Which makes me a bit of a skeptical optimist. Confused? Me too, but thats a different post.
So when I read a headline like this:
Increase your FOV to full-frame, increase your lenses aperture rating by 1 full stop!!!
I'm conflicted, I want to believe in the possibility. But I'm putting on my skeptic self.
So I ordered one. It arrived today.
Let's be clear. I have the original EF-E mount from Metabones and it works fine. No, the electronics don't work on the my FS700, but my workhorse lens the Tokina (Angenieux) 28-70 2.8 (2.6 really) is full manual. My other lenses are all EF mounts, and while Image Stabilization would be great, only one of them has it. So I'm not missing much, I adjust exposure by ND/ISO.
Metabones also has really built a reputation for quality kit, and is really the only "smart" adapter that is a simple integrated solution. So, I can't see them selling a COMPLETE gimmick.
So if the one I have works so great why would I look at the other side of the fence? Basically two reasons:
- Focal Length. On the 28-70, 28 really isn't wide on s35. Almost every time I use it I wish the wide end was 4-6mm wider. This stinks when shooting outdoors in winter, because I'm NOT going to change lenses when it's blowing snow, and I'm NOT walking back a half mile to the car. I usually end up using just my 17-40mm and hope I can get close enough at the 40mm end of it for those nice isolating shots. PLUS the 17mm becomes a true wide angle for architectural shots.
- Travel. When I take a couple of my upcoming trips space/weight will be of utmost importance. I plan on stripping the cam down to barebones and bringing 1 lens (OK maybe 2) No support rails, no mattebox, no extra handles, no external monitor. Lavs, shotgun, camera/lens, monopod, hihat. that's it. SO Image Stabilisation just took a big jump in importance. I'll be able to leave home with fewer lenses. (Just use the old adapter to get closer if needed.)
So on to the meat of this post. Impressions:
Build quality much improved over V1 which was good. Solid camera and lens connections. Electronics work no problem.
I took four clips, 17mm and 70mm with the Speedbooster and the V1 adapter.
The 17mm REALLY surprised me. I mean look at the difference between these two! There is a bit of CA/Flare on the completely blown window at 17mm, but that is to be expected with that much of an overexposed area. You can also start to see the filter holders from the mattebox on the 17mm with the speedbooster.
On the 70mm focal length I couldn't remember whether I focused on the chair or the wall with the V1 adapter, and I guessed wrong. The exposure difference isn't as pronounced on the 28-70 as it is on the 17-40, not sure why. It is there, it is brighter, but not as much as with the wider angle lens.
I don't see any new ghosting or flares introduced from the additional optics either.
Here are some stills of my false colors on the monitor.
17mm f4 (2.8 equiv.) with speedbooster, 320ISO, ND clear
17mm f4 with V1 adapter, 320ISO, ND clear
70mm f 2.8 (2.0 equiv.) with speedbooster, 320ISO, ND 1/4
70mm f 2.8 with V1 adapter, 320ISO, ND 1/4
So, I haven't done (and probably won't do) any resolution testing or formal A vs B testing. I don't see any red flags, so why should I? It does what I wanted it to do. The light increase and -maybe- sharper image are bonus features for me. My IS works, my 28-70 is usable for landscape, the 17-40 is even better for interiors, my 24-105 is a GREAT walkabout lens now....
Good job Metabones team! I guess the GenY is coming out right now. My GenX side is feeling restless and seeking something to be cynical about. Maybe peruse The Onion for 10 min.
p
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