Friday 17 January 2014

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.

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

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

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 with EF mount for Micro Four Thirds (MFT M4/3) with M42 adapterFocal Reducer 0.72x with EF mount for Micro Four Thirds (MFT M4/3) with M42 lens - Helios 44M-4
 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:


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 @f2.8

MIR-1B 37/2.8 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f4.0
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 @f5.6

MIR-1B 37/2.8 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f8.0
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 @f11

MIR-1B 37/2.8 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f16
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 @f2.8

MIR-1B 37/2.8 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f4.0
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 @f5.6

MIR-1B 37/2.8 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f8.0
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 @f11

MIR-1B 37/2.8 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f16
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.
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 @f1.7

Beroflex 85/1.7 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f2.8
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 @f4.0

Beroflex 85/1.7 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f5.6
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 @f8.0

Beroflex 85/1.7 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f11
Beroflex 85/1.7 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f11

Beroflex 85/1.7 without Focal Reducer 0.72x @f16
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 @f1.7

Beroflex 85/1.7 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f2.8
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 @f4.0

Beroflex 85/1.7 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f5.6
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 @f8.0

Beroflex 85/1.7 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f11
Beroflex 85/1.7 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f11

Beroflex 85/1.7 with Focal Reducer 0.72x @f16
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.
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!



33 comments:

  1. Thank you very much! Not a lot of reviews yet on these adapters. Looking forward to more tests. especially to see if there's any increase in MTF. I wouldn't expect an increase in detail, but I'd hope that fine detail is preserved.

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  2. Great stuff! This should give METABONES a kick up the ass! We have been waiting TOO LONG METABONES.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you !! What are your impressions? Does it affect image quality or it's sharp and without distortions as metabones?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome! :)
      My impressions are really good. I find this one extremely useful. I didn't see a significant decrease in IQ or sharpness. As you can see - there's no extra distortion either.

      My only doubt is the fact I used some M42 lenses, which weren't top shelf. I've ordered EF > OM adapter to check Focal Reducer on Zuiko 50/1.8 and Vivitar 28/2.8 (you can actually find tests on my blog), which are the sharpest I have. That might be the ultimate test for the FR.

      Delete
    2. Thank you very much !

      Delete
  4. Any tests with the Tokina 11-16??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's definitely going to take some time to find it among my friends in Poland. If I find it I'll definitely test it - it's the most curious combination for me :)

      Delete
  5. Hello,
    I red on some forum that when using those cheap adapters (not this one that you have) there is a blue dot in the middle of image when pointed at a light source. Did you notice something like that with this one?

    Thank you
    L

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,
      no, I didn't notice any blue spots. The fact is I was able to use for about half an hour, so not that much, but I'll have my camera back soon and I'll definitely test that by the end of the week.

      Cheers!

      Delete
  6. Hi Pawel, could test it with the Zuiko 50mm 1.8? That's my favorite lens for the GH2 and I'm very curious about the results.

    Greetings from Belgium!
    Domingo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sure! And I'll do that as soon as my EF>OM adapter comes. I've ordered it a few weeks ago, it should arrive any day :)

      Delete
    2. Cool! Which adapter did you choose for the OM-EF conversion? I'll keep an eye in your blog :)

      Delete
    3. I've chosen this one:
      http://www.ebay.com/itm/200902245543
      [eBay: Olympus OM Lens to Canon EOS EF Mount Adapter Ring]

      Remember to check if there's infinity focus and any of that should work! :)

      Delete
  7. Great post as always!

    You overexposed the snow as is proper, but for a test, I would have like to see what difference was made in contrast? Easily recovered in post I know! Chinese quality is certainly beginning to tell.

    Pat Donnelly

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Pat!
      I have some shots taken with Olympus Zuiko 50/1.8 and Focal Reducer - new post should be available in hours :)
      Much more detail and contrast to compare!

      Delete
  8. i have the BMCC 2.5k EF mount which one do i need to get please

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you have EF mount on your BMCC, I'm afraid there's no option to use Focal Reducer. Focal reducers are designed for cameras with short flange distance, ex. Micro Four Thirds, NEX, Pentax-Q.
      All you can do is to buy one, unscrew the inner optical part and custom design a way to place it inside EF BMCC mount. I don't have that camera, so I'm just guessing...

