Sony a7/R III Firmware v2 Unlocks All AF Modes for Adapted Lenses

Two months ago, Sony released a major firmware version for its popular a7 III and a7R III mirrorless cameras. Version 2.0 brought new features and improvements… including the ability for a wide range of adapted lenses to make use of all the camera’s autofocus modes.

The update “Adds support for Zone, Expand Flexible Spot, and Lock-on AF focus areas when using the LA-EA3 mount adaptor,” Sony writes.

Sony specifically mentioned the LA-EA3 mount adapter, which is designed to let photographers use Sony A-mount lenses on E-mount cameras. But it seems the new feature goes well beyond that use case and includes all lenses, according to DPReview.

“[W]e’ve tested it with adapted Canon mount lenses as well and can confirm it works with EF lenses via a Sigma or Metabones adapter,” DPReview writes. “Since Eye AF also works with adapted lenses, we’re really starting to see less and less of a downside to using third-party lenses on Sony cameras, save for a drop in performance at longer telephoto focal lengths.”

Here’s the full list of benefits and improvements in the latest firmware update:

Adds support for the 400mm f/2.8 G Master and 24mm f/1.4 G Master lenses
- Optimizes the optical image stabilization performance.
- For the 400mm f/2.8 G Master lens only, adds support for new image stabilization mode (Mode 3) of the lens.
- Adds the Function Ring(Lens) feature to the to the Camera Settings2 menu.
- Addition of [Aperture Drive in AF] setting in the menu.
New features:
- Adds AF Track Sens as a selectable option for custom key settings.
- Adds support for Zone, Expand Flexible Spot, and Lock-on AF focus areas when using the LA-EA3 mount adaptor.
- Enables Bracket shooting to be available during silent shooting when the File Format is set to RAW or RAW & JPEG, and the RAW File Type is set to Uncompressed.
Other improvements:
- Improvement of the performance and the overall stability of the camera.
- Better reproduction of the gradation of RAW pictures.
- Improves dimming stability under flicker light conditions.
- Improves managing continuously shot images as a group.

You can download the a7 III firmware v2.0 for Windows and Mac and the a7R III firmware v2.0 for Windows and Mac.

Correction: The original version of this article stated that the firmware was just released. The downloads were actually launched in October. We apologize for the error.