Nikon and Canon are two systems of photographic equipment and optics that have proven themselves well for many decades. Talking about the pros of one brand over another is pretty silly. Both Nikon and Canon make great cameras and lenses and invest significant resources in their development. The differences between the two brands are only in the management features, interface and menu logic, that is, in those moments that are the object of purely personal preferences for any photographer. If a photographer is comfortable working with one system, then he usually uses it to the maximum, acquiring a variety of lenses for it. Fortunately, both Japanese companies offer a huge range of optics, which is called for all occasions. However, it happens that a photographer wants to use the lenses of one system on cameras of another. Today we will talk about whether it is possible to use Nikkor (Nikon) lenses on SLR Canon cameras.
We will immediately answer this question - yes, you can install Nikkor lenses on Canon DSLRs. To do this, all you need is an adapter. But first, let's delve a little deeper into the topic. As for the creation of optics, there is a significant difference between Canon and Nikon. The fact is that the Nikon F mount has not changed much since the 60s of the last century, so modern DSLRs from this company allow you to install compatible old optics right up to the very first Nikkor lenses. This, of course, is a very commendable attitude to its historical heritage, but the company had to pay a certain price for this. In 1986, in order to keep the old system, the Japanese firm resorted to using a rather clumsy mechanical autofocus drive, which was outperformed by Canon's electronic autofocus, which appeared a year later. Canon management decided to create a completely new EF mount, abandoning the old one, with a more advanced autofocus system, in which the focus motor was located directly in the lens. As a result of this maneuver Canon got an advantage. Nikon lost ground a bit and had to catch up in a hurry. Nikon lenses now also have a built-in focus motor.
If we compare the two systems (Nikon F and Canon EF), it is easy to see that Canon has a shorter working distance than Nikon DSLRs. Accordingly, Nikkor lenses can be installed on any Canon camera using a special adapter. This also applies to modern G-type lenses. Most importantly, when using a Nikon-Canon adapter, the ability to focus at infinity remains. Indeed, it should be noted right away that modern market photos of accessories offer us huge variety such adapters. When choosing an adapter, first of all, make sure that it is fully compatible with your Canon camera model and the corresponding Nikkor optics. Also pay attention to the fact that it is made of quality materials - the adapter must be reliable and durable so that the risk of falling optics due to weak fixation is minimized.
Briefly, the following types of Nikon - Canon adapters can be distinguished:
- Cheap devices that guarantee a simple mechanical transition. This is an economy option, usually costing between 7 - 15 dollars.
— Adapters with mechanical control diaphragm. They are equipped with a ring that allows you to smoothly change the aperture value. This option is intended primarily for use with G-type lenses that do not have mechanical iris adjustment. The cost of such devices is higher than usual.
- Adapters with a focus confirmation chip. The adapter with a chip allows you to automatically confirm the focus when using non-native optics. You can rotate the manual autofocus on the lens by half-pressing the shutter button. When the focus distance is reached, the warning lamp will light up. The cost of such adapters is even higher.
- Finally, the most expensive are adapters with a confirmation chip and mechanical aperture control. This is ideal if you want to attach a modern Nikkor G-series lens to the EF mount. Thanks to this adapter, you can manually adjust the aperture value and set the desired focusing distance, or adjust the focus compensation.
So, as we have already noted, Nikkor lenses can be easily used on Canon DSLRs, the main thing is to choose the right adapter. Focusing at infinity is retained, but the ability to work with autofocus is lost, and when using certain lenses or certain types of adapters, aperture control is also lost. The best option is if you have non-G-type Nikkor optics at your disposal. This is mostly old optics, which is equipped with an aperture control ring, which allows you to safely use it on SLR cameras Canon. AT this case focusing is carried out manually by rotating the ring on the lens.
But when installing modern Nikkor G-type lenses that do not have an aperture control ring, in principle, you lose the ability to change the aperture - it will turn out to be as closed as possible. Therefore, here you will need a more expensive adapter with mechanical aperture control and (preferably) a focus confirmation chip. However, you can also use a regular, cheap adapter, and always take pictures with an open aperture. You will need to block the aperture value transmission lever in the open position using a piece of cardboard or any other means at hand. Thus, in this case, when using a G-type lens, you will only be able to shoot at maximum/minimum aperture.
When would you ever need to mount a Nikkor lens on a Canon DSLR? In fact, the options can be very different. The most obvious one is if for some reason you switched from a Nikon system to a Canon, but still have Nikkor lenses at your disposal that you want to use on your new DSLR. Another option - you just liked one of the Nikkor lenses, since the line of the Japanese company is full of high-quality, interesting optics, and you plan to continue using it on a new Canon DSLR. Finally, someone just got lucky and takes pictures with cameras from both manufacturers. Accordingly, it becomes possible to use Nikkor optics on Canon system, because buying a Canon lens of the same characteristics is a waste of money.
