Focal Reducer 0.72x with EF mount [m4/3] first impressions

Last time I've presented you a simulation on how a focal reducer (FR) 0.72x might work with Tokina 11-16 mm 1:2.8 on micro 4/3 sensor. Today I decided to present you first impressions on $99 eBay version of FR with EF mount.

Check out all posts presenting
Focal Reducer with other lenses!

Focal Reducer 0.72x with EF mount for Micro Four Thirds (MFT M4/3)

What is Focal Reducer aka Lens Turbo aka Speed Booster?
The simplest answer is that it's the lens that focuses light from a mounted lens reducing focal length by a ratio (in this case 0.72x, which means 100 mm lens becomes 72 mm). It also makes lens faster (in this case by 1 EV step - f2.8 becomes f2.0, f2.0 - f1.4 and so on...).

Yesterday I've finally received my own FR. I must admit it's very well built and quite heavy. It didn't gave me the impression of any cheap materials used. Rather firm and dependable hardware.
All my life I've been an Olympus, then 4/3 and now micro 4/3 person. Obviously I don't possess any Canon lenses, and that's why I ordered EF > M42 adapter with flange (for M42 lenses with aperture pin). It fits perfectly and makes whole unit even heavier.

Unboxing of Focal Reducer 0.72x EF for M4/3

Item was packed it a simple cardboard box with foam filling adjusted to its size. It was also secured by a string bag with desiccant to prevent it from moisture.

Unboxing of Focal Reducer 0.72x with EF mount for Micro Four Thirds (MFT M4/3) - step by step

After I'd taken it out the box I attached a M42 > EF adapter and mounted a lens. Everything fits perfectly. It's a really decent unit, definitely trustworthy.

 Focal Reducer 0.72x EF mount for Micro Four Thirds (MFT M4/3) with M42 adapter (on the left) and M42 lens - Helios 44M-4 (on the right)

I fits I...

...tests

I used two lenses to test with FR. And I must admit - it wasn't the best idea. Clearly, those two doesn't work best with snowy landscape and a lot of bright light.

However, I used:

• MIR-1B 37/2.8
• Auto Beroflex Lens 85/1.7

Let's start with...

MIR-1B 37/2.8 without Focal Reducer 0.72x

Camera: Lumix GH2

Mount: M42 > Four Thirds > micro 4/3
Edit: PS CS6 RAW default development (no sharpening!) + scaling down

MIR-1B 37/2.8 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f2.8

MIR-1B 37/2.8 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f4.0

MIR-1B 37/2.8 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f5.6

MIR-1B 37/2.8 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f8.0

MIR-1B 37/2.8 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f11

MIR-1B 37/2.8 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f16

MIR-1B 37/2.8 with Focal Reducer 0.72x

Camera: Lumix GH2

Mount: M42 > EF Focal Reducer 0.72x for micro 4/3
Edit: PS CS6 RAW default development (no sharpening!) + scaling down

MIR-1B 37/2.8 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f2.8

MIR-1B 37/2.8 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f4.0

MIR-1B 37/2.8 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f5.6

MIR-1B 37/2.8 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f8.0

MIR-1B 37/2.8 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f11

MIR-1B 37/2.8 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f16

MIR-1B 37/2.8 100% crop comparison

100% crop comparison (center and corner) of MIR with/without focal reducer samples.

Auto Beroflex Lens 85/1.7 without Focal Reducer 0.72x

Camera: Lumix GH2

Mount: M42 > Four Thirds > micro 4/3

Edit: PS CS6 RAW default development (no sharpening!) + scaling down

Beroflex 85/1.7 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f1.7

Beroflex 85/1.7 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f2.8

Beroflex 85/1.7 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f4.0

Beroflex 85/1.7 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f5.6

Beroflex 85/1.7 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f8.0

Beroflex 85/1.7 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f11

Beroflex 85/1.7 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f16

Auto Beroflex Lens 85/1.7 with Focal Reducer 0.72x

Camera: Lumix GH2

Mount: M42 > EF Focal Reducer 0.72x for micro 4/3

Edit: PS CS6 RAW default development (no sharpening!) + scaling down

Beroflex 85/1.7 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f1.7

Beroflex 85/1.7 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f2.8

  

Beroflex 85/1.7 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f4.0

Beroflex 85/1.7 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f5.6

Beroflex 85/1.7 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f8.0

Beroflex 85/1.7 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f11

Beroflex 85/1.7 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f16

Auto Beroflex Lens 85/1.7 100% crop comparison

100% crop comparison (center and corner) of Beroflex with/without focal reducer samples. 

Focal Reducer 0.72x - first conclusions

I really enjoyed working with focal reducer (called also Lens Turbo or Speed Booster) and I guess in most cases I'll use it instead of my typical M42 adapter. Unfortunately I didn't have much time to take proper shots with tripod, so some @f16 are a bit blurry. The weather wasn't generous too. It was snowing all the time and it definitely affected pictures.
However, I guess it's a great thing to own and use. Personally, I'm really fond of having wider and faster lenses.
I'll take it for a walk soon and then you'll see some more.
Thanks for watching!