Metabones announced its new “TruePDAF” technology for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) at its headquarters in Vancouver, Canada. TruePDAF technology improves the performance of phase-detection autofocus (PDAF) and in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This enables operation at a level comparable to that of genuine lenses.

When Metabones updated its Speed ​​Booster and Smart Adapter product line for Micro Four Thirds to “Mark II,” the initial announcement stated that Mark I and Mark II would use the same firmware and have equivalent performance. However, the situation changed with the introduction of TruePDAF technology, which maximizes the superior hardware performance of Mark II by storing profile data for over 100 lenses in the firmware.

Metabones TruePDAF Details

When a compatible lens is detected, the Speed ​​Booster or Smart Adapter’s LED lights up pink instead of white, indicating that additional lens metadata is being sent to the camera. This is exactly the same metadata that the original lens reports to the camera. This additional information allows PDAF to perform well even in less-than-ideal conditions, such as low contrast, low light, AF points in the corners of the frame, and subjects close to the lens’s minimum focusing distance. Furthermore, the effectiveness of IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) is also improved, with 5-axis stabilization providing the greatest additional benefit compared to 3-axis stabilization, especially near macro shooting distances. A list of compatible lenses can be found on the webpage for each Mark II product.

With incompatible lenses, the Mark II operates similarly to the Mark I. It still performs very well, as it does its best to send approximate PDAF metadata to the camera. Furthermore, the Mark I excels at maximizing the information available from Canon and Sigma Global Vision (Art, Contemporary, Sport) lenses to enable 5-axis image stabilization (IBIS). The Mark II further enhances the effectiveness of IBIS when using compatible lenses.

You’ll need either a Panasonic GH7 or Panasonic G9 II to achieve optimal autofocus speed. Other cameras won’t be able to deliver near-native performance.

In 2024, Metabones dramatically improved the autofocus performance of the Panasonic GH7. This was provided as a free firmware update to all Mark I users simultaneously with the release of the Mark II. While the older hardware still maintains class-leading performance, it has reached its limits, and the baton for further enhancements and performance improvements has been passed to the Mark II. However, Metabones plans to continue providing bug-fix firmware for the Mark I for the time being. Metabones will change its firmware release model for Micro Four Thirds to an odd-numbered/even-numbered version system. Odd-numbered versions will be “performance releases” exclusively for the Mark II, while even-numbered versions will be “stable releases” compatible with both the Mark I and Mark II.

The Metabones EF-MFT Mark II series product lineup is as follows:

Firmware version 5.10 is now available for download from the Metabones website for Mac and Linux users, and from the Microsoft Store for Windows users. As an odd-numbered performance release, this update is exclusive to the Mark II products mentioned above.

Disclaimer: Metabones is not endorsed or licensed by Canon or Micro Four Thirds. Metabones does not own the mount, interface, or communication protocol specifications, which may adversely affect compatibility now and in the future. All trademarks and registered trademarks belong to their respective owners.