I wrote about the peculiarities of using lenses designed for large format frames on digital cameras. Now let's talk about the practical part.
How to install such a large format lens on a digital camera
It all comes down to the fact that you need to provide the lens with a large working distance, as well as a focusing mechanism. Well, the third task is to fix such a lens.
Working distance setting
There are several ways to provide a large working length. This is a special focusing helicoid, they were usually made for macro photography, but I also met specifically for installing large format lenses on medium and small formats. If the desired length is not enough, you can increase it due to the macro rings.
Dagor 150 mm 6,7 lens attached to a Nikon camera via macro rings and helicoid
Also, this problem can be solved with the help of macromech. And I met such solutions on the Internet. But I like the helicoid better, probably because I have it.
Focusing with macro bellows.
As a rule, the larger the format for which the lens is designed, the longer the working distance. So, in some lenses designed for the 18x24 cm format, the working distance is more than 30 cm. And for the 9x12 format, most are about 10 cm.
Lens mount
It is necessary to fix the lens by all available methods. Older lenses often have non-standard threads. This is where ingenuity works. Those lenses that have small dimensions, I attached to the helicoid by cutting a washer from a plastic cork for a 20 liter bottle. In this way, I was able to attach several lenses for the 9x12 cm format.
Homemade mount, from a cork for a bottle, put on a helicoid
If the diameter of the rear lens is large, then you need to look for other ways. Some lenses had to be attached with electrical tape, because I could not think of anything better.
Using the lens hood
I also want to note that you need to take care of the hood. It can be made from a plastic tube of a suitable diameter. To reduce glare, it can be glued on the inside with velvet or coated with matte paint.
Lens for the 9x12 cm format, with an attached plastic tube that acts as a lens hood. It is based on the force of friction.
As you can see, attaching a lens from a large format to a digital camera is a simple matter. Here it is not necessary to carry out complex operations to shorten the posterior segment, but on the contrary, it is necessary to lengthen it. A little engineering thought and everything will work out.
I have been asked for a long time to write a blog about the use of Soviet lenses on SLR cameras, in this case the Nikon D5100. And now this moment has come. The first thing I would like to start with is what started my passion for photography. I have been taking pictures on a SLR camera for about seven months, and in my arsenal there is a Nikon D5100, and three lenses, this is a whale 18-105, Helios 44-2, and Helios 81n, in fact, they will be discussed. My passion for photography began with mobile phone(Lapography), or rather with the Iphone 3GS, and later 4S, several times became the owner of a flash drive, in Mobifoto, later there was a desire to step over to another level of photography, and try to shoot on a SLR. In choosing a camera, I didn’t bother much, I just went and bought one that allowed funds in this moment. I gave my preference to the Nikon brand, since I once had Canon PowerShot a570 is and he's in service center was more often than I photographed on it, in the end I sold it. I'm not saying that all cameras of this brand are bad, maybe I came across such a model, but an unpleasant aftertaste remained. So I bought myself a Nikon D5100 with an 18-105mm kit lens. Almost immediately after the purchase, I came across an article about the use of Soviet lenses on the CZK, and I had a great desire to try to shoot them, especially since their prices are not high. Just at my friend's, Zenith ET with Helios 44-2 was found. Later, I also bought Helios 81n for myself, but I will talk about this later in the blog. And now back to Helios 44-2.
Helios 44-2
The first thing I encountered was the need to use an adapter, and the lack of focusing on infinity. It was not difficult to buy an adapter, I ordered it, paid for it, received it. But with focusing I had to tinker a little. It was necessary to disassemble the lens, which also turned out to be not so easy (it took a lot of effort to unwind it, it stubbornly resisted) and adjust infinity by selecting the adjusting rings. I had to make the rings myself, and several pieces of different thicknesses, since there is such an opportunity and a tool. In the end, it was not possible to achieve infinity, but it became possible to focus up to about 50 meters, (unlike one and a half meters without alteration), which was quite enough for me to complete my tasks.
But as it turned out, these were not the last difficulties. It turned out that my camera does not support exposure metering with manual non-chip lenses, for example, as it is possible on older models, such as the D7000. Which made it very difficult to work with this bundle. I had to set the shutter speed and aperture value by eye, and several times to get the desired result. And given the almost lack of experience, many interesting moments were lost. Yes, and very often I forgot that when changing lighting, you need to change the shutter speed values, as a result, I got either overexposure or a too dark image.
In the future, everything became much easier, I got used to this glass, and it was possible to set the exposure values in two or three frames.
