Camera Lens Mounts Explained: Types of Lens Mounts and Adapters

1.1  TYPES OF CAMERA MOUNTS

Popular mounts in video production

Let’s go over the main lens mounts you’ll be dealing with in both photography and video production. We’ve broken the mounts down by category so you have an understanding of their overall purpose.

Below are popular cameras that have the corresponding mount. You’ll notice that some of the same cameras are featured under multiple mounts.

That’s because those manufactures chose to roll out multiple versions of the same camera models with different mounts to increase their compatibility and overall camera sales.

These are separate cameras with separate mount receivers, and not a single camera with interchangeable mounts.

There is no such thing (yet) as a RED camera mount, but rather RED makes multiple camera bodies that have an EF, PL, or F mount.

However, there are canon lens mounts that are specific to canon, the most recent being the new Canon EOS mount that is functional with the new line of Canon EOS lenses.

But that doesn't mean the types of canon lens mounts are limited to just the EOS mount because some Canon cameras are fitted with an EF mount, much like the popular Canon 5D.

We’ve placed the EF mount in the Cine lens category because there are cinema style cameras that use the EF mount, but they are also found in DSLR and mirrorless photography cameras as well.

1.2  CAMERA LENS MOUNTS TYPES

Camera lens mount adapters

Lens adapters will give you some leeway with lens usage, and for filmmakers who use the Sony a7 cameras, you may want to look into adapters more than the Canon camera folk.

Mount adapters do have their negatives like the lack of the electronic signals and functionality for a camera’s auto-focus.

Adapters are a good fix for specific situations, but overall you will want to try your hardest to avoid pairing cameras and lenses that aren’t built for one another unless dealing with a great camera with limited lens selection.

1.3  CINE CAMERA LENS MOUNTS

EF-Mount (Electronic Focus Mount)

Pros: Auto Focus, Affordable, Third-Party Friendly

Cons: Marginally less durable than PL (Positive Lock)

Compatible With:

• Blackmagic URSA
• Blackmagic URSA Mini
• Blackmagic Production Camera
• Blackmagic Cinema Camera
• Canon C500 4K Cinema Camera
• Canon C300 Mark II
• Canon C100
• Canon 5D Mark III
• Canon 6D
• RED EPIC DRAGON
• RED EPIC MYSTERIUM
• RED SCARLET DRAGON
• RED SCARLET MYSTERIUM-X

1.4  CINE CAMERA LENS MOUNTS

PL-Mount (Positive Lock Mount)

Pros: Professional, Durable, Industry Standard, Third-Party Friendly

Cons: Expensive

Compatible With:

• ARRI ALEXA XT
• ARRI ALEXA
• ARRI ALEXA Mini
• ARRI AMIRA
• AJA Cion
• Blackmagic URSA
• Blackmagic URSA Mini
• Blackmagic Production Camera
• Blackmagic Cinema Camera
• Canon C500 4K Cinema Camera
• Canon C300 Mark II
• RED WEAPON DRAGON
• RED EPIC DRAGON
• RED EPIC MYSTERIUM-X
• RED SCARLET DRAGON
• RED SCARLET MYSTERIUM-X
• Phantom FLEX 4K
• Sony F65 4K

1.5  CINE CAMERA LENS MOUNTS

F-Mount (Format SLR Mount)

Pros: Versatile (Backwards Compatible)

Cons: Third-Party Limited, Not as durable as PL

Compatible With:

• Nikon D810
• Nikon D750
• Nikon D7200
• Nikon D5200
• RED EPIC DRAGON
• RED EPIC MYSTERIUM-X
• RED SCARLET DRAGON
• RED SCARLET MYSTERIUM-X

2.1  PHOTO CAMERA LENS MOUNTS

A-Mount (Sony ‘Alpha’ Series Mount)

Pros: Versatile (Backwards Compatible)

Cons: Third-Party Limited, Not as durable as PL

Compatible With:

• Sony A58
• Sony A65
• Sony A77 II
• Sony A99

2.4  PHOTO CAMERA LENS MOUNTS

RF-Mount (New Canon EOS Mount)

Pros: New capabilities

Cons: Third-Party Limited, Not as durable as PL

Compatible With:

• Canon EOS R

UP NEXT

Guide to the Best Camera Lenses

Now that you have a better grasp on lenses, check out our post on the Guide to the Best Camera Lenses.

We set you on the right path to find a lens or set of lenses that works best for your camera and your production.

Up Next: Guide to the Best Camera Lenses →