Optimizing Your Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens for an Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II
When it comes to using adapters for your Canon lenses on a different camera like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, you have several options, each with its own pros and cons. This guide will help you decide on the best approach for your specific needs and budget.
Novoflex Adapters: A Satisfactory Mechanical Solution
Have you ever used Novoflex adapters for a Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM lens on an Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II? If so, you are one of the many photographers who have found them to be a practical and easy solution. Novoflex adapters are purely mechanical, meaning they provide a basic and reliable mounting solution while maintaining a mechanical connection between the lens and the camera. However, this is somewhat of an unusual combination given that the Oly and Panasonic systems are known for their high-quality lenses in the 20-25mm focal length range. The Oly system is known for its excellent high-contrast lenses, which can be a nice match for the Canon lens.
Considering Autofocus and Aperture Control
If you're looking to use the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM lens as a 24mm lens without modification, you might consider one of the many low-cost adapters available in the market. These adapters typically range from around $20 onwards. While these ports offer the convenience of not having to change lenses, they often lack advanced features like aperture control. Autofocus might not work with these adapters, so it's important to consider whether this is an issue for you.
Focusing on the Metabones Speed Booster
Another option for lens adapters is the Metabones Speed Booster. These adapters are much more sophisticated, featuring optical elements within their bodies that can modify the focal length and aperture of your lens. The Metabones adapter can reduce the focal length of the lens while increasing the aperture, making it a more versatile option. For example, a 0.71-times adapter would convert your 24mm f/2.8 lens to an effectively 17mm f/2.0 lens. To learn more about how these adapters work, refer to the detailed article on using Canon lenses on the Panasonic GH4 with the Metabones Speedbooster adapter.
The Metabones Speed Booster adapters are designed specifically for micro four-thirds cameras and offer a multi-element lens within the adapter body. This lens decreases the image circle from a 35mm size to micro four-thirds size, increasing the brightness by one full f-stop. Importantly, it also retains the 35mm field of view that would typically be doubled due to the crop factor. So, with a 24mm full-frame lens and f/2.8 aperture, you would get the equivalent full-frame 24mm field of view, but with a maximum aperture of f/2.0.
While the Metabones Speed Booster is not a cheap option, it offers significant advantages over a regular adapter without glass. A regular adapter without glass would reduce the focal length to 48mm and maintain the original aperture of f/2.8. However, this adapter can be found for as low as $15 to $20, making it a more budget-friendly choice comparably.
Quality and Reliability of Inexpensive Adapters
Most budget adapters for the OM-System to Micro Four-thirds (MFT) and Four-thirds to MFT with electrical contacts have shown to be of good quality. The flange-to-flange distances are generally accurate, but there have been instances of adapters with incorrect flange-to-flange distances. Additionally, one adapter was found to have a protruding screw that required further countersinking to achieve a proper fit. The fit and finish of these adapters have been satisfactory, with no serious issues of tight or loose mounts. Overall, the Novoflex adapters have met my expectations in terms of performance and usability.
In summary, whether you decide on using a low-cost adapter, a Metabones Speed Booster, or a Novoflex adapter, each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Understanding your specific requirements for aperture control, autofocus, and image quality will guide you in making the best decision for your photography project. Happy shooting!