Then in the "App Store" I found an application that uses the Iphone camera to measure exposure, it's called "Exposure Meter". In it, you can manually set, for example, the aperture, and the application will select the shutter speed and ISO automatically, or vice versa, set the shutter speed and the rest of the parameters will be set by the program. After determining the parameters, you enter them into the camera, which greatly simplifies the work.
I would also like to add that on an open aperture it is difficult to get into sharpness, the slightest deviation and the subject is not sharp. It is especially difficult to shoot nature (flora) in windy weather, and a small breeze is enough to complicate focusing, and in order to get a sharp picture, you need to show great patience and perseverance.
I forgot to say about the most important thing, on cameras like the D5100, it will be possible to take pictures only in M mode. In other modes, the camera writes “Lens not attached”.
You also need to add that the lens has a preset aperture ring, that is, you focus with a fully open aperture, then turn this ring and take pictures, sometimes you forget about it too. Which is actually not convenient, unlike lenses with a jump rope, which served as the decision to buy Helios 81n.
Helios 81n
I purchased this lens at a flea market via the Internet, there are plenty of them on the net, ranging from shabby to glasses in perfect, almost new condition. The price also depends on the state (well, the impudence of the seller) 350-900 UAH. I bought my copy for 450 UAH.
The first main difference is 44-2, as I wrote above, this is a jump rope, and a Nikon mount (that is, the absence of adapters and the ability to focus on infinity, without dancing with tambourines). I set the lens, the desired aperture value and went to shoot, no need to twist any rings.
The second advantage of 81n, in practice it turned out that on open apertures it is sharper than 44-2. As it turned out, focusing is much easier, both by the green dot in the viewfinder and through the camera display. Another disadvantage in using Soviet glasses on the D5100 is the rangefinder that does not work, as in the D7000 (which I also tried to shoot with this glass). And this means that arrows light up near the green dot indicating in which direction to rotate the focus ring to get into sharpness.
Almost immediately after buying 81n, I went to the VDM exhibition in Kyiv, which was held indoors, and the presence of a fast lens turned out to be handy. I took the D7000 from my brother and installed my helix, and gave him my D5100 c 18-105.
What was very pleasing when using this bundle was the working exposure metering, and the rangefinder that I mentioned above.
Probably everyone wondered how to use a Nikon lens on a Canon. So, while testing a number of Canon EF lenses on the Canon 5D Mark III, we had the idea to try to compare new Canon lenses with the lenses of their main competitor. Initially, our plan was to mount the Nikon lenses under test on the D 800, the Canon lenses on the 5D Mark III respectively, and then compare the resulting shots.
But after a little thought, we realized that this method would not give objective results, since the cameras are completely different and, accordingly, it is not necessary to talk about comparing lenses exclusively. At this point, we thought about the possibility of using Nikon lenses on a Canon body using an adapter.
Can a Nikon lens be used on a Canon DSLR?
To immediately answer the question posed in the title of the paragraph: yes, you can mount all Nikon F lenses (and even G-type lenses) on any Canon DSLR - for this you need a Nikon-Canon lens adapter.
Currently, the market offers many options for such adapters, as they say, for every taste and budget. Universal adapters can be purchased for under $50, but those aiming to work with Nikon's top G-type lenses will need specialized adapters that can cost up to $300.
Can I use a Canon lens on a Nikon DSLR?
As much as we would like to duplicate the answer to the previous question here, we cannot do this. Alas, Canon lenses are installed on Nikon DSLRs it is forbidden. FROM technical side, it is, of course, possible. The problem is not with the development of the lens mount adapter, but with the fact that even if you mount a Canon lens on a Nikon camera, you will not be able to focus to infinity.
The fact is that Nikon cameras have a greater distance from the lens mount to the sensor (focal plane), as a result of which Canon lenses, when mounted on a Nikon camera, practically turn into extension rings. Nikon's working distance is 46.5 mm, while Canon EF's is 44 mm (you can learn more about this).
And if a 2.5 mm adapter can be used for Canon DSLRs, which increases the working distance to Nikon's working distance, then there is no possibility to reduce the working distance on Nikon when using Canon lenses.
Why use a Nikon lens on a Canon?
So, why mount Nikon lenses on a Canon DSLR? In a normal situation, you most likely will not have such a need. Obviously, Nikon lenses are purchased for use with Nikon cameras, and Canon lenses with Canon DSLRs. However, we can name a few reasons why you might need this non-standard usage:
- You shoot with cameras from both manufacturers and you have good Nikon lenses. Naturally, you would like to be able to use lenses of similar quality for a Canon DSLR, but you are well aware that buying a similar lens for Canon - very expensive and, perhaps, impractical. In this case, purchasing an adapter can be a very appropriate and more economical alternative.
