Sony E-Mount Lens Guide Here >>

Sony Nex-5n with LA-EA1 Lens Adapter and the Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens – HD Video Preview/ Tutorial and Sample Photos

In this Article I’m going to go over the Sony La-EA1 lens adapter by slapping it on the Nex-5n. In addition to that I’m going to mount the Monster Sony 70-400 f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens to the Nex-5n and LA-EA1 lens adapter creating a killer camera lens combo. As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, like the Canon 135mm f/2 L Lens on the Nex-5n Article (Click Here),  one of the best features of the Nex Camera System is having the ability to adapt all kinds of lenses to it with the use of adapters. Having the opportunity to use such a high quality lens like this is just plan awesome, and wait to you see what this camera/ lens combo can do!!

So to break this down simply, I’m converting from the Sony Nex E-Mount to the Sony Alpha A-Mount by using the LA-EA1 Lens adapter. What the LA-EA1 adapter does in specifically is two fold. First it moves the lens away from the sensor. The E-Mount flange is 18mm from the Sensor, and the A-Mount flange is 44mm. So the LA-EA1 is adds 26mm of “space” which the A-Mount lenses need. The second thing it does is physically change the mount itself which significantly larger to accommodate the larger lenses. More on that over Here in the Alpha Camera Guide >>

Photo suggestions are totally welcomed if you want to see anything specific photographed. I’m sending this lens back next week, so I don’t have much time with it unfortunately. Lets check out the gear!

Product Photos from the Lab:

Be sure to Click on these photos for the full 1200px Versions!!

Alpha LA-EA1 Camera Mount Adapter
Alpha LA-EA1 Camera Mount Adapter
Alpha LA-EA1 Camera Mount Adapter with Nex-5n and Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens
Alpha LA-EA1 Camera Mount Adapter with Nex-5n and Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens
Alpha LA-EA1 Camera Mount Adapter with Nex-5n and Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens
Alpha LA-EA1 Camera Mount Adapter with Nex-5n and Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens
Alpha LA-EA1 Camera Mount Adapter with Nex-5n and Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens
Alpha LA-EA1 Camera Mount Adapter with Nex-5n and Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens
Alpha LA-EA1 Camera Mount Adapter with Nex-5n and Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens
Alpha LA-EA1 Camera Mount Adapter with Nex-5n and Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens


Here she is in action on the Oben Tri-pod, and I happen to see a glider swoop over my head unexpectedly when I was setting up!! They fly here often, but I haven’t seen any yet this year. I managed to get a decent shot of the guy, but he was really far away by the time I caught up with him.

Nex-5n w/ LA-EA1 and Sony A-Mount 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens
Nex-5n w/ LA-EA1 and Sony A-Mount 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens

Sample Photos:

Here’s one of the glider shots using the above set-up, and I was shooting in Raw format just to let you know.

Nex-5n w/ LA-EA1 and Sony A-Mount 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens @ f/5.6, 1/2000sec, 400mm, ISO 400, Tri-pod
Nex-5n w/ LA-EA1 and Sony A-Mount 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens @ f/5.6, 1/2000sec, 400mm, ISO 400, Tri-pod
Nex-5n w/ LA-EA1 and Sony A-Mount 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens @ f/5.6, 1/2000sec, 400mm, ISO 400, Tri-pod
Nex-5n w/ LA-EA1 and Sony A-Mount 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens @ f/5.6, 1/2000sec, 400mm, ISO 400, Tri-pod
Nex-5n w/ LA-EA1 and Sony A-Mount 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens @ f/5.6, 1/2000sec, 400mm, ISO 400, Tri-pod
Nex-5n w/ LA-EA1 and Sony A-Mount 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens @ f/5.6, 1/2000sec, 400mm, ISO 400, Tri-pod – Bottom Right


Here’s a decent shot of Sandy I managed to get handheld, but I must admit it was tuff to see the screen of the Nex-5n in the daylight. The optional OLED Viewfinder would have been nice in this situation for sure. Her eyes look a bit funny as she was chewing a stick, but I got the focus pretty good 😉

