How far can a Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 focus on EOS with a glassless FD-to-EF adapter?
Asked 2/22/2011
4 views
2 answers
0
I have a Canon A-1 with an FD 50mm f/1.4 SSC and a Canon 30D. I'm considering a glassless FD-to-EF adapter so I can mount the FD lens on the 30D. I understand that without corrective optics it won't reach infinity focus, but approximately what maximum focusing distance should I expect with a 50mm FD lens? Can this be treated like adding extension tube length, or is there a practical rule of thumb?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
3
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Mount-Adapter-Infinity-Focus/dp/B001D8X72G says that it's product will "Focus to Infinity", so I think you'll be fine, if you buy the right product. Of course, the way that they manage to do this is with a slight optical distortion.
Alternatively, you might just consider buying a 50mm 1.8, they aren't that expensive, and the quality is actually pretty good. It's only a little more than the FD-EF adapter is.
Originally by user2692. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2692
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
With a glassless FD-to-EF adapter, an FD 50mm will only focus at close distances. Based on user experience in the answers, the practical maximum is roughly a couple of feet, making it useful mainly for close-up work rather than normal shooting.
Why: Canon FD lenses were designed for a shorter flange distance than EF bodies. A glassless adapter effectively pushes the lens farther from the sensor, acting like an extension tube. That reduces the maximum focus distance dramatically and prevents infinity focus.
Adapters with corrective glass can restore infinity focus, but the answers warn that cheap ones may noticeably reduce image quality, sometimes requiring stopping down for acceptable results.
So in practice:
- glassless adapter: expect close-focus only, around a couple of feet with a 50mm
- optical adapter: can reach infinity, but may hurt sharpness/image quality
If you want a normal 50mm on your 30D, the community suggestion to buy an EF 50mm instead is the more practical route.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI15y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Are expensive FD-to-Micro Four Thirds speed boosters worth it over cheaper focal reducers?
Where should an extension tube go with an EF lens, EF-EOS M adapter, and EOS M camera?
Why doesn’t a Canon EF-to-EF-M adapter work like an extension tube?
Can an EF-S lens be used on a full-frame Canon body with an extension tube?
Why doesn’t a Canon EF-to-Sony E adapter act like an extension tube?