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Sigma MC-11 converter....a match made in heaven?
More than just a simple adapter, the MC-11 from Sigma promises to be a must-have piece of kit for Sony photographers.
When Sony first pulled the covers off their full-frame Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R mirrorless cameras, it caused quite a stir amongst photographers, while the second-generation models launched last year cemented that, with many users of more established systems tempted by the excellent sensors and relatively compact size.
However, while strides are now being made to extend the lens range with a host of new launches of late, there are still quite a few gaps that aren’t catered for.
Sigma meanwhile has gone through a renaissance of late, delivering a range of excellent lenses, especially their Art series of lenses, which in some instances perform better than rivals two or three times the price. The trouble is, these lenses haven’t been made available in Sony’s E-mount.
To remedy this though, Sigma, without much fanfare, announced the MC-11 adapter for Canon EF (EF-E) and Sigma SA (SA-E) mount lenses. However, now that camera focusing systems are not only becoming more complex, but more information is being supplied from the lens, this clever piece of kit is more than just a simple adapter that aligns the flange-back distance between the lens and the sensor of the camera. Instead, the MC-11 is tailor-made adapter to allow users to use their Sigma lenses on Sony cameras without any compromise towards the AF performance of the camera, meaning you can take advantage of the Eye AF and Lock-On AF modes. Benefits go beyond just AF though, with the MC-11 processing digital data for peripheral brightness, correcting transverse chromatic aberration, distortion, and more.
Support
Remember though, the MC-11 will only work with specific Sigma lenses (see table below), so while it’ll be possible to attach your Canon EF lenses with the EF-E version of the MC-11 adapter, don’t expect anywhere near the same functionality as you could with a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A for example.
This is because the MC-11 incorporates the desired data for each lens it supports, using this information for optimise AF drive, aperture control and other functionality. As and when new lenses are added to the line-up, the MC-11 can be updated via USB to support the new lens. It’s also easy to check to see whether the lens is compatible, with the LED light on the side of the MC-11 going green for full support, blinking orange to signal the lens is compatible, but does need a firmware update, and not lighting up at all to show it isn’t compatible.
Other features
If you’re shooting with a lens that features OS, then the MC-11 allows angle shake correction in the lens, while flocking inside the MC-11 helps to prevent internal reflections. Don’t worry about losing EXIF data either, with the lens type, focal length, F number and other tags embedded in the image.
Lens support
| Camera | Converter | Sensor Size | Lens |
| Alpha A7 series, | MC-11 | 35mm (Full Size sensor) | 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM | A |
| 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM | A | |||
| 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | S | |||
| 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | S | |||
| 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C | |||
| 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A | |||
| 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A | |||
| 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A | |||
| 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A | |||
| 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A | |||
| NEX series, | MC-11 | APS-C | 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM | C |
| A5000 series, | 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM | A | ||
| A6000 series | 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM | C | ||
| 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM | C | |||
| 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM | A | |||
| 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM | A | |||
| Not required | 19mm f/2.8 DN HSM | A | ||
| 30mm f/2.8 DN HSM | A | |||
| 60mm f/2.8 DN HSM | A | |||
| 30mm f/1.4 DC DN | C |
- By Gareth Cox
- 21 Jun 2016
