Nikon Lenses for Canon EOS Cameras

This article combines the incompatible.

Using Nikon Optics on Canon Cameras

Installing a Nikon lens (also called Nikkor) on modern Canon EOS Digital DSLR cameras is a snap. All Nikon lenses have the same 'F' mount. To mount any Nikon mount F lens, only Nikon-Canon adapter. When using the Nikon-Canon adapter the ability to focus on infinity. This is what my adapter looks like:

Nikon AI adapter - Canon

My adapter went to me for $ 15 Please note that there are adapters with and without a chip. An adapter with a chip allows you to automatically confirm the focus when working with non-native lenses. If your adapter is without a chip, then you can stick it on the adapter yourself. Such a chip is called Lushnikov's Dandelion.

Nikon - Canon adapter without chip. Back view.

Usually these adapters are called Nikon AI - Canon. But this does not meanthat you can only use old Nikon AI lenses. With this adapter, you can use any Nikon lens from the 60s of the last century.

You can control the iris on Non-G type lenses using the aperture ring

Important: it’s very convenient to use Nikon lenses on Canon cameras, which there is a diaphragm control ring. These lenses include all Nikon lenses. Non-G Type. With this lens, aperture control is done manually. For example, I used without problems Nikon 85mm f / 1.8D AF Nikkor on a Canon camera.

Non-G type autofocus lens on a Canon camera

Important: G-type lenses, that is, modern Nikon lenses that do not have an aperture control ring can also be used through such an adapter. But iris control will not be available. The aperture will always be as closed as possible.

You can cheat and use such lenses always on an open aperture. To do this, simply lock the aperture lever (jump) in the open position. This is done very simply, it will not harm the lens. For example, I locked the aperture at the maximum open value for a G-type lens Nikon 18-70mm f / 3.5-4.5G ED AF-S DX IF Nikkor using a piece of cardboard. The same can be done by any means at hand.

Aperture lock for G-type lens

Then such a G-type lens can be used only at the maximum aperture value. This can be very inconvenient, since aperture is very important for different photo tasks.

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Canon camera with Nikon G-type lens

By the way, the same adapter must be used to install old lenses with Nikon F mount onto Canon EOS cameras. For example, I installed on the camera MS Helios-81H 2/50 using the same adapter.

Soviet lens mounted via Nikon - Canon adapter

How to shoot on such a constructor? It's simple. You only have to focus manually using the focus ring on the lens. Fortunately, all Nikon FX and DX lenses have a focus ring. Taking pictures is easier than ever in aperture priority mode, while the aperture can be manually adjusted on lenses with an aperture control ring. On lenses without an aperture control ring, you will have to take pictures at the maximum or minimum aperture value. Such a shooting process is no different from shooting with any old manual lens.

Sample Photos

Question from me to all fans Nikon and Canon. Still, what were the photos taken in the gallery above, on Nikon or on Canon? Leave the answers in the comments.

Personal experience

I sometimes come across the fact that the owners of Canon cameras buy old solid Nikon lenses Non-ai, AI, Ai-s, Ai-converted for shooting video. Nikon-Canon adapter came in handy for me to mount the lens MS Helios-81H 2/50 on my Canon 350D.

Where can I buy

The cheapest adapters can be found aliexpress.com. For example, such an adapter can be bought here.

Conclusions:

Nikon lenses can be easily used on Canon cameras through the Nikon-Canon adapter. This eliminates the possibility of automatic focusing, and for some lenses, and iris control. Focusing on infinity is maintained.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval.