Guides

Practical, plain-English guides to lens mounts, adapters, and buying used camera gear. Each guide links back to the database so you can check the exact camera, lens, and adapter combination.

• What Is Flange Focal Distance, and Why Does It Matter for Lens Adapters?
  Learn what flange focal distance is, why it decides whether a lens can be adapted, and how it affects infinity focus. A plain-English guide.
• A Beginner's Guide to Using Vintage Manual Lenses on Modern Mirrorless Cameras
  A beginner's guide to adapting vintage manual lenses to mirrorless cameras: mounts, adapters, manual focus, aperture and sensor coverage.
• Canon EF Lenses on Sony E-Mount: What Works, What Doesn't, and Why
  What works and what doesn't when adapting Canon EF lenses to Sony E-mount cameras, including autofocus, aperture control and coverage.
• Choosing the Right Mount Adapter: How to Compare Options and Avoid Costly Mistakes
  Compare mount adapters by the features you will actually use, confirm the exact mounts, and avoid buying twice with this practical guide.
• Building a Vintage Lens Kit on a Budget: A First-Time Buyer's Guide
  A first-time buyer's guide to a small, useful vintage lens kit: start from your camera mount, budget for the adapter and avoid bargain traps.
• When Adapting a Lens Isn't Worth It: When Buying Native Is the Better Choice
  Adapters are great, but not always the best choice. Learn when a native lens makes more sense than adapting an older one.
• Buying Used Camera Gear: What to Check About Returns and Buyer Protection
  What to check about return policies and buyer protection before buying a used lens or adapter, and how to document and test your purchase.
• How to Read Seller Feedback When Buying Used Camera Gear
  Read seller feedback beyond the percentage: recent comments, patterns, relevant sales history and how sellers handle problems.
• When Renting a Lens Before Buying Makes Sense
  Renting can answer questions specs can't. Learn when to try a lens before you buy, especially an expensive, vintage or adapted one.
• How to Spot Misleading Photos and Descriptions in Used Lens and Adapter Listings
  How to read photos and descriptions in used lens and adapter listings critically, from vague wording to unclear compatibility claims.
• What Is the L-Mount Alliance? Mixing Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma Lenses
  The L-Mount Alliance lets Leica, Panasonic and Sigma share one lens mount. Here's what that means for used lens buyers, and what still needs checking.
• Four Thirds to Micro Four Thirds Adapters: The Truth Behind the “Double Crop Factor”
  Does a Four Thirds lens on a Micro Four Thirds camera get a double crop factor? No. Here's what the adapter really changes and what to check before buying.
• Memory Card and Battery Compatibility: What Will Actually Work?
  Memory cards and batteries can fit a used camera and still not work properly. Learn how to check compatibility, condition and chargers before you buy.
• AF Adapter Comparison: Which Ones Actually Provide Autofocus?
  AF adapters differ in what autofocus they really deliver. Learn how to compare AF modes, aperture control and firmware for your exact camera and lens.
• Why Can't You Mount Sony E Lenses on Fujifilm GFX? And What Can You Do Instead?
  Sony E lenses can't simply be adapted to Fujifilm GFX. Learn how flange distance, image circle and electronics decide what an adapter can and can't do.