I've been kicking around the idea of getting a Canon T/S lens for my 5D. I'd like to play around with shifting for panos, as well as get that increased DoF for landscape work. I've read some bad things about the 24mm and softness, but you can always find a few bad apples in the bunch. I'm probably looking more at the 45mm right now as I figure the 24 is way too wide for pano work.
Any thoughts from owners or people that have demoed the Canon TS lenses in the past? Thanks for your input!
I've used the Canon 24mm TS-E for several years. Mine is only soft at the very edge of the image circle, ie. near max shift. Otherwise it's quite sharp. There is also a tad of light fall off as you near the edge of the image circle. This is normal for wide angles. I've used it for stitching panos (on my Canon 30D) quite a bit and it works great! I also use it a lot for changing the plane of focus with the tilt feature. Not that you can judge quality from web images, but I used the lens quite a bit on my recent trip to Utah.
BTW, the 45mm TS-E is the next lens I will buy. <Patiently waiting for the 5D II>
I agree with Scott's comments. The 24mm is a fun lens to use, especially during wildflower season. And it works well for grand scenic panos. It doesn't seem to rank with Canon's sharpest lenses, but it was definitely sharper than my 17-40mm.
I actually sold mine, because I had too many lenses in my pack covering that focal length (and my 24-70mm is sharper). I really want the 45mm version as well. I got hooked on the creative possibilities of the TSE lens.
FWIW
Northlight Images posted this on their Canon Lens rumors page:
May 6th - from Germany we've had a report (thanks) of a major dealer suggesting a prospective purchaser of a TS-E24mm wait and see what Canon announce in June... "more than just 1 TS-E lens to be announced soon" they also seemed quite keen to suggest June rather than an announcement for Photokina.
This is the only place that I have heard of this, and I find it hard to believe.
But it is something to consider before purchasing a TS-E lens in the next few months.
Wow Bill - that is good to know. Seems like Canon would have many other places to spend that investment in R&D rather than in TS-E lenses. I would agree that this seems unlikely. Something to keep in mind, but man I would miss some prime spring conditions waiting to see if they materialize.
There seems to be extra "buzz" about tilt shift lenses lately. If you haven't seen it, Outdoor Photographer magazine has an article that teaches you to shoot JUST LIKE Ansel Adams with your DSLR.
I own the 24mm and 45mm, and had thought about selling one or both, since I often left them at home. After shooting extensively with both last summer, all I can say is, if anyone ever hears me threatening to sell them in the future, please slap me upside the head.
Keep in mind that these lenses can be used with Canon's 1.4X and 2X extenders, which adds a whole new set of focal lengths.
Also, remember that lens tilts DO NOT increase DofF, they merely reposition your plane of focus. There's a crucial difference, understanding of which will help you tons in the field.
Todd - that's good to know that you find the lenses indispensable these days. I shot with a Mamiya RZ with a Tilt-Shift adapter in my film days, so I know what you mean in regards to the plane of focus... It was frustrating at first to work with, but once you understand what going on it does help immeasurably.
Discussion
10 repliesAny thoughts from owners or people that have demoed the Canon TS lenses in the past? Thanks for your input!
BTW, the 45mm TS-E is the next lens I will buy. <Patiently waiting for the 5D II>
Here's my 24mm TSE pano sample ...
http://www.jessespeer.com/photo.php?id=273&gallery=photography&page=2
I actually sold mine, because I had too many lenses in my pack covering that focal length (and my 24-70mm is sharper). I really want the 45mm version as well. I got hooked on the creative possibilities of the TSE lens.
You could always buy a view camera. I hear they are pretty good with camera movements. Only busting your chops!!!
RichieV
It makes wide angle stitching really easy. Here's a 3 image pano at Mesa Arch.
Default merge using CS3. Prints great at ~24"x50".
http://www.pelzmann.smugmug.com/photos/220287714_4WgUG-O.jpg
The foreground rocks were about a foot from the lens. Just panning a 24mm lens would have been possible, but the merge would have taken some effort.
I'll be in Colorado, starting July. So if you want to try any of the TS-E lenses, give me a holler.
Jesse - that is one of my favorites from your portfolio. Some quality stuff there with the 24mm
Scott - I love your examples here, and I think it really shows how much fun I could have with the 24mm during flower season, etc....
Bill - another good example of why I shouldn't necessarily discount the 24mm. And thanks for the offer!
RichieV - You damn LF shooters and your 'movements'
Guess the only answer is to hit the powerball (or strike oil in my backyard) so I can buy all the T/S lenses and a LF kit.
Northlight Images posted this on their Canon Lens rumors page:
This is the only place that I have heard of this, and I find it hard to believe.
But it is something to consider before purchasing a TS-E lens in the next few months.
Keep in mind that these lenses can be used with Canon's 1.4X and 2X extenders, which adds a whole new set of focal lengths.
Also, remember that lens tilts DO NOT increase DofF, they merely reposition your plane of focus. There's a crucial difference, understanding of which will help you tons in the field.