The new Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R 0.71x which was announced together with EOS C70 (the first Cinema EOS System camera to be equipped with an RF mount) is a game-changer for sure. That tinny and powerful tool allows the Super 35 C70 to shoot astonishing full-frame 16 stops of DR images. Can it be utilized by other cameras as well? 

Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R 0.71x

This innovative Mount Adapter EF-EOS R 0.71x converts light transmission from full-frame to the Super 35 mm image format. It extends the angle of view and optical sensitivity, while seamlessly integrating with the camera’s optical corrections. This unit greatly expands the list of compatible lenses by including Canon’s renowned line of EF lenses. Once mounted, the adapter maintains a similar angle of view of full-frame lenses on the Super 35 mm sensor, while boosting the speed of the attached lens. The adapter also carries all EF information through to the RF contacts, so, on certain EF lenses, full DPAF and metadata will be available with EOS C70 camera, working much as they do on a native EF mount. That means, converting the FOV of Super 35 into full-frame without compromising on data transfer and thus preserves the high AF capabilities, better image stabilization, and all other advantages derived from the advanced engineering of the RF mount.

To simplify the explanation, have a look at the video made by Canon that demonstrates the benefits of the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R 0.71x on the 70C.

EOS C70’s weapon: Granting the full-frame look

Imagine that the C300 Mark III was developed with an RF mount. Then the EF-EOS R 0.71x adapter would kill the demand for C500 Mark II, by transforming the C300 Mark III to a full-frame cinema camera (regarding FOV only). Thus the EF-EOS R 0.71x has a lot of power, forces Canon to walk between the raindrops for future Super 35 RF cameras. For now, the EF-EOS R 0.71x is dedicated only to the C70. The adapter has built-in screws to mount directly to C70. The screw-in holders are removable and are just there to secure the adapter when used on the C70.  Canon says that the EF-EOS R 0.71x lens mount adapter is robust and weather-sealed, but again, only when mounted to the C70. The adapter costs $500 and can be preordered on the B&H website. 

Utilizing the EF-EOS R 0.71x in other RF cameras

The big question is, what about using this powerful adapter in other RF mounts with Super 35 sensors (RED Komodo anyone?). According to resources, this adapter has been specifically designed to work with the EOS-R. However, there is no real benefit using the EF-EOS R 0.71x in the EOS-R series which includes a full-frame sensor. The perfect match here would be a Super 35 RF configuration just like the RED Komodo for instance. It’s still early to know if the EF-EOS R 0.71x will work with the Komodo, but if it does, it’ll be a killer tool, especially when the AF capabilities of the Komodo will be improved. Also, there’s might be another path, and that’s affordable (or entry-level) Super 35 mm EOS-R lineup. In that case, the EF-EOS R 0.71x would be a mega feature for those. Meanwhile, it looks like the EF-EOS R 0.71x was developed specifically to the C70 and constitutes its secret weapon. What do you think?