As stated previously I needed an MC11 adapter like a hole in the head.
I just had to come out and admit it. I will usually come up with some kitschy title along with some weak attempts to justify a purchase. It may end with an, “If you like odd duck… blah, blah, blah, etc. so on and so forth.”
But with this post series, I will make no attempts at such. These entries do not make a lick of sense. I just simply wanted them for whatever reason of my own imagining.
How I got here.
Step 1.
The 5D and friends.
Step 2.
Reasonably priced reminiscing.
I enjoyed the Cony 50mm f/1.8.
And to get this again, with two more lenses in tow than the first time, does not hurt the bank at less than $150 for the MC11.
Always knew I would eventually get it. But this was just delayed nonsense because I did not need more lenses for Sony. It is also nonsense because the MC11 has limitations. Let me get those out of the way first.
While standard issue stills focusing goes over well AF-C does not do particularly well. Additionally, video focusing is not a thing either. But…
…some sell lack of video as a feature but I will move on since I do not want to start anything and…
…as stated standard stills photography goes over well. And that is enough for me.
I could have started my reunion with the MC11 with the 50mm f/1.8 that inspired this nonsense. But I already know how that will go. Great.
For this MC11 entry, I will go with my favorite SLR Swiss Army knife lens of all time.
As detailed in the link above this is a lens that has been a constant throughout my interchangeable lens journey. From early days on Nikon (pictured above) to Pentax to Sony A mount (used with the Sony A to FE adapter) and now Canon so I believe that covers every mount version Tamron made.
So now adapted to Sony. These are repeat test images from familiar environments as I went about my day, followed by some thoughts.
Thoughts.
I like this lens. No surprises. I have long sung the praises of this lens. It was the lens that first opened me up to what a great lens can do for you. Humble. Not weather sealed. Not particularly well build. But it delivers where it matters. The images. All while costing little for what it delivers. Well done Tamron.
Here is the crazy part. With all of the modern Sony conveniences…
- Live view.
- IBIS.
- Eye AF, human and animal.
- High ISO.
…,continuous and video AF put aside, the Sony makes things easier.
So. Does that mean I will be ridding myself of the Canon EOS twins?
What! No. This is nonsense corner. Easier does not mean better. For reasons outlined in posts about those cameras I thoroughly enjoy the native Canon experience. But it is nice to have other options.
Am I glad I got it? I am glad I imagined you asked.
Yep.
Do I recommend anyone else do this?
Nope.
For the love of Pete no. Save yourself.
The only caveat is if you have an SLR and do not have a 28-75mm lens. Then yes. On Sony? I say get the Gen 1 or Gen 2 native FE Tamron 28-75mm lenses. They are reasonably priced, awesome, and bring some measure of weather sealing. Or maybe… if for some reason you already have an SLR version of this lens and a Sony FE body… and do not care about AF-C or video focusing?… You know what? The FE variant makes more sense.
But I am thrilled. This nonsense is great fun to me. And in this world full of dark moments I will take all of the light I can get a hold of.
Happy capturing.
-ELW
Eric L. Woods 