When it comes to smart adapters for Canon EF lenses that allow you to adjust the iris, your selection is limited and pricey. Over at the 2014 NAB Show in Las Vegas, I stopped by the Aputure booth to look at a brand new concept Canon EF to mirrorless Lens adapter.
This new DEC concept is an adapter that not only can adjust the iris on the Canon EF lens, but can also adjust focus through a wireless remote. This is not the same method used from USB follow focus systems where it requires the lens to 'step' in increments. What I saw was very smooth, and they confirmed it is using a different more accurate method.
The adapter also offers a LANC cable for start / stop video. It uses an internal battery, so everything can be completely self contained. An LCD screen on the side of the adapter shows the lens focal distance and aperture value. The same LCD on the remote also shows this information. The remote can store A/B limits so that you can return to exact focus points. A throttle on the joystick controls how fast or slow to focus.
I'm not a fan of the single hand joystick, but they did mention on designing a more 'standard' wireless follow focus remote with marking disc. Do away with lens gears, 15mm rails, and external follow focus motors. An adapter like this will easily appeal to those working with Steadicams or Active Gimbal Stabilizers. So far this product is not yet available on the main website, so please leave your comments, suggestions, and feedback here in this article (comment here).
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Emm
Post author@josh - I have the Canon 85mm F/1.2L so I can double check and try this for you. My guess is it will work just the same. It focuses the lens exactly like a Canon DSLR body would, so I don't see why it would be any different. FYI, I also used an STM lens which has that 'focus by wire' thing going too, so the 85mm F/1.2L should be fine.
Josh
I was at NAB also and had the same question about the 85 1.2L. They told me they tested it with all first-party lenses and it works. However, the rep I was speaking to did not seem to know exactly what I was talking about regarding the electronic focus in that lens. He also said they will release firmware updates for any reported issues.
Gordon Brown
Is the DEC available yet?
Gordon Brown
I would like more information on the Aputure DEC and it's availability can you help me?
Gordon Brown
I am a Steadicam owner operator with Canon lenses, this solves problems for me. How soon will it be available? Can I get on a mailing list so I can be one of the first to take delivery
Rod Parmenter
If they add ND it would make it even better!
Joris
speed booster would be ultimate!
Archie
Great. I hope they launch an Iris control only version for something cheaper, for me that is the only thing I need.
Antz
+1 for building in a good quality speed booster. Maybe team up with metabones?
Daniel Hughes
Bump for kyles question?
Kyle Gordon
Does anyone know if it will power electronic focusing lenses like the Canon 85mm f/1.2? Im not talking about autofocus, but electronic focus. Unlike most Canon lenses, the 85mm f/1.2 will not move when you turn the focus ring unless the lens is connected to and powered from the camera (or this thing!).
Anyone know?
Thanks!
Emm
Post author@Steve Ellington - Not that I could tell. Same with the Redrock LiveLens adapter. It uses an external battery and if the battery is dead you can't change the aperture.
Juan Pinalez
This capability is incredible for an indie cinema production where a focus puller can watch the field monitor and rack focus wirelessly to keep focus on the make.
The start/stop using the GH4's 2.5mm port is just icing on the cake.
Steve Ellington
Is there a way to change aperture on the mount itself (not using the remote)?
Mario Ayuso
@stevehoose
You are right, the lenses have to be set to AF.
I think maybe they master how to drive lens.
Mario Ayuso
@Jesse
I have visited Aputure booth in NAB.
Yes, it power IS.
Daniel Hughes
are you going to have a video on the new sony a7s?
stevehoose
How does this work? Do the lenses have to be set to AF?
mike
Too bad magic lantern couldn't pull this off... it seems like all the necessary hardware is already in canon dslrs besides a wheel and marking disk for interfacing?
Nikita Pavlov
Nice solution to have properly working EF-lenses on Digital Bolex. A bit expensive though.
Rimagecraft
Build a speedbooster into that baby and we've got something!
Southerndude
That is very cool! If not too crazy a price I would invest in one. I hope they are going to have one for M43rds lens's
I will be watching for future info. Thanks Emm!
Jesse Brauning
Does it power IS?