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Megadap Sony E to Nikon Z Adapter: Sony Lenses on Nikon Cameras
Megadap Sony E to Nikon Z Adapter: Sony Lenses on Nikon Cameras
by Matt Meisenheimer
On a recent trip to the southern swamps, I tested out a new piece of gear – the Megadap Sony E to Nikon Z Adapter.
The adapter allows Sony E-mount lenses (Sony and third party) to be adapted and used on Nikon Z cameras. It also supports autofocus, aperture control, and lens stabilization. I used the adapter on my Nikon Z7 and used quite a few Sony lenses with it.
The adapter allows Sony E-mount lenses (Sony and third party) to be adapted and used on Nikon Z cameras. It also supports autofocus, aperture control, and lens stabilization. I used the adapter on my Nikon Z7 and used quite a few Sony lenses with it.
MEGADAP SONY E TO NIKON Z AUTOFOCUS ADAPTER (ETZ11)
Price – $249.00
Key Specifications
This adapter originally interested me because of Sony’s excellent selection of pro-grade glass, and because I’m using a hybrid system for photo (Nikon) and video (Sony).
I was also getting frustrated with the lack of native Z lenses. There was nothing beyond 200mm, and Sony just had a lot of glass that I enjoyed. Nikon has since released the new Z 24-120mm f/4 and Z 100-400mm f/4-5.6, which have addressed my main frustration with the Nikon Z system. I also wasn’t interested in using the FTZ adapter to adapt F-mount lenses, the Megadap looked enticing because of its small size (2mm thick).
I purchased the adapter and tested it with a wide range of Sony lenses – the Sony 20mm f/1.8, 24-105mm f/4, 85mm f/1.8, and the 100-400mm f/4-5.6. It should be noted that I did not test any third-party lenses, like those made by Tamron or Sigma. This is my assessment and general thoughts on the adapter.
Price – $249.00
Key Specifications
- Supports E-mount Sony & third-party lenses
- Supports Nikon Z FX & APS-C Cameras (for Nikon ZFC, Z50, Nikon Z5, Nikon Z6, Nikon Z6 II, Nikon Z7, Nikon Z7 II)
- 2mm wide
- Supports AF-S, AF-C, AF-F, Eye-AF, and Face detection
- Works for photo and video
- Supports aperture control
- Supports use of manual lenses
- Support AF/MF button on the lens body
- Firmware updates to improve performance
- Supports lens stabilization
This adapter originally interested me because of Sony’s excellent selection of pro-grade glass, and because I’m using a hybrid system for photo (Nikon) and video (Sony).
I was also getting frustrated with the lack of native Z lenses. There was nothing beyond 200mm, and Sony just had a lot of glass that I enjoyed. Nikon has since released the new Z 24-120mm f/4 and Z 100-400mm f/4-5.6, which have addressed my main frustration with the Nikon Z system. I also wasn’t interested in using the FTZ adapter to adapt F-mount lenses, the Megadap looked enticing because of its small size (2mm thick).
I purchased the adapter and tested it with a wide range of Sony lenses – the Sony 20mm f/1.8, 24-105mm f/4, 85mm f/1.8, and the 100-400mm f/4-5.6. It should be noted that I did not test any third-party lenses, like those made by Tamron or Sigma. This is my assessment and general thoughts on the adapter.
Build
The build is extremely minimal for this adapter. It is only 2mm thick and has a small profile. Its size was important in my decision, as I didn’t want a ‘beefy’ adapter like the Nikon FTZ. The Megadap is not going to add on any noticeable extra weight or size to your kit.
The circuitry is open, but Megadap states they have sealed the boards. I wondered how it would hold up in wet conditions so I emailed them and they stated that it would not affect the sealing of the camera or the lens. I have not tested the adapter in wet conditions, but I don’t trust that it’s totally sealed.
Other than that, this is a simple adapter. There’s a locking knob for the Sony E lens you attach, and it will attach to your Nikon Z camera just like a lens.
