Canon TS-E45mm f/2.8

[schmoelzel]

Greetings from warm and summer-like London Ontario Canada!! This past week has been quite fruitful for myself; my new glass arrived and I was lucky to get some great weather to try out the new arrivals. I decided that I needed a lens that would let me take product shots for my tea-shop (www.theteahaus.com (http://www.theteahaus.com)) but even though I often use my 35L and 17-40L to great effect, I had read a lot about a tilt & shift lens making this type of photography much more effective. I had tried a Hartblei tilt & shift lens last year but honestly never really put in the effort to learn how to use it. These lenses do take a lot of practice and patience! Firstly, they are manual; meaning forget about AF performance..........you have to focus manually because you are altering the focus plane. What they let you accomplish is to shoot at a fast aperture (f2.8 in this case) but get your whole subject in focus without having to stop down the lens. Why would you want to do this? Well, a lot of product shots are taken with real-life backgrounds rather than just plain white studio back-drops. If you were to stop the lens down (and increase your DoF), your background would obviously also be in better focus and distract from your main subject. By moving the the focus plane, you can get your subject in focus but still retain your wide aperture and the blurred background. Sound confusing??? Join the club!! I have read and read and am still confused by all this............I am sure someone here on the forums can give a more detailed and technical explanation (Scheimpflug principle).

http://theteahaus.netfirms.com/DRebelPix/nfpicturepro/albums/userpics/10001/Both.jpg


How does it work? As you can see in the shots of the lens, there are two adjustment knobs; one lets you tilt the focus plane and the other lets you shift. Tilting gives you that 'strange' looking focus plane effect while shifting lets you compose panoramic-style shots. The shift is most useful in architectural photography and tilting is very useful with product-style shots. Of course you can leave the lens as is and it becomes a very good 45f2.8 lens. There is also a small switch (very very small!) that rotates the whole lens in a circular motion (counter-clockwise). Haven't explored this too much yet but I am sure it will come in handy.

The next two shots try and demonstrate why the tilt is so helpful.

No tilt

http://theteahaus.netfirms.com/DRebelPix/nfpicturepro/albums/userpics/10001/No-Tilt.jpg

Full tilt

http://theteahaus.netfirms.com/DRebelPix/nfpicturepro/albums/userpics/10001/Full-Tilt.jpg

Is it sharp? Right to the meat of the matter!! Probably the most common question concerning any lens and sometimes seems to take on an importance far beyond what most people can distinguish! But for all you 'sharp-freaks' (me included!!), it is a very sharp lens; wide-open performance is excellent and stopped down it gets even sharper. Colour is very very good and accurate!! I was pleasently surprised that I have had to do very little colour correction even with my 1D set to AWB. Detail is very well resolved and contrast is top-notch. I am surprised that this thing doesn't have a red ring around the barrel! I would say that performance-wise, it is similiar to the 50f1.4 maybe even a tad sharper. That's a very good pedigree to relate to for any optic!!

How is the AF (autofocus)? In a word, non-existant!! No lie, this $1200 optic has no auto-focus capabilities since it does shift the focus plane. The AF ring is smooth and precise; with the fast aperture and no tilt applied, the focus is clearly observed in the viewfinder of my 1D. I think that with cameras with smaller viewfinders, it might be a bit of a chore to see the tilt effect. I also have a EC-B view-screen installed (that's the one with a split-prism) and this helps quite a lot too. The one nice feature this lens has is that the focus point will beep when you have achieved focus. That 'beep' sure sounds reassuring when you are trying to focus on a moving two-year old!!

Could I use it as a door-stop? My favourite question to answer in these mini-reviews: NO!! It is not very heavy and any door would easily blow shut with this optic holding it open.

Does the hood work? I don't see why it wouldn't but I was surprised that the included hood (strange since it's not considered an L lens) isn't of a petal-type. As you can see by the pics of the lens, it is very similiar to the 85L hood, only not as deep. It is very wide (has a large diameter) so some might complain that it has a hard time being stored on the lens when in a camera bag.

