So it’s buried in the announcement for the new ULTRA 0.71x Speedbooster, but I think something everyone definitely needs to know is that Metabones has released a firmware update(Windows/Mac) that gives most recent generations of their MFT Speedboosters the ability to autofocus when connected to a Panasonic camera. This is huge news, as we have been wanting this feature for quite some time.

The autofocus upgrade doesn’t affect all speedboosters/smart adapters, but it does pretty well encompass any Metabones product you would have purchased for your Panasonic camera in the last year or so. Here are the models you can upgrade right now:

Canon EF to Micro Four Thirds Speed Booster Adapter (model number MB_SPEF-M43-BM1)

Canon EF to Micro Four Thirds Speed Booster S Adapter (model number MB_SPEF-M43-BM2)

Canon EF to Micro Four Thirds T Speed Booster XL 0.64x Adapter (model number MB_SPEF-M43-BT3)

Canon EF to Micro Four Thirds T Speed Booster ULTRA 0.71x Adapter (model number MB_SPEF-M43-BT4)

The upgrade addresses the aforementioned autofocus, but it also fixes a couple bugs Metabones has been aware of:

Fixed a camera-becoming-unresponsive issue after double-tapping on the touch screen of a Panasonic camera

Fixed EF Extender recognition issue with EF70-200/2.8L IS II USM

I just installed it in my Speedbooster S and tested it with my GH4 and Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 and I’m pretty impressed with the speed an accuracy of the autofocus. It is by no means “lightning” fast and doesn’t really compare to using a native MFT lens, but it exists and it’s still what I would call reliable. It’s crazy to think this was enabled with a simple 2 minute upgrade.

Yes, you want this upgrade. You can download the firmware installation software now for both Windows and Mac and it’s super easy to install. Just plug the Speedbooster into your computer and launch the software. The installation takes about a minute to complete.