM lens, do you recommend that adapter for video autofocus? Another question, have you used this other adapter with the 7artisans EF-SE and if it is good for video autofocus, would you recommend it?

[@Digimorphosis]

Well to be clear I both do and don't recommend the MC 11 adapter. There has been so much inconsistency with certain cameras and lenses working or not working with video audio focus, I guess to answer your question I would say as a general point if you were using this Adapter for any kind of video I would not recommend it. Only for photos. It is way too hit or miss on whether video auto focus works within a given lens to recommended. I know people looking to adapt lenses generally don't want to hear the advice to just get a Native lens but in this case other than trying the metabones adapter which some people say works better for video auto focus, I feel if you are getting an FX camera getting a native Sony lens is probably your best bet.

[@edmundojesus5117]

@@Digimorphosis

[@polishedprompts]

Wonderful work, I almost got tricked into buying a Sigma Canon Art lens for video use on Sony a7IV. Before that I went down to a local lens rental store and to my surprise the auto focus wat grayed out and didn't work. I saved myself around $1000. Disappointed that most reviewers and Sigma don't tell you this information. False advertising.

[@spiritofevil99]

Does it work for both Crop canon lenses and full frame?

[@Digimorphosis]

I haven't tried crop lenses with it myself but it seems like it should. The physical connection for crop EF lenses is the same as FF, and the way it communicates with the camera should be the same also.

[@acneubauer]

Have you tried the Techart Canon EF - Sony E Autofocus Adapter (TCS-04) ? How does it compare ro the MC11

[@wiktorpl8418]

Does focus peaking work in manual mode with Canon EF lenses on the Sony 7 III?

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

thanks for the effort and the sharing. helpful. thumbs up.

[@adrain5714]

Great job...thanks for your thoughts

[@Nordlys1966]

Thanks so much for sharing. Very helpful. I wonder if MC-11 works with all TAMRON lenses, in particular SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 and SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD model A012. Any thought?

[@JayfkProductions876]

Been trying to find more lens options for my Sony Zv E10 & these Adapter things scare me

[@nataliacastro5059]

I've been using the adapter with canon lenses 50mm f1.2 and 24-70F2.8 for three years and it worked perfect until a month ago it doesn't focus any more, it goes back and forward. I updated de adapter and is worst it only works with the Sigma Art f.14. Any clue what can I do?

[@Digimorphosis]

Darn, I'm sorry to hear that for you. It seems to vary by camera and firmware, since some people have told me they can use video AF just fine on other Sony cameras, but I am guessing my A7 IV is different somehow than their models. I guess in your case it's possible something in the new firmware broke compatibility with other EF lenses. I am not sure offhand what to suggest but I will look into it, and if I find anything I'll post it.

[@keltonfrancis4632]

Does it affect the external flash when using Canon lenses. I find there is a slight delay when using the flash

[@Digimorphosis]

I've not used flash so I can't say.

[@leonardwijaya3179]

can this adapter use eye tracking feature on a7C?

[@Digimorphosis]

I don't have an A7C to try it on, unfortunately. Only the A7IV.

[@piotrwargacki7899]

i did work an a6500 with sigma 70-200 2.8 Sport but for fast moving subjects didn't catch up with the subject as i would expect

How fast is the focus? Thanks 😊

[@EdenEitani-i5k]

Does it by any chance have a problem with remote PC shooting? I seem to only be able to shoot with sony lenses.

[@Digimorphosis]

That I've not tried. When you say you can only do it with Sony lenses, out of curiosity, does that include E-mount third party lenses not working?

[@danphilipf.hernandez9977]

Thank you for this!

[@Digimorphosis]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@3flyte_3flyte]

I have two. They work fine. I don't do video; I am a photographer.

[@Digimorphosis]

Agreed. As stated, for photos it worked fine for me as well.

[@looptimelapse]

THankz

[@TrenchfootSalvador]

Or you probably have the wrong version of the MC-11. I seen 2 different Sony MC-11's.

[@Digimorphosis]

Interesting. Is there any kind of obvious difference between the two? I only see reference to one version on Sigma's site so that's strange.

[@giannisglikiotis]

There are different revisions released...

[@Digimorphosis]

@@giannisglikiotis If so this still seems unfortunate on Sigma's part to, as far as I can tell, make no mention of that on the website, nor make it clear additional support new revisions may offer. Everything I read and researched indicated there is one version of the MC 11 adapter made to convert the EF mount to the E mount and that was it. But it would explain a lot of the inconsistent results I have seen as well as many others who have commented here.

[@giannisglikiotis]

Also just tested a sigma 18-35 f1.8(crop ef mount) on my a7iv & fx3 and the video Af works perfectly like my sigma 35mm emount

[@BrianWatkins9000]

@@giannisglikiotis Interesting. I dunno. It's not been my experience nor the experience of quite a few other people commenting here. I'm not sure I would withdraw my criticism of the adapter even if it were true there were several revisions because it's pretty clearly poorly handled by them and has created a lot of inconsistency that if I were on the market again would make me very leery of investing the money into this adapter when given the mix of peoples experiences I wouldn't think I would have any idea what to expect. Glad it works for you at least.

[@CINENIMUS]

ah shit I just ordered one haha