Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R Review

The Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R ($99.99) is, at its core, a very basic accessory.

It has one job—to make Canon EF and EF-S SLR lenses perform just the same on the EOS R mirrorless system as they do on an SLR.

It does it well, and while it doesn't have as many features as the other two adapters Canon offers, I think it's the one most photographers should buy.

But if you want some extra features, consider the Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R instead, but be aware it costs twice as much.

The third adapter, which features a drop-in filter, won't ship until next year.

Simple, But Effective

There's not much to the Mount Adapter's design.

It's a short metal tube, built to similar specifications as the EOS R.

The exterior is metal and the adapter protects your camera and lens from dust and splashes.

It doesn't have a tripod foot, which is a concern if you plan on using large, heavy lenses which don't include their own tripod mount.

But none of Canon's adapters have a tripod socket.

It measures 0.9 by 2.8 inches (HD), weighs 3.9 ounces, and is finished in basic black.

The rear connects to an RF-mount camera, the same as an RF lens, and the front accommodates an EF or EF-S SLR lens.

While EF-S lenses don't cover a full-frame sensor, they are handy for video with the EOS R, as its 4K system uses only a small area of its image sensor.

The adapter works without issue or any additional effort, and without limiting autofocus speed or accuracy.

I can't think of a better thing to write about an adapter—transparency in operation is what you want when using non-native lenses with a mirrorless system.

Compatibility is also a strong point as well.

Not only can you use APS-C EF-S lenses—which won't mount at all on a full-frame Canon SLR—but I also had success using glass from third parties.

Specifically, I tested the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports ($1,848.99 at Amazon) and the Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD.

Both worked perfectly, as did Canon's own EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM.

The Easy, Low-Cost Option

At just less than $100, the Mount Adapter EF-EOS R is a no-brainer purchase for photographers buying the EOS R.

If you already have an investment in EF lenses, it will let you use them without any drawbacks with an RF camera body.

If you don't already own the lenses, but you've decided on the EOS R, it makes it possible to supplement the rather limited selection of lenses currently available.

Either way, it's an almost essential accessory for the EOS R.

There are other adapters to consider.

The $200 Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R is essentially the same device, but with a programmable control ring, just like you find on RF lenses.

If you love the feature, you may find it worth the additional cost.

Canon is also working on a third adapter, to be released next year.

It won't feature a control ring, but will support rear drop-in filters.

If you own any EF lenses which don't support front filters, it's worth thinking about.

It's set to ship in March of 2019, with a circular polarizing filter for $299 or variable neutral density for $399.