Using Canon lenses on the OMD EM1

[Rocknroll59]

Does anyone out there use a Canon lens on the EM1? I've seen a 300mm EF F4 USM lens at a reasonable price, and with the correct adaptor what sort of results am I likely to get? Also seen an Olympus 300mm but a F4.5, would that work as well or better, again with the OM to M4/3rds adaptor.....

Cheers

Peter

[Miketoll]

Re: Using Canon lenses on the OMD EM1

A couple of years ago I had an old FD 500mm f8 mirror lens converted to work as an EF lens on my Canon 7D. When I got my EM-1 I decided to get the adapter to fit EF lenses on the EM-1 primarily so I can use the old mirror lens as a 1000mm f8.
Bear in mind the mirror lens is a fixed aperture lens so the exposure is controlled by shutter speed and ISO. Focus is of course manual and is not easy and very unforgiving with such a small depth of field from such a long lens. Results are "OK" but of course this lens was never designed for digital cameras. No better when fitted to the 7D.
With a native EF lens the results would probably be much better but again remember manual focus and no control of aperture so not easy to use. I have not tried any of my EF lenses with the EM-1 because if I want to use them I might as well use my 7D and have full control.

[David Morison]

Re: Using Canon lenses on the OMD EM1

I regularly use the Canon 400mm f5.6L on my E-M1 with the appropriate adapter and often with a Kenko 1.4x TC. IQ is superb and the extra reach is very useful. If you use the Magnify function the IS is enabled to assist manual focusing and is cancelled when the shutter is half pressed, this is really useful as it enables accurate focus and re-composition before firing. This lens on my E-M1 far exceeds the results I can get with the 7D, even if I use the TC with the 7D (similar EFL) the results are superior.

David

[Rocknroll59]

Re: Using Canon lenses on the OMD EM1

Thanks David and Mike....it looks as if it works, well subject to certain conditions. Obviously practice makes perfect, but that is always the case...I may well pursue this option shortly thanks very much for your help.

Peter

[Greytop]

Re: Using Canon lenses on the OMD EM1

I use an FD mount Tokina 300 f/2.8 with my E-M5 and E-M1. Works very well.

[pdk42]

Re: Using Canon lenses on the OMD EM1

I wouldn't want to pour cold water on such plans, but why not just pick up a Canon 40D or such like? They can be had for very little money these days and will certainly work far better with a 400/5.6 than wth an adapter for u43. AF, full aperture control, better lens/body balance etc.

[David Morison]

Re: Using Canon lenses on the OMD EM1

I wouldn't want to pour cold water on such plans, but why not just pick up a Canon 40D or such like? They can be had for very little money these days and will certainly work far better with a 400/5.6 than wth an adapter for u43. AF, full aperture control, better lens/body balance etc.

But less magnification, megapixels and considerably poorer IQ. Aperture control is not so important with m4/3 as you will only have one stop available before you reach the theoretical maximum before diffraction softening starts to kick in. MF is not an issue if your subject is fairly static or slow moving, in fact I get many more keepers than with AF as I don't fire if it isn't in focus.

David

[Tordan58]

Re: Using Canon lenses on the OMD EM1

I regularly use the Canon 400mm f5.6L on my E-M1 with the appropriate adapter and often with a Kenko 1.4x TC. IQ is superb and the extra reach is very useful. If you use the Magnify function the IS is enabled to assist manual focusing and is cancelled when the shutter is half pressed, this is really useful as it enables accurate focus and re-composition before firing. This lens on my E-M1 far exceeds the results I can get with the 7D, even if I use the TC with the 7D (similar EFL) the results are superior.

David

+1

A friend of mine has an E-M1 and often uses a Canon 400/5.6. He gets great results from that combo.

You should be able to find a cheap Canon-m4/3 adapter ring for instance on eBay.

Go for it.

/Tord