Nex-5n w/ LA-EA1 and Sony A-Mount 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens @ f/5.6, 1/4000sec, 330mm, ISO 400, Handheld
Nex-5n w/ LA-EA1 and Sony A-Mount 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens @ f/5.6, 1/4000sec, 330mm, ISO 400, Handheld
Nex-5n w/ LA-EA1 and Sony A-Mount 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens @ f/5.6, 1/4000sec, 330mm, ISO 400, Handheld
Nex-5n w/ LA-EA1 and Sony A-Mount 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens @ f/5.6, 1/4000sec, 330mm, ISO 400, Handheld

HD Video Preview and Tutorial of the Sony Nex-5n with LA-EA1 Lens Adapter and the Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens

Closing Remarks:

The Sony Nex-5n with LA-EA1 Lens Adapter and the Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens is a ton of fun to use, and having autofocus is also really nice. I updated the Nex-5n Firmware yesterday just before I recorded the video tutorial and I have to say it made Huge Difference in Autofocus performance using this set-up.  It focused not only faster, but more accurately as well.  For the most accuracy possible, depending on what your shooting of course, Manual Focus is the way to go. Also keep in mind the LA-EA2 version of this adapter has Phase Detection AF built in, making the AF super fast just like the A77!! I really want to get my hands on that next and try this set-up again.

That is about it, I you all have a great rest of the weekend and be sure to ask questions or leave comments below!!
Jay

  1. How does 5n + la-ea1 focussing speed compare with the other SLTs? I like the modular approach of Sony, have a pocketable cam and depending on the need attach a few accessories and get a proper SLT equivalent. Can you give some inputs on how it compares with the A57?

    1. KSR,
      It doesn’t compare at all as far as speed is concerned, but it is accurate!! Phase Detection AF is incredible fast compared to Contrast Detection AF. I can’t really give an exact figure as it totally depends on your subject. However, if you watch this video, then watch the video I just put up for the A57 you can get a little better of an idea. Focus speed also depends on the lens, and aperture!!
      http://sonyalphalab.com/2012/05/new-lenses-on-the-way-for-the-sony-a57-and-real-world-sample-hd-video/
      I totally agree about the modular approach, as the 16mm lens is perfect for hiking/ landscapes as it weighs nothing and is supper small as well. Yet look what you “Can do” with this Camera system!!
      I hope that helps 😉
      Best,
      Jay

        1. No worries;) The La-ea2 adapter basically transforms the “mirroless” camera into an SLT. It’s virtually identical to the focus system on the a55 I believe. So, minus the ergonomics advantage it should be the same exact focus performance!
          I have not used the adapter yet myself as its always out of stock when I try and get it, but I’ve read it works as advertised!!
          Hope that helps,
          Jay

  2. Hi Jay;
    I need information about firmware update of the LA-EA1 with the Nex5n, have you done this procedure? i cannot make it work, the firmware update software do not recognize the Nex5n. My La-ea1 is version 0.1 and the latest is 0.2 but i don´t know if the update must be done just to work with a prior models to the 5n Nex camera.
    Thanks

    1. Douglas,
      I did not update the LA-EA1 adapter I had, as it just worked on the Nex-5n with no issue. Are you trying to update the Nex-5n or the adapter?
      Jay

      1. I´m trying to update the adapter cause mine have the version 0.1 and the latest is the 0.2, sadly i don´t have any Alpha lens with me right now to try upgrade the adapter with a lens on it. I only have the the 5n and a FS100, the only alpha lens i own is the 16-50 from my A77, but is in a travel right now with my brother.
        Thanks.

  3. I have a NEX5n and a LA-EA1 with a firmware version 1.01 for body and 0.01 for adaptor. I also have a 55-200mm SAM SAL lens but I can not get the AF to work. I only have MF. Could you check your firmware version of the adaptor or body so I can know what is wrong with my setup. Thanks.

    1. I have a NEX5n and a LA-EA1 with a firmware version 1.01 for body and 0.01 for adaptor. I also have a 55-200mm SAM SAL lens but I can not get the AF to work. I only have MF. Could you check your firmware version of the adaptor or body so I can know what is wrong with my setup. Thanks.

      I’m sorry, but I don’t have the adapter anymore. I believe it was the latest firmware though when I used it. Perhaps the lens itself needs an update??
      Jay

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