IQ/Mirrorless with older glass and adapter?

[IslandCity]

Contemplating making a leap into mirrorless and I am curious how many folks have stuck with older prime lenses such as the 500f4 and adapter with the mirrorless body vs. dumping and going with new lenses? Obviously weight is an issue with older primes, but IQ with adapter? Appreciate any feedback and happy new year.

Thanks in advance,
Rich

 

[Cameron T]

The IQ will be the exact same as the adapter is literally a spacer, there's no glass. If anything, you'll probably get more precise focus.

 

[bleirer]

I don't think we'd notice the differences much, and that is the important part. but if you read up on some of the technical stuff there they say there are some advantages to the flange distance being smaller with the mirrorless system. You didn't say what camera, but I use the Canon RF mount now, and I'm gradually replacing my older EF glass with RF glass. Though the EF glass works just fine to my eyes. Supposedly the smaller flange difference means the light bends less, reducing vignetting, and also larger apertures are possible, for example a quality EF 24-70 would be f 2.8 where the RF version would be f 2. This would also allow the same lens to be smaller and lighter. So I'd say use and enjoy the vintage glass, but take an upgrade path when you are ready for new gear.

 

[Johan Schmidt]

I've found my 200-400 f4 is much sharper on the Z9 than it ever was on the D4

 

[Steve Pumilia]

 

[Larry S.]

I have an assortment of older “F” mount lenses I use with the Z/8&9, Zf w/FTZii adapter. As a hobbyist I cannot financially justify throwing these excellent lenses under the bus if images are of decent quality for my purposes. Some older lenses have not been re-engineered for the Z platform such as the 200mm micro f/4D shown here..

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[dabhand16]

FWIW - I use lenses with adaptors that are up to 75 years old and get great results!!

 

[Lance B]

Everything will work just like they do on a DSLR, except results will be more consistent focus and generally sharper results. AF Fine tune will be basically a thing of the past. I used all my F mount take lenses on my Z camerasxwith generally much better results.

 

[IslandCity]

Everything will work just like they do on a DSLR, except results will be more consistent focus and generally sharper results. AF Fine tune will be basically a thing of the past. I used all my F mount take lenses on my Z camerasxwith generally much better results.

Lance thank you..

 

[MadMikeOne]

When I jumped from my D500 to the Z9 about 2 years ago, I did not own any primes except for the 500 PF. All my other lenses were zooms (Nikon & Tamron). I did not notice any differences in IQ when using F mount lenses with the adapter. Since that time, I have been gradually adding Z mount lenses. Eventually, I MAY give up my beloved D500 & go 100% mirrorless in the lens department.