Using Old FD Canon Lenses on New Canon EOS Rebel T6i: Tips and Considerations

Upgrading to a modern camera system can be exciting, but it also poses challenges, especially when it comes to your older lenses. The transition from the FD system to the EF system in Canon cameras requires a few considerations. If you're looking to use your old FD Canon lenses with your new Canon EOS Rebel T6i, you'll need to know the requirements and what to expect. This article will guide you through the process and provide you with essential tips to help you make the most of your old lenses.

Adapter Requirement

The first thing to keep in mind is that you'll need a specific adapter to use your old FD Canon lenses with your new Canon EOS Rebel T6i. The EOS Rebel T6i uses the Canon EF/EF-S lens mount, whereas the FD lenses have a different mount. Therefore, an adapter is necessary to connect your lenses properly. You can find these adapters from multiple manufacturers online, such as Kenko, Hoya, Anker, and others.

Manual Focus and Aperture Control

There are a few key aspects to consider when using an FD lens with an adapter. First, you should be prepared to focus manually. Autofocus is not supported with FD lenses, which means you'll need to adjust your focus by hand. Additionally, the control of the aperture may be limited depending on the adapter you choose. Some adapters do not provide aperture control, which can affect the depth of field in your photographs.

Furthermore, the image quality with an adapter may be impacted. It's crucial to read reviews and evaluate the performance of the adapter you plan to use. This will ensure that you get the best results possible without compromising the quality of your images.

Understanding Crop Factor and Effective Focal Length

The Canon EOS Rebel T6i has an APS-C sensor, which has a crop factor of approximately 1.6x. This means that the effective focal length of your lens will be magnified. For example, if you use a 50mm FD lens, it will act as a 80mm lens on the T6i, due to the 1.6x crop factor. This can be an exciting opportunity to try out different focal lengths and shooting techniques, but it's important to understand how this will affect your photography.

Replacement or Upgrade?

While it's possible to use your old FD lenses, it's often more practical to consider an upgrade. The older FD lenses had a shorter flange to focal plane distance, which means they act like macro extension tubes when connected via non-optical adapters. This can lead to reduced aperture and diminished image quality. Additionally, the adapter process can be expensive, especially if you opt for a genuine Canon adapter. It might be more cost-effective and higher quality to purchase newer EF lenses designed for the EOS system.

If you do have an adapter and are considering using it, it's important to remember a few key points:

You will need an adapter that comes with its own lens glass for optimal performance. Genuine Canon adapters are very expensive, often matching the cost of a low-end L-series lens. Third-party options are generally of lower quality and may not provide the same level of optical performance.

Conclusion: Experimentation and Practicality

Using your old FD Canon lenses with your new Canon EOS Rebel T6i can be a fun and educational experience. However, keep in mind that you'll need an appropriate adapter, manual focus, and may not have full aperture control. The crop factor will also impact your effective focal length. While there are advantages to using your old lenses, it's important to weigh the potential benefits against the practical considerations. In many cases, investing in newer EF lenses may provide better results and more flexibility for your photography needs.