The Sony A-mount to E-mount LA-EA Adapters Explained

Choosing between Sony's LA-EA1, LA-EA2, LA-EA3, or LA-EA4 adapter used to be an easy decision - the even numbered adapters always gave the best performance. Then Sony introduced E-mount cameras with native phase-detect AF, and so the nuanced decision became less cut-and-dried.

Here's the nuanced summary for those of you who don't want wade through a 13-minute video, enhanced by viewer "Lofote":

1. Screwdriver-driven lens? LA-EA 2 or 4. (If you don't need autofocus, then you can use LA-EA1 or 3.)

2. SSM / SAM lens and APS-C body: LA-EA1. The LA-EA1 isn't being made anymore, so you can substitute the LA-EA3 instead.

3. SSM / SAM lens and any full-frame body except A7R: LA-EA3

4. Camera that has “NEX” in name, the original A7, A6000, A5000, A3000, A3500, A7S, and A7S II: LA-EA2. Since the LA-EA2 isn't being made anymore, you can substitute the LA-EA4 instead.

5. Sony A7R: LA-EA4

Don't forget to watch the alternative ending at the end! :-)

[vonpotatostein]

For us Canon Refugees wanting to deflect to Sony this is BY FAR the best explanation on Sony's native lens adapters in the whole net. T H A N K Y O

[KznnyL]

This is a godsend. 2022, my Nex-6 died. Trying to figure out where to go with either a Nex-7 used, A7II, or a 6000 series, all while dealing with many legacy lenses. You made everything clear, and now I can buy used stuff knowing what to buy and how to mix them. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[TheAssclown]

YouTube severely needs more teacher type professionals like this wonderful man. Been watching his videos for a few years now and never disappointed.

[sgtdan]

I JUST BOUGHT THAT LENS. OMG! THANK YOU!

Context, I just got into full-frame cameras and bought an A7R III and Zeiss 135mm f/1.8 because of all the great things that have been said about it. I bought the latest LE-EA5 Sony A mount to E mount adapter and was so sad that I couldn't autofocus. THEN I FOUND THIS VIDEO THE NEXT DAY. Thank you again for doing this Gary!

[ugrandolini]

Fnally I can get a good explanation about differences in these adapters! Sony should publish this on their LA adapters pages. Thank you so much Gary 🙏🏻

[AgnostosGnostos]

The autofocus accuracy and speed of the LA-EA4 can't be compared with that of the best Sony SLT cameras. However it is good enough. Nowadays a digital full frame camera is affordable. The Sony a7 camera body can be found new at around 750€. On the other hand nearly all native autofocus full frame e-mount lenses are expensive. The LA-EA4 adapter isn't expensive. It can be found new between 200-250€.
I use many legacy Minolta a-mount lenses I bought from eBay which are really good. I think that it is a clever choice.
I really love my Minolta AF 500mm f/8, the only mirror lens with autofocus ever. There is an exact copy of this lens by Sony too. Nearly all of the first Sony a-mount lenses were exact copies of Minolta lens. These sony lenses are more expensive but are the same as Minolta ones.

[taharathussain]

The best video I have ever seen to choose which adapter I need.
Thank you so much Gary

[bobkids]

Hi explanation was just is easy to understand without beating around the bush like others, well done & thank you....!

[ugurbalsatar]

You are a king 👑 👍🏻

Training to avoid all the pitfalls we fall into by purchasing a body and lens

[RyanFlanders]

Nuanced summary begins at 11:25.

Thanks for another detailed video!

[SlayeRiven]

In summary, LA-EA4 is the most versatile and "universal" among all of them. Thank you!

[GhostwriterNiche]

Finally a proper explanation not even clearly given by Sony themselves..thanks gary!!

[RoyAndTheCobra]

Glad I found this. With a bunch of Tamron A mount lenses that I can now identify as screw drive, I know I'd need the EA4. However the lenses aren't worth that much and as the EA4 is twice the price of the EA3, this video has helped me decide against keeping all the old lenses. Every other article just wasn't clear. Thanks!

[benbeattie]

Tremendously helpful thank you very much!
Warmest regards from the UK

[farata]

Excellent description. First time I really understood the meaning of screw-type lens.

[malcolmhay]

One of the most informative clips I have ever seen. Thank you for the info I needed to know.

[od]

That was extremely helpful. Thanks for making!

[pcrate]

Gary, I enjoy this video, but quick question I am a little confused, which adapter does I using for my A6400 if I want to activated the auto-focus and face detection with canon lenses for example. Thank you

[Eduardo-zheb]

Really good stuff. Thank you so much. I´m about to buy an adapter to my Sony NEX camera. Now I know what to buy.

[khosrow]

Nice to see you back with a new video!