Experience Unrivaled Autofocus: Metabones Redefines Lens Adaptation for Fujifilm
The Grand Re-introduction of Advanced Adapters
After a period of relative silence, Metabones is making significant waves in the photography world once again, following up on a recent announcement with another major product launch. The company is now introducing refined versions of its EF-X Speed Boosters and Smart Adapters, aimed at camera enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Revolutionary Autofocus Performance with TruePDAF
Earlier this summer, Metabones introduced enhanced EF-MFT adapters that promised near-native autofocus performance. Carrying this momentum forward, the new EF-X adapters incorporate what Metabones calls TruePDAF Technology. This innovative feature is set to deliver phase-detect autofocus performance on Fujifilm cameras to an unparalleled degree for adapted lenses, setting a new benchmark in the industry.
Expanding the Product Lineup: Four New Offerings
The latest announcement from Metabones includes four distinct products: the EF-X mount T Speed Booster Ultra 0.71x II+, the EF-X mount T Smart Adapter II+, the EF-X mount T Cine Speed Booster Ultra 0.71x II+, and the EF-X mount T Cine Smart Adapter II+. Each of these adapters is designed to cater to different needs and budgets within the photography and cinematography communities.
The Power of TruePDAF Technology
TruePDAF technology, first seen in the upgraded EF-MFT adapters, leverages an extensive library of over 100 Canon EF-mount lens profiles. When paired with a compatible Fujifilm X Series camera equipped with PDAF—such as models from the X-H series, X-T2 and newer, and X-Pro2 and newer—this technology ensures optimized phase-detect autofocus. A comprehensive list of compatible lenses is available on the Metabones official website.
Benefits for All Lenses, Beyond TruePDAF Compatibility
It's important to note that while TruePDAF offers peak performance, even lenses not listed as TruePDAF compatible can still benefit from the new adapters. These lenses will experience improved PDAF functionality on Fujifilm cameras, although the speed may not match that of fully optimized TruePDAF-compatible lenses.
Deep Dive into the Cine Speed Booster Ultra
Among the new releases, the Cine Speed Booster Ultra stands out. This adapter features a sophisticated five-element, four-group optical design. Its primary function is to reduce the crop factor of mirrorless Fujifilm X cameras from 1.5 times to an impressive 1.07 times, achieved through a 0.71x magnification factor.
Exceptional Optical Design and Material Science
Metabones highlights the advanced engineering behind the Speed Booster Ultra, emphasizing its use of exotic materials and cutting-edge glassmaking technology. This design ensures superior correction across various full-frame SLR lenses, regardless of their exit pupil distance. As a result, professional-grade f/2.8 zoom lenses, like the 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 Canon zooms, transform into high-speed equivalents, offering enhanced low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
Maximizing Potential with Fujifilm's High-Resolution Sensors
Metabones further notes that the high-quality optical performance of its adapters is best realized with Fujifilm’s industry-leading 40-megapixel APS-C cameras. This combination allows photographers and videographers to fully exploit the adapters' capabilities, capturing images with exceptional detail and clarity.
Pricing and Availability of the New Adapters
The Metabones EF-X T mount T Cine Speed Booster Ultra 0.71x II+ will be available in September at a price of $699. Its counterpart, the EF-X mount T Speed Booster Ultra 0.71x II+, is priced at $649 and differs primarily in the absence of the Cine version's positive-locking mechanism, which prevents lens movement during critical focusing or zooming. The EF-X mount T Smart Adapter II+ and EF-X mount T Cine Smart Adapter II+, which are optical-free smart adapters, will retail for $399 and $449, respectively. The Cine Smart Adapter also includes the beneficial positive-lock mechanism.
Upgrade Pathways for Existing Users
For current owners of original Metabones EF-X adapters, the company offers an upgrade path to the new II+ versions. This upgrade involves a circuit board replacement, allowing existing users to benefit from the latest technological enhancements without purchasing an entirely new unit.