I have not had any issues with the adapter misfitting, in my experience, it is perfectly molded to Sony E mount and Nikon Z mount. I read stories about other adapters, like the Techart adapter, getting stuck on the camera – no horror stories like that with the Megadap.
Performance
We’re not buying the adapter for looks. We’re buying it for performance, for seamless integration between Sony E lenses and Nikon Z cameras.
Performance has been a mixed bag for me. I have successfully adapted and used numerous Sony lenses on my Z7, that includes the Sony 20mm f/1.8, 24-105mm f/4, 85mm f/1.8, and the 100-400mm f/4-5.6.
Everything that Megadap states will be supported is, except for lens stabilization. I found that lens stabilization does not work or works very poorly. I also found that the Z7’s IBIS does not work with the adapter. I had to be very careful while shooting at low shutter speeds because no stabilization system was supporting me.
Aperture control and autofocus do work. However, I experienced focus breathing and excessive hunting. Much more than native Nikon lenses (and the Sony lenses mounted on a Sony body).
For landscapes, that’s not really a big deal. I used manual focus a lot to ensure the focus was dialed in and the adapter worked great.
For wildlife, I think this adapter is totally unusable. It is impossible to track and you’ll be lucky to lock-on focus for any wildlife photography, in my opinion. The great news is that Nikon released a native Z 100-400mm f/4-5.6 so trying to adapt a Sony telephoto isn’t really necessary.
I also experienced connectivity issues. One adapter would lose connection any time I switched my camera to vertical orientation. It was frustrating. I since exchanged that adapter and the new one does not have that issue. So, it seems like there are quality control issues.
The build is extremely minimal for this adapter. It is only 2mm thick and has a small profile. Its size was important in my decision, as I didn’t want a ‘beefy’ adapter like the Nikon FTZ. The Megadap is not going to add on any noticeable extra weight or size to your kit.
The circuitry is open, but Megadap states they have sealed the boards. I wondered how it would hold up in wet conditions so I emailed them and they stated that it would not affect the sealing of the camera or the lens. I have not tested the adapter in wet conditions, but I don’t trust that it’s totally sealed.
Other than that, this is a simple adapter. There’s a locking knob for the Sony E lens you attach, and it will attach to your Nikon Z camera just like a lens.
I have not had any issues with the adapter misfitting, in my experience, it is perfectly molded to Sony E mount and Nikon Z mount. I read stories about other adapters, like the Techart adapter, getting stuck on the camera – no horror stories like that with the Megadap.
Performance
We’re not buying the adapter for looks. We’re buying it for performance, for seamless integration between Sony E lenses and Nikon Z cameras.
Performance has been a mixed bag for me. I have successfully adapted and used numerous Sony lenses on my Z7, that includes the Sony 20mm f/1.8, 24-105mm f/4, 85mm f/1.8, and the 100-400mm f/4-5.6.
Everything that Megadap states will be supported is, except for lens stabilization. I found that lens stabilization does not work or works very poorly. I also found that the Z7’s IBIS does not work with the adapter. I had to be very careful while shooting at low shutter speeds because no stabilization system was supporting me.
Aperture control and autofocus do work. However, I experienced focus breathing and excessive hunting. Much more than native Nikon lenses (and the Sony lenses mounted on a Sony body).
For landscapes, that’s not really a big deal. I used manual focus a lot to ensure the focus was dialed in and the adapter worked great.
For wildlife, I think this adapter is totally unusable. It is impossible to track and you’ll be lucky to lock-on focus for any wildlife photography, in my opinion. The great news is that Nikon released a native Z 100-400mm f/4-5.6 so trying to adapt a Sony telephoto isn’t really necessary.
I also experienced connectivity issues. One adapter would lose connection any time I switched my camera to vertical orientation. It was frustrating. I since exchanged that adapter and the new one does not have that issue. So, it seems like there are quality control issues.
My Thoughts
The adapter does do what it’s intended for. And I find it fits the lenses/cameras well while having a very small profile.
