How to Use Canon Lenses & Speedlites on Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera

 
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Canon Lenses & Speedlite Flashes on Sony A7iii

In this article, I’ll explain the benefits of the mirrorless Sony A7iii camera as it compares to the new Canon R5 and R6. And I’ll tell you how to use your existing Canon lenses and Speedlites on the Sony A7iii camera.


Gear Needed to Use Canon Lenses and Speedlites on Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera*

  1. Sigma Mount Converter MC-11 for Sigma Mounts to Sony E Cameras

  2. Pixel Hotshoe Adapter

You’ll need a mount converter to connect your Canon lenses to your Sony camera. I use the Sigma MC-11 and it works like a charm. My 1.2 lenses register as 1.3, but that’s the only ‘negative.’ The autofocus works great, and lenses connect easily.

If you’re just using your Speedlite as an on camera flash, you’re all set! It connects fine and you need no adapter. If, however, you want to use your speedlite to trigger an off camera flash, you’ll need an adapter. I bought the wrong Sony adapter the first time, but then found the $20 Pixel hotshoe adapter, and it allows me to sync with my off camera flash. I’ve done trial and error with the flash settings needed to do this, and will include them here. (If someone knows a better way, I’m all ears! Please leave me a comment below!)


Canon R5 & R6 versus Sony A7iii

Canon just released their highly anticipated full frame, dual card slot mirrorless cameras, the Canon R5 and R6. They have a lot of great specs and are amazing cameras. But unless you’re a filmmaker, some of the benefits of these cameras that you’re paying top dollar for will be lost on you. Your professional photographer who doesn’t need to print billboards or shoot 5k video can save herself a decent amount of money by buying the Sony A7iii camera instead.


Benefits of Mirrorless Cameras

So why should you consider going mirrorless to begin with?

  1. Focus. The way my Sony tracks focus using the eye that is closest to the camera means I rarely have out of focus shots these days! Because it’s so precise, it allows me to feel confident shooting at a wider aperture, knowing I don’t have to fight focus. This is great if you’re editing with a film aesthetic because it helps you emulate more closely the look of film on a medium format camera in your editing.

  2. Lens calibration. Say goodbye to having to calibrate your lenses! No mirrors means no calibrating.

  3. Less weight. I don’t know about you, but my hand and wrist really hurt after a long day photographing a wedding! I’m interested in anything that helps take a little of that weight off my wrist!


Best Mirrorless Cameras

What are the best mirrorless cameras out there? For me, the only ones I would consider are the new Canon R5 and R6 or the Sony A7iii (my current camera.) The Canon R6 and Sony A7iii have similar specs. The Sony has been out longer, and is less expensive. I’ve been shooting with it for over a year and can’t say enough about the Sony.

Canon R5 & Canon R6

Sony A7iii


Flash Settings to Use Canon Speedlites on Sony Camera with Adapter

Below, you’ll find the adapter and flash combination that I’ve found to work on the Sony A7iii.

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Canon Lenses & Canon Speedlites on Sony A7iii Camera

How to Connect Canon Lenses on Sony A7iii Camera

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This is the adapter that I’ve been using on my Sony A7iii to connect my Canon lenses. People used to get a little confused when they’d see that red-lined Canon lens on a Sony camera. But it’s become more popular lately!


Differences in Specs for Canon R5 vs Canon R6

If you’re still want to know more about the difference between the Canon R5 and R6, Richmond wedding videographer Tyler Herrington breaks it down for you in this video with Katelyn James.

WATCH: Canon R5 Versus Canon R6

I’d love to hear your experience with mirrorless cameras! Share your thoughts, tips, questions in the comments below!


(*I am using affiliate links for the items referenced on this page. These are links to the items I personally use and have found to work well or I wouldn’t recommend them! Using these links will not cost you any extra.)