GH3 When to buy Metabones Speedbooster Nikon G to m4/3

O

OldCorpse

Rockin the Boat
I'm putting my eggs into the m4/3 format - I have the GH3, and if the real-world tests show GH4 to be all that, I'll buy the GH4 as well. I have a bunch of Nikon glass of all ages, and I really like the idea of the speedbooster. So, I'm thinking of buying the Nikon G to m4/3 MT Speedbooster.

However, there are various small changes they've already made, and who knows - perhaps they'll make more, as they plan for for example the Cannon ones (autofocus). So my question is: is this a good time to buy the Nikon to m4/3 SB, or should I wait? I don't mean wait forever, but anytime on the horizon? Are there any major annoyances with the current Nikon - m4/3 SB, which they might address? Thanks!
 
OldCorpse said:
I'm putting my eggs into the m4/3 format - I have the GH3, and if the real-world tests show GH4 to be all that, I'll buy the GH4 as well. I have a bunch of Nikon glass of all ages, and I really like the idea of the speedbooster. So, I'm thinking of buying the Nikon G to m4/3 MT Speedbooster.

However, there are various small changes they've already made, and who knows - perhaps they'll make more, as they plan for for example the Cannon ones (autofocus). So my question is: is this a good time to buy the Nikon to m4/3 SB, or should I wait? I don't mean wait forever, but anytime on the horizon? Are there any major annoyances with the current Nikon - m4/3 SB, which they might address? Thanks!
Click to expand...

I don't know about MEtabones roadmap for the speedbooster range but even if the Nikon version got autofocus in the near future, I doubt it would be fast enough for video or professional stills use.

The EOS to E mount has been available for a while and this is a quote from metabones website on the autofocus:

Autofocus is supported, with the following known limitations.

  • Autofocus speed is very slow and inadequate for most moving subjects. The autofocus speed is unfit for professional use for sure, and it would disappoint most enthusiasts.

Not sure you would gain much from waiting. Send Metabones an email. I have asked them a few questions in the past and they have been very good at getting back to me with replies.
 
I got the current one and I like it a lot. The additional FOV is worth it alone. I haven't had any major problems. I have all manual Nikon mount lenses except the Tokina 11 - 16 and it does a fine job with managing the aperture on that. The build quality is good. I guess the only thing to watch out for is grabbing the ring and turning it by accident. It has to say closed for manual aperture lenses. I never had that on the Novoflex because that ring is really tight. I don't think there's too much more to do for a Nikon mount than what they have now so I don't think waiting will get too much functionality.
 
I'm in the same boat as you. I'd want the EF one just to use fast zooms with Image Stabilizer enabled on the lens.

In the mean time, very tempted to just grab a cheapy chinese knock off though.
 
Thanks, guys. I'm 99% sure that I want to buy a MT SB, rather than some Chinese knockoff, but I don't want to be close-minded... sometimes the Chinese come up with stuff that's actually innovative, so it would be pretty prejudiced to just dismiss it out of hand just because it's Chinese. What I'm saying, is that I hear what Lammy is saying. But as someone above mentioned, there is not much more that a Nikon SB can gain in features, so what can the Chinese knockoff bring to the table that MT can't? Which leads me, again, to the bottom line, that I'm 99% sure I'll be buying MT. Of course, if someone has a different opinion, I don't want to be a jerk - I'm all ears and willing to listen with an open mind.
 
I would just go with the Metabones.

in a device like this, it's all about the quality of the glass. The cheaper versions do the same thing but have been plagued with a blue dot appearing in the image under certain lighting conditions. The Metabones use Caldwell optics which are very highly regarded.

While I don't care for Autofocus, it would be great if Metabones could work out the pins needed purely to get the IS working. This shouldn't be as hard a job as getting the AF to work although could pose problems optically.
As an aside, aren't Metabones a Chinese company?
 
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I have no idea - I thought MTB was an Indian company? Whatever. You're right. My instinct is that I want to go with the best quality I can get, since in such a device that is going to be decisive - it's not worth saving a couple of bucks while compromising quality. All right. Now I need to break it to the wife. I think I'll buy once the GH4 is out and about so I can see what the quality is like. Maybe after NAB, just in case there's something else irresistible that needs the $400 more :)
 
Tell your wife this device will make her look younger and slimmer in all videos and photos. She will agree to the purchase! ;-)

Disclaimer: i do not know your wife nor am I insinuating that she is old or large. I'm sure she's lovely the way she is :P
 
I've been clever - I bought my wife a Nikon a few years ago (D300), so the Nikon lenses are never a problem. She raises an eyebrow to this m4/3 direction, though - the GH3 is looked at suspiciously - MTB SB is going to need some explaining. It's all good though. She likes her D300, but is due for an upgrade - I've been holding back waiting for Nikon to come out with something solid video-wise so I can grab it for myself from time to time. Nothing like buying a gift for someone that's really a gift to yourself :). But so far Nikon has been a massive laggard compared to Panny, Canon and even Sony.
 
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