      Delete
  9. Hi there Pawel. I found your explanations and images helpful. Thank you. I have just purchased but not received a Meyer Optik 100mm f2.8 Trioplan with an Exakta mount and an Exakta mount to micro 4/3 adapter. I want to find a FR to work with my Olympus OMD EM5 and this set up. I assume the FR would need to be a micro 4/3 to micro 4/3 if it were to fit. Am I correct and if so do you know if there such a FR available? This is very new to me and I am not experienced with old lenses and how to use them on modern cameras! Regards from Australia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi!
      What you need is Focal Reducer with front Canon EF mount - the same one I showed in this post.
      And of course Exakta > EOS/Canon/EF adapter. There are some on eBay.

      Buying FR with EF mount is the most efficient idea for me. This way you'll have the possibility to attach multiple lenses with different mounts by adapters.

      If you've already ordered Exakta > M4/3 adapter - no problem. You'll be able to use your Trioplan on OMD without focal reduction.


      You also gave me the idea of getting Exakta adapter! I have 50/2.8 Trioplan, but didn't tried it with Focal Reducer. It might be a really nice lens to use :)
      Kindest regards,
      Paweł

      Delete
  10. Thank you Pawel.

    I will search for an adapter and FR as you explained and see how I get on.

    I bought the Trioplan because I was very excited about the bubble bokeh this lens can produce at a wide open aperture. However it may not be the case with the micro 4/3 camera. The focal length will be 200mm and the f stop will be 5.6 without it. I hope that the focal reducer will help achieve the unique bokeh :) Your 50mm Trioplan might work a treat with the FR :)

    Kindest regards Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome. But please, explain me one thing. Why do you multiply f stop by 2? I don't understand where that myth comes from...
      There's no need to. The amount of light is constant. It doesn't matter if your sensor is FF, M4/3 or even 1/2". It'll always be f2.8.

      Delete
  11. Thank you Pawel. That is good to know regarding f stop. :) A photographer selling a Trioplan on eBay wrote the following to me to explain the difficulties using an old lens on the micro 4/3 cameras:
    Kind regards Jennifer
    "This 100mm 2.8 in terms of dof is going to be equiv of a 200mm 5.6 on your camera. Not much field of view to play with there."

    I took this to mean light available. However, I think he was pointing out the loss in terms of a shallower depth of field possible wide open at f2.8 with the lens on micro 4/3 cameras. I assume this would adversely affect the possibility of achieving the unique bokeh I had hoped for with this lens on the OMD EM5.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree - he might refer to DOF (depth of field) instead amount of light going through the lens. Don't worry! I suppose it'll be harder to achieve that lovely bokeh, but not impossible. Just test different background-object distances. And I'm sure FR will help you with that task :)
      Good luck!

      Delete
  12. Thank you Pawel

    I will let you know how I get on :) I don't expect the lens to arrive for a couple of weeks yet.

    Kindest regards Jennifer :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Waiting to hear (read ;) ) from you!
      P.

      Delete
    2. Hi there Pawel! I am very excited as the Trioplan 100mm arrived and I have had an initial play with it and am happy with results, despite it being Winter here with a rather watery sun! My Fotodiox Exakta >M4/3 adapter fits and works well. The following is a link to my Flickr Trioplan album with some examples. https://www.flickr.com/photos/99497564@N07/sets/72157645216221694/
      So I have now ordered the same FR you purchased from the same store and a Fotodiox Exakta> Canon EOS adapter. I hope it all fits together and works! :) I will let you know :)))
      Kindest regards Jennifer

      Delete
    3. Good to read that you're glad! :)
      Best time for bokeh lenses is autumn and spring. Please, share some shots taken with FR. I'm really curious how it will come out.

      Delete
  13. Hi Pawel! At last I have the system working and have done a simple amateur”s test using the FR on the Olympus OM D EM5. The following link will bring up the result.

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/99497564@N07/14656765944/

    Thank you very much for your help. There doesn’t seem to be much around on the web. Your illustrated tests are great and I certainly would not have been able to work out the “system” without both your test results and advice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you enjoy your lens! Results are really nice :)

      I'm really happy to read that my posts help people with their photography. As long as I'll be able to - I'll post news and reviews. Good luck with your shots!

      Delete
    2. Thank you Pawel. I will watch out for them :) Kind regards Jennifer

      Delete
  14. Hello Pawel how are you? its cool to stumble n your site. I too am using focal reducers on Lumix cameras. you gave me some ideas on lenses to try as well. its hard to find many reviews like this with many comparison samples. on my youtube channel I reviewed not only yht focal reducer but the same Mir 37mm you have as well as the helios. feel free to check them out on my channel if you like. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKbs6hVUJsDxCVpZeZPurOg

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  15. I've been using ZhongYi FR for years on my Fuji X-T1 and recently I moved from APS-C to MFT Olympus PEN E-PL9. So this review gave me some idea about the FR FOV that somewhat disappointed me.

    ReplyDelete