Are you willing to unite a Nikon lens with a canon camera? You might be wondering if it is even possible to do so. A lot of photographers and videographers who are caught up between these two camera giants are usually entrapped with the same query.

Well, a straightforward answer would be yes. You can definitely use a Nikon lens on a canon camera, but you would need a lens adapter. While a Nikon to canon lens adapter will let you use Nikon lenses on canon cameras, there could be a few downsides, which are discussed in this article later.

If you wish to know the process of using Nikon lenses on canon cameras, keep reading this guide. Let’s first understand if we can put any lens on canon cameras.

Can I put any lens on my Canon camera?

Canon DSLRs are virtually compatible with all modern lenses, including both EF and EF-S lenses. APS-H size sensor cameras, on the other hand, are confined to EF lenses. Canon allows many third-party companies to manufacture compatible lenses made in the EF mount.

However, when it comes to the RF-mount lenses, canon has been blocking many third-party lenses, especially the RF-mount lenses with autofocus capabilities. Therefore, the third-party lenses introduced for canon’s RF-mount mirrorless system, including popular cameras like EOS RP, EOS R6, and EOS R5, are being targeted by Canon.

Why is Canon blocking third-party lenses?

From once being known as a great third-party compatible brand, canon has now started cracking down and banning the sales of third-party lenses designed for its RF mount cameras.

There could surely be different reasons behind canon following that approach. It is possible for Canon to want the RF lineup to be filled with their own RF-mount lenses instead of those produced by third-party companies at affordable rates because canon is aware of how far the maturity of the RF lineup is.

Furthermore, there are plenty of affordable options available with EF lenses that seem to work great on the RF mount using canon’s adapters. As much as Canon believes in this, it’s also not yet done with the improvements and changes it aspires to bring in RF mounts, which could be a valid reason behind blocking third-party lenses. (source)

Which Nikon Lenses Support Canon Cameras?

Nikon manufactures two types of lens mounts. These are the Z-mount and F-mount. Since F-mount lenses are made to support Nikon SLR cameras, they can also be used with canon SLRs with an adapter.

However, Z-mount lenses cannot support Nikon DSLRs and Canon DSLRs even with an adaptor because they are designed for Nikon mirrorless cameras. Therefore, only Nikon F-mount lenses are compatible with EF/EF-S mount canon cameras, provided that you use a suitable adapter.

The Process of Using Nikon Lenses On Canon Cameras

Step 1: Pick an appropriate adapter

If you’re looking to use your Nikon lens on a canon camera, the first step is to look for an appropriate adapter. Although there are many adapters available with differences in quality and price, you can go for a Nikon F-mount to Canon EF/EF-S adapter.

No matter how much you invest in an adapter, you should choose a durable one with a precise design that connects your Nikon lens to your Canon camera. An adapter built of metal parts will surely last longer and get through a few bumps effortlessly.

Look for an appropriate adapter to use your Nikon lens on a canon camera

Step 2: Secure your adapter to the Nikon lens

Securing your adapter to the Nikon lens is of utmost importance as it will prevent you from dropping the entire equipment. To perfectly attach the adapter to your Nikon lens, you will have to first detach the rear lens cap.

Once you do so, you will have to line up and match the red dots or indicators on your Nikon lens and adapter. Then you can keep turning the adapter counter-clockwise until it makes a clicking sound. If you wish to detach the adapter, pressing the release catch on your Nikon lens and rotating it clockwise will do your job.

Securing adapter to the Nikon lens

Step 3: Mount the Nikon lens to your canon camera

Now that you have attached your adapter to the Nikon lens, the last step is to mount this adapter with your Nikon lens to the canon camera. Begin by turning off the camera and detaching the original lens using the release button.

Once done, you will have to line up the red dots on your canon camera and adapter. As you did before, keep rotating it clockwise until it clicks. After that, you can switch on the camera. You will probably notice an alert that says, ‘ensure the lens is attached’, which you can skip with camera settings.

Mounting the Nikon lens to Canon camera

Are there any downsides to using an adapter?

Although you can use a Nikon lens with a Canon camera, you may notice a few shortcomings of using an adapter. A lot of features will not work due to improper communication between the camera body and lens, as electronic chips are absent in most adapters.

These features include autofocusvibration reduction, and automatic aperture control. In fact, at times when there isn’t sufficient ambient light, you may find the manual focus slightly difficult to use. Without a chipped adapter, you will miss out on focus confirmation. Similarly, not having a chipped programmable adapter will lead to the absence of lens-relevant EXIF information.

Even though you will be able to use an adapter to fit a Nikon lens on a canon camera, you will be bound by some limitations and be better off with a lens that is built for that particular camera body.

What other lens brands are compatible with Canon?

There are a lot of third-party lenses that are presently compatible with canon. If you are wondering what brands can be used with your canon camera, you can refer to the following list:

  • Tamron
  • Sigma
  • Samyang
  • Tokina
  • Irix
  • Zeiss
  • Meike

Conclusion

Now that you know how easy it is to unite your Nikon lens with a canon camera using an adapter, you can surely enjoy the benefits it offers. Hopefully, this guide would have answered a lot of your questions related to mounting your lens to a camera. There are several lens brands compatible with canon cameras, as listed in this guide.

While you can easily use your Nikon lens with a Canon camera, you should not miss out on all the limitations that come with an adapter. From autofocus to vibration reduction, you will not be able to make use of certain features.

FAQs

What is EF in Canon lenses?

EF, which stands for electronic focus, is the standard and the longest-established lens mount of the canon. It not only comes with the widest compatibility but can be paired with a variety of canon cameras.

Does Nikon have EF mount?

The Nikon to Canon EF-mount lens adapters enable you to unite your Nikon lens with a canon body camera.

Does Nikon F-mount fit Canon EF?

Yes, F-mount lenses are compatible with any Nikon SLR, and they can also fit canon SLRs with an adapter.