The rumors are true! Birger is coming out with a lens control system for EF mount lenses on the Panasonic AF100. Control for the iris, both auto and manual, will be from the camera. Continuous (video-style) auto-focus will be supported on most Canon “L-series” lenses. Power is provided by the camera for most lenses. Image stabilization is supported on “IS” lenses, and this feature can be turned on or off from the lens. Ships 14 February 2011. MSRP $700 for the adapter. Optional cinema-style remote control, available at additional cost, to be announced January 2011. Sign up for the “General News” email list to receive updated announcements. Photo below is a prototype on an engineering sample of the AF100, and a Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 lens.
This is the news all Canon “L” glass owners have been waiting for the Rolls Royce of electronic adapters, this in conjunction with the wireless remote will finally allow professional pull focus on the Panasonic AF101 making this a fantastic camera for drama, interviews, commercials and pop promos…the queue for ownership has just got longer. PS. You can pre order the mount at H Preston Media for an expected January release.
Wow! I hope they come up one for nikon/VR
This puts the AF101 back into contention for me, as I wasn’t particularly wowed by the Panasonic lenses that hovered around f4.8. For those of us with 7Ds, a 11-17 Tokina is still useful, and one just needs one more wide for the AF101 and that’s most bases covered.
$700 feels a lot, but the price of the Panny offsets that. Add a Ninja and hopefully we’re all set.