If A7C was really supported as 3rd compatible model they would probably update the listings to include it... That doesn't rule out potential support with a future firmware update though but I wouldn't count on it before it happens or before there is any official statement about it.
I don't have any A-mount lenses so I wasn't planning on getting the adapter for my own A7C but I studied a bit what was available just in case...
p.20 #6 · Introducing LA-EA5 | Mount Adaptor | Sony | Accessory
Fred Miranda wrote:
I'm waiting for mine as well. My contact told me next week.
I’ve had mine for a few days. It will only be used with the Planar ZA 50/1.4 SSM which, because of its size and weight, I prefer to the Planar FE 50/1.4. Previously I used an LA-EA3 and the main advantage I see from my limited use is that the lack of the protuberance at the bottom makes the LA-EA5 more comfortable to hand hold. Focusing on stationary subjects is fast and accurate but next I’ll see how tracking works on moving human subjects in the street.
[Edited] I just remembered that I also have the 85/2.8 SAM lens so I suppose I ought to give that a try too.
p.20 #7 · Introducing LA-EA5 | Mount Adaptor | Sony | Accessory
trogdon wrote:
I took out the adapter and a screw drive 135mm ZA and SSM 35mm f1.4 Sigma this weekend for a portrait session.
Compared to an LA-EA3 with SSM: they are mostly the same except this adapter seems to have a higher max FPS from what I can recall. I didn’t test this. The lack of tripod foot on the 5 is great honestly, the foot got in the way most of the time and was uncomfortable to use. I also think the shutter lag when shooting stopped down is a little faster on the 5 versus the 3, but I didn’t scientifically test. I almost always shot side open on the 3 because of the lag, but on the 5 it seems faster to stop down and the aperture lever is less noisy on the 5. Overall it seems the 5 is at least as good as the 3 operationally, and a bit faster to shoot stopped down and offers a higher burst rate. Not sure I’d replace the 3 with a 5 for SSM lenses only given a 3 is about $130ish versus $250, but it’s nice to see it’s not just exactly the same.
Compared to the 4 with screw drive (135 ZA): this is might and day difference. The accuracy difference is instantly noticeable. The 4 was fine sometimes, but usually not good enough for the 135 ZA wide open and of course you are stuck with like 5 AF points. Now you get excellent AF tracking for most of the frame, and Eye AF to boot which works excellently. I mostly use this lens for long distance landscapes, where marginal AF differences mean the difference between an insanely sharp image and a sharp enough image. This adapter unlocks the full potential of the lens. I’ve kept an a850 in my arsenal because I found it more accurate to focus than the LA-EA4, but this adapter blows that combo away in tracking and overall accuracy. I’d have to imagine the a7r4+LAEA5 combo is better than an a99ii honestly. The 135 ZA focused as quick as it does on any other camera, and with better accuracy than ever. Incredibly impressed. The 5 is cheaper, much smaller, no light loss from SLT, more focus coverage, more accurate, and cheaper! The 4 only has video AF otherwise it loses in every category.
I love this adapter, it has given life to my 135ZA that I never expected it to have. The fact that it can replace the 3 and the 4 functionally is incredibly impressive. Hats off to Sony for this...Show more →
Thanks for much for the detailed post. I ordered one to be able to use my 135ZA again. I'm hoping to get a bit better performance on my 50 ZA and my 16-35, but the 135 is my prime target to get pictures of my new kid like I did with my older ones.
p.20 #8 · Introducing LA-EA5 | Mount Adaptor | Sony | Accessory
I am also finding that focusing with Apo-Lanthar is not the best experience. What adapter are you using with it? Have you also got inner reflections with it when shooting with light spots? I was wondering if maybe the adapter is causing them
jhinkey wrote:
Can't be any more touchy than the 180/4 which is infamous for near-infinity focusing touchiness nor the 100-400GM (focus by wire is not the greatest when trying to nail it).
p.20 #11 · Introducing LA-EA5 | Mount Adaptor | Sony | Accessory
hanay78 wrote:
I am also finding that focusing with Apo-Lanthar is not the best experience. What adapter are you using with it? Have you also got inner reflections with it when shooting with light spots? I was wondering if maybe the adapter is causing them
I use a cheap Fotasy Nikon F to Sony E adapter (great parallelism) - I've not noticed any issues with reflections that weren't already there with the primary optic anyways.
p.20 #12 · Introducing LA-EA5 | Mount Adaptor | Sony | Accessory
TheEmrys wrote:
Nope. Nor my a7III. I am hoping a firmware update will fix that.
It won't work for screw-driven lenses, but the performance with SSM/SAM lenses should be similar to the LAEA3, just without the tripod mount extension on the adapter.
p.20 #13 · Introducing LA-EA5 | Mount Adaptor | Sony | Accessory
freaklikeme wrote:
It won't work for screw-driven lenses, but the performance with SSM/SAM lenses should be similar to the LAEA3, just without the tripod mount extension on the adapter.
That’s exactly my experience with the LA-EA5—there has been no dramatic improvement in the performance of my SSM lenses (Planar 50/1.4 and Tamron SP 45/1.8) compared to the LA-EA3 but the lack of the tripod mount extension is definitely a plus.
p.20 #14 · Introducing LA-EA5 | Mount Adaptor | Sony | Accessory
Thanks to an accommodating FM member, I've now got the adapter on loan to try while I wait for B&H to ship.
First impressions are good. Especially when trying lenses like this little 24-105mm Minolta. It was always hard to focus on an A-mount body because the required AF micro adjust varied significantly over the zoom range. I had to pick a compromise value which never really satisfied. Now, on the adapter/a7Riv combo, it focuses confidently at any FL.
The beercan zoom and pocket 135mm also seem right at home.
New life for the old lenses. Very gratifying indeed.
p.20 #17 · Introducing LA-EA5 | Mount Adaptor | Sony | Accessory
esanchez wrote:
Sony needs to add Support to the A7III and A7RIII.
And especially the a7c. It was released concurrently with this adapter, and it has one of the best auto focus modules on any Sony camera. I think it’s pretty dumb it isn’t compatible initially.