I am happy with the adapter for landscape use. I have used the Sony 20mm f/1.8, 24-105mm f/4 and Sony 100-400mm f/4-5.6 for landscape shooting and both have worked well. The sharpness and quality of the lenses seem to be maintained. I did use manual focus a lot to ensure my focus was correct, but that wasn’t a big deal to me, as I even use manual focus for native glass too. I did notice that at wide-angles, like 20-24mm, there was a bit of corner vignetting that can be corrected in post-processing. Keep that in mind if you’re looking at say the Sony 14mm f/1.8.
I can recommend this adapter if you’re looking for some Sony lenses for landscape work though. Just be aware of the focus and stabilization issues.
If you’re looking for Sony telephoto options for wildlife, I do not recommend this adapter. Focusing will be a nightmare and you will miss a bunch of shots. Check out the Z 100-400mm and the upcoming super-telephoto primes, I know Nikon has a 200-600mm in the works too.
As of writing this post, I think this adapter is less needed than just a few months ago. Nikon just released some awesome Z lenses that the system really needed, and more are in the works.
But, it’s always fun knowing what’s out there and maybe you’re like me and shooting Nikon, but also using Sony for video or other means. If you are, this adapter could be useful to you.
The adapter does do what it’s intended for. And I find it fits the lenses/cameras well while having a very small profile.
I am happy with the adapter for landscape use. I have used the Sony 20mm f/1.8, 24-105mm f/4 and Sony 100-400mm f/4-5.6 for landscape shooting and both have worked well. The sharpness and quality of the lenses seem to be maintained. I did use manual focus a lot to ensure my focus was correct, but that wasn’t a big deal to me, as I even use manual focus for native glass too. I did notice that at wide-angles, like 20-24mm, there was a bit of corner vignetting that can be corrected in post-processing. Keep that in mind if you’re looking at say the Sony 14mm f/1.8.
I can recommend this adapter if you’re looking for some Sony lenses for landscape work though. Just be aware of the focus and stabilization issues.
If you’re looking for Sony telephoto options for wildlife, I do not recommend this adapter. Focusing will be a nightmare and you will miss a bunch of shots. Check out the Z 100-400mm and the upcoming super-telephoto primes, I know Nikon has a 200-600mm in the works too.
As of writing this post, I think this adapter is less needed than just a few months ago. Nikon just released some awesome Z lenses that the system really needed, and more are in the works.
But, it’s always fun knowing what’s out there and maybe you’re like me and shooting Nikon, but also using Sony for video or other means. If you are, this adapter could be useful to you.
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Matt Meisenheimer is a photographer based in Wisconsin. His artistry revolves around finding unique compositions and exploring locations that few have seen. He strives to capture those brief moments of dramatic light and weather, which make our grand landscapes so special. Matt loves the process of photography – from planning trips and scouting locations, taking the shot in-field, to post-processing the final image.
Matt is an active adventurer and wildlife enthusiast as well. He graduated with a degree in wildlife ecology and worked in Denali National Park and Mount Rainier National Park as a biologist. He also spent 6 months working in the deserts of Namibia before finding his path in photography. Matt’s passion for the wilderness has taken him to many beautiful places around the world.
As a former university teaching assistant, Matt is passionate about instruction. It is his goal to give his students the technical and creative knowledge they need to achieve their own photographic vision. He truly enjoys working with photographers on a personal level and helping them reach their goals.
You can see Matt’s work and portfolio on his webpage at www.meisphotography.com
Matt is an active adventurer and wildlife enthusiast as well. He graduated with a degree in wildlife ecology and worked in Denali National Park and Mount Rainier National Park as a biologist. He also spent 6 months working in the deserts of Namibia before finding his path in photography. Matt’s passion for the wilderness has taken him to many beautiful places around the world.
As a former university teaching assistant, Matt is passionate about instruction. It is his goal to give his students the technical and creative knowledge they need to achieve their own photographic vision. He truly enjoys working with photographers on a personal level and helping them reach their goals.
You can see Matt’s work and portfolio on his webpage at www.meisphotography.com
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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
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All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.