- Are you a fan of the legendary Ni kkor 14-24mm f/2.8G and you want to be able to use it with your camera Canon.
- You switched from Nikon to Canon , but you still have lenses Nikkor that you don't want to part with.
- You just want to do it for fun.
In addition, the use of an adapter may be justified if you need to use a third-party lens - such as Sigma, Tamron or Zeiss - and your camera does not have such a lens.
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| Lens: Nikon 24mm f/1.4G, Camera: Canon 5D Mark III |
Adapter Results
If you do decide to purchase an adapter and intend to use a Nikon lens with a Canon DSLR, there are a few things you should be aware of:
- The auto focus of the lens will not work.
- Won't work withvibration dampening system and automatic control diaphragm.
- In low light, manual focusing may be difficult. You may need to open the aperture, focus, and then stop the aperture down to the desired value.
- If you buy a cheap adapter, autofocus confirmation may not work.
- In the case of purchasing an inexpensive programmable adapter, incorrect display of information in EXIF.
- If you don't want to constantly swap the adapter between lenses, you will need to purchase an adapter for each lens, which can be quite expensive.
- Lenses with an aperture ring are optimal for use with an adapter.
- When shooting with lenses Nikon G -type, it will not be possible to accurately set aperture values other than maximum and minimum. The aperture lever does not have any scale to indicate the set aperture.
- In addition, for the adapter to function properly, you may need to cut or otherwise remove the rubber seal used on the Nikon G lenses.
Do you want a sharp, fast and well-made lens? Of course you do. All photographers want. Think you can't afford such a lens? Then you're probably looking in the wrong direction.
For many photographers, getting to know the latest high quality lenses from leading manufacturers can often be a bit overwhelming. High-end lenses can easily cost several thousand dollars. But what if I told you that you could have great lenses without having to rob a bank?
I recently learned of a method to upgrade old film lenses to work with modern digital cameras. Perhaps the bad news is that they are basically all prime manual focus lenses, so your camera's autofocus and metering won't work with these lenses (with one exception, which we'll talk about in a moment). And the good news is that most of these lenses are very solidly built (like "photographic tanks") and have extremely high quality optics. These lenses are also readily available and affordable for most photographers' budgets.
So how is it done? How to make a lens that is twenty, thirty or even forty years old work with the advanced carcasses of modern digital cameras? Believe it or not, the answer is deceptively simple. There is an adapter for almost every lens/camera combination that will allow you to use any lens with any camera, regardless of manufacturer. Here is an example.
I have an old Nikon F3 analog camera that I got from my father along with a couple of lenses: Nikkor 85mm F/1.4 and Nikkor 50mm F/1.8.
This entire set was consigned to oblivion, and was stored in a photo bag on a closet shelf for many years. One day I came across some information about how some photographers use old M42 Zeiss screw-on lenses with adapter rings on their digital SLR cameras, getting excellent quality photographs.
This got me thinking - if anyone could find adapters for older M42 Zeiss lenses, then maybe there are manufacturers that also make similar adapters for other types of lenses? Almost instantly, from the back of my mind, my old Nikon camera stored in a closet appeared in my head. My main camera for shooting is a Canon 7D carcass. Perhaps I can use those thirty-year-old Nikkor lenses with it? Believe it or not, the answer was yes! All I needed was two humble aluminum adapter rings, which I purchased from eBay for about $12 each.
One side of the ring matches the old Nikkor lens mount.
The other side is suitable for connecting to the body of a Canon camera.
The whole process is very simple; The adapter simply locks (turns) onto the lens.
Nikkor lens without adapter.
The same lens with an adapter to connect to a Canon camera.
The next moment is the connection of the "adapted" lens to the camera.
Simply align the indicator point of the adapter ring with the mounting point on the camera body.
This is what the end result of your efforts should look like.
In order to remove the adapter, and, accordingly, the lens from the camera, just press a small spring latch (most brands are equipped with just such a dismantling attribute).
As I mentioned earlier, older lenses are purely manual lenses. Which means that you will have to set the aperture manually, as well as focus the lens.
Personally, I really like the premeditation of such actions. You have to think about the composition of the future shot by including a lot more creative imagination in the work. And besides, you will be able to get the results of the effects of adjusting the aperture in the literal sense "first hand".
Impressive view of the aperture blades of this beautiful lens (Nikkor 85mm).
Do not be upset by the need for manual adjustments of these lenses. The exception to the adapter rings that I mentioned above is that some of them are currently manufactured with a focus indicating chip built into the adapter. And although this chip does not allow the use of the camera's autofocus, it does allow the signal to be transmitted to the camera after focusing on the selected subject. But this is entirely personal preference. For example, I chose adapters without an autofocus indicator chip, since I feel more comfortable with manual settings. Again, this is my subjective position.