Why do you need to buy the Meike Drop-in Filter for Canon M Mount? Does it worth the money? Wasn't the M mount dead?
These and other questions assault our minds when we saw the announcement of this new Meike adaptor. So let's try to answer it.
Despite what some may say, that the Canon M will be discontinued, sales around the world contradict it. Canon also didn't confirm the rumor. So, cameras such as the Canon M3, M5, M6, and M50 are solid tools for many. As we know Canon and other brands have dozens and dozens of solid EF lenses that can be adapted.
Sure, there are many adapters, but what you’d say if you can use your amazing EF glass (fully working) and also gain some very nice VND filters? That is finally possible with the new Meike MK-EFTM-C.
With a strength that varies from ND3 to ND500, wherever you are a shooter or videographer, there are plenty of chances you need filters to perform tasks in broad daylight. A filter is a must-have in those situations. Also, you get a clear filter that, as we will see ahead, makes the Meike adapter unique.
VND Filters out of the adapter
Features/Build
This adapter is fully functional, working as Canon’s proprietary model. You access the Exif data and maintain the Autofocus, Aperture Control, and lens stabilization. You won’t notice any difference. In small cameras such as the M mount ones, it's also important that the adapter is thinner enough not to unbalance the combo. And in fact, it is, even having the internal VND filter.
The Meike EF to EF-M adapter seen above
As you may know, cine cameras have built-in ND filters. This feature allows you to use the lenses wide open. Otherwise, it would be impossible to shoot at f/1.8 in broad daylight.
Canon EF 16-35 f/4 L IS paired with a Canon M50 via the Mieke Adaptor
You have at your disposal a drop-in VND filter with a reduction that goes from 1.5 to 9 stops of light, and you just need to rotate a very well-placed dial. That’s quite reassuring. Also, there’s a unique characteristic of the Meike adapter - it includes a clear filter for the moments when you don’t need to reduce the light. Clever, right? Just as an indication, Canon charges 130 euros for that same clear filter for the RF mount…
The light yet sturdy metal body of the adapter (weighs 126g or 4.4oz) is water and dust-resistant due to the rubber seals. On our tests, we didn’t find any stress points on the materials or imperfections. It delivers a reassuring quality. The contacts seem to work perfectly and fit on our M50 bayonet giving that reassuring click when you install the adapter.
Frontal perspective of the Meike Drop-In Adapter
Usage Our main goal was to try the Meike adaptor under the roughest conditions possible. So we visited the biggest river in Portugal, called Tejo. The location isn't easy to reach, so it was perfect for us.
For our tests, we used three Canon lenses: 16-35 f/4 L IS, 24-70 L f/2.8 II, and 70-200 L f/4 IS. We performed either photo or video. Our concerns were about the existence of color cast, vignetting with wide-angle, the AF performance, and the adapter. Did the Meike drop-in adapter work as promised?
We are happy to report that none of our worries materialized. Didn't experience any sort of color shift, vignette, or final image degradation, as we can see in the above examples. The flexibility to use a single filter set for all lenses is another fantastic feature. Each lens size requires a different size of the filter that attaches to the end of the lens. When you want to cut costs and have a smaller kit, it's a big deal.
Canon EF 16-35 L f/4 IS @ f/11 20s
The quality is very good, and the images/videos look clear and as good as we expect from this little camera. The dial that controls the level of ND, has a bit of tension so your settings don't move easily.
The ring above has a - + to guide you on the decrease/increase of the VND.
The use is intuitive and soon you are used to it. The same goes for the system used to place the shelf with the filters. Press a button and voila, the drop-in is in or out.
Canon EF 16-35 L f/4 IS @ f/11 30s
This drop-in filter tool comes in handy while working in scenes that are indoors than outdoors without having to fumble with lens filters. You can rotate the ND in to be stronger in bright situations, so you can reduce and control your shutter speed. It allows you to keep the integrity of your vision as you create images.
Above we can see video footage of the VND working.
VND in action, from ND3 to ND500 and Clear Filter
If you are looking into an adapter for your EF Lenses why not having also an ND system?Check this Meike MK-EFTM-C out. As an adapter, it works the same as the original Canon one. The autofocus works and the lenses work all the same as they would with a non-ND filter system too. Another important feature is the nonexistence of image degradation. When you don’t need it just put the clear filter in place.
Canon EF 24-70 L f/2.8 II @ 30mm f/10 ISO100
On the other hand, there’s nothing in the market like this for the Canon M mount. Even the brand doesn’t have such a cleaver adapter for these important cameras. Remember that isn’t the camera that makes the photos or videos, but instead how the one who is using it performs the tasks.
Canon EF 70-200 L f/4 IS @200mm f/4
Conclusion
Here are 5 reasons for you to buy this wonderful Meike Drop-In filter for EF-to EF-M mount cameras.
At around 160 euros, it is really cheap. Why? Because you not only get a 100% fully functional adaptor for EF lenses on your beloved M camera, but you save a ton of money since there’s no need to buy several filters and adapters for each lens you own. Also is so practical not to need those adapters! And don’t forget how handy is to have it there all the time. The image quality is perfect, with no cast or vignette even with wide lenses. No matter whether you shoot photos or videos the integrity of the footage is taken care of.
Lastly, you don't pay any extra for the clear drop-in filter. It means you never need to remove the adapter from the camera when you don't need the VND.
The only "downside" is that you can’t use it with EF-M lenses, but that’s quite obvious since we don’t need an adapter for that! That said, this is one of those clever choices you need to have if you use a Canon M mount like us! So our final score is a solid 4,90/5 You can buy the Meike Adaptor MK-EFTM-C here: Meike Official Amazon Deutschland Amazon Spain/Portugal