Neewer NW-ETZ vs Megadap ETZ21 Pro | Sony E to Nikon Z Adapter Showdown

When I first started using Sony E-mount, I was coming off a period of more than a decade where I had used the Canon EF ecosystem exclusively. It was a delight to find that there were adapters that would allow me to use my Canon lenses on my Sony camera as well. I used and reviewed a number of popular adapters from brands like Metabones, Sigma, and Vello, but found that they all came with some serious limitations. Over time I tired of used my EF lenses adapted for two primary reasons: 1) size and weight. 2) Inadequate performance. My favorite of the adapters proved to be the Sigma MC-11, but it added 125g to the weight of every lens attached to it and added another 26mm in length. This was necessary to adapt a DSLR mount to a mirrorless design. The optical path needs to be in a completely different place, so the optics need to be moved further away from the sensor to achieve proper infinity focus. I found that there was a huge spectrum of performance, too, with some lenses working fairly well and others being very inconsistent. Video AF, in particular, was pretty rough where it existed at all.

But over a series of reviews, I’ve been looking at very different types of adapters that now adapt one mirrorless lens mount (Sony E-mount) to another mirrorless lens mount (Nikon Z-mount). The rules are a bit different this time. For one, the “flange distance” between the two mounts is similar, so now the adapter itself is just a few millimeters thick (2mm, to be exact), adding almost no additional bulk to lenses. There is a bit of weight, but, at 43g for the Megadap ETZ21 Pro on my scale and 46g for the Neewer NE-ETZ, it’s a third of what we dealt with the EF to FE adapters. In my tests, the Megadap EZ21 Pro (my review here) has a few advantages over the Neewer NW-ETZ that I reviewed here, but also costs about $100 more. So which is the better buy? Find out my thoughts by watching the head to head video, or you can see a quick summary in the article below.

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Thanks to Neewer for providing a review sample of the NW-ETZ and to Megadap for providing a review sample the ETZ21 Pro.   As always, this is a completely independent review.  All opinions and conclusions are my own. *The tests and most of the photos that I share as a part of my review cycle have been done with the 45MP Nikon Z8, which I reviewed here.

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Both of these adapters have a simple premise – allow you to use Sony E-mount lenses – WITH AUTOFOCUS – on Nikon Z mount cameras.  The claim includes transmitting EXIF data and information for VR (if your camera is so equipped).  At their best, both adapters work really quite well, delivering some of the best autofocus I’ve seen from an adapted lens, though there’s always limits.  Both add almost no bulk – just 2mm of additional thickness – and very little weight (43g for the Megadap, 46g for the Neewer). 

So does they work? The answer is mostly yes, though with a few minor caveats which I detail in the individual reviews.

Reasons to Buy the Neewer NW-eTZ

• Price – Costs $160 vs $250
• Has a weather sealed option for $20 more
• Provides focus confirmation for manual focus lenses even when they have no contacts (M42, M mount, etc…)

Neewer NW-ETZ Sony E to Nikon Z Autofocus Adapter | AF for only $160

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Neewer NW-ETZ Sony E to Nikon Z Autofocus Adapter | AF for only $160

Reasons to buy the Megadap ETZ21 Pro

• Better firmware process
• Properly reports EXIF data
• Provides more consistent autofocus performance
• Works on APS-C/DX bodies
• Works with more lenses

Megadap ETZ21 Pro Sony E to Nikon Z Adapter Review | Effective Autofocus

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Megadap ETZ21 Pro Sony E to Nikon Z Adapter Review | Effective Autofocus

Conclusion

Both adapters have some unique strengths, but for most people I think the extra money for the Megadap is worth it.  The Neewer shows promise, but it is a first gen adapter while Megadap is on the second variation of their second generation, and that longer development cycle shows. Megadap has squashed more bugs, and delivers a more consistent performance across a broader range of lenses. Megadap is an adapter company, period, and while Neewer has a great reputation for delivering excellent products at a strong value, their company is far more diversified. To me the Megadap adapter feels worth the extra $90, but it’s not my money to spend. It’s yours, and I hope the information in these comparisons has helped you make a more informed decision.

GEAR USED:

Purchase the Neewer NW-ETZ @ Neewer | B&H | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

Purchase the Megadap ETZ21 Pro @ B&H | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada

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Purchase the Nikon Z8 @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

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