Bokeh? With a fast aperture (f2.8), this lens renders OOF highlights very well and subject isolation is good. Because it is a fairly wide focal length, you really have to get close to your subject if you want to blur out the background. Again, I would compare the quality of the bokeh to the 50f1.4, which is a compliment!

Well, there you have it! My first brief impressions of this very specialized type of optic. I can see that it will take a little while for me to get proficient with this lens but there is fun in the learning!! One more point to add here is that this is the first lens that I actually read the manual for!! It is a very thick booklet and goes into some detail as far as the principles of tilt/shift photography. The shot of Julia (no tilt or shift) is the first shot I took with this lens........obviously there was no tilt or shift since I had no idea how to tilt or shift the lens! Thanks for reading and looking. Comments and questions are always welcome and I will do my best to answer them!!

http://theteahaus.netfirms.com/DRebelPix/nfpicturepro/albums/userpics/10001/Julia-notilt.jpg

[Jon]

The usual masterful work. You may not have committed the theory to memory, but you've got the practice down pat.

On the hood - well, it has to be able to accomodate the lens tilts and shifts, so it's got to be extra wide. Petal hoods closely fit the lens coverage, but you hardly know where that's going to be on his, especially if tilt & shift are realigned.

Scheimpflug principle in brief - tilt the lens so the focal plane extended, the subject's desired plane of focus, and a perpendicular to the lens axis all converge at the same point for maximum DoF.

[cjm]

How does it work for say a building? Any noticeable difference?

[CorruptedPhotographer]

cj, what do you mean? Do you mean the shift function or tilt?

[MDJAK]

Schmoelzel, please tell me why you don't write for magazines? Oh, I know. You're just too good. I always look for your posts.

It's also fantastic to see your Julia growing up. Your photographic talent is amazing.

As to the lens, curious why you decided on the 45 instead of the 24. I've been wanting one of these tilt/shift lenses for quite sometime now. One day, probably after I add what I believe to be your favorite lens to my collection (85L sound familiar?) and the 300 f2.8.

Thanks. I'd love to see more samples of that lens at work.

mark

[cjm]

In John Freeman books he always talks about Tilt shift lens and how they make a building look straighter instead of the leaning back look. Just wondering if this lens does this. Looks like a great lens whatever it does.

[MDJAK]

In John Freeman books he always talks about Tilt shift lens and how they make a building look straighter instead of the leaning back look. Just wondering if this lens does this. Looks like a great lens whatever it does.

Yes, the tilt/shift lenses do that in spades.

[cjm]

Thats what I thought. Actually come to think of it I think John Freeman uses this lens.

[Mike K]

Lots of Tilt shift references (with an emphasis on tilt, not shift)

http://hame.ca/tiltshift.htm

Several galleries, and read the section of "Technical Explanation of T/S Photography".
And references to on line reviews of T/S lenses (including the one I wrote on the Hartblei 35).
Mike K

[schmoelzel]

The usual masterful work. You may not have committed the theory to memory, but you've got the practice down pat.

On the hood - well, it has to be able to accomodate the lens tilts and shifts, so it's got to be extra wide. Petal hoods closely fit the lens coverage, but you hardly know where that's going to be on his, especially if tilt & shift are realigned.

Scheimpflug principle in brief - tilt the lens so the focal plane extended, the subject's desired plane of focus, and a perpendicular to the lens axis all converge at the same point for maximum DoF.

Thank you Jon for the kind words!! Still have a lot to learn with this optic but half the fun is in the learning!! I am very surprised that this isn't considered an L lens........build, colour, contrast, all remind me of my favourite Canon L primes. It does have the L pricetag though!!

[Jon]

In John Freeman books he always talks about Tilt shift lens and how they make a building look straighter instead of the leaning back look. Just wondering if this lens does this. Looks like a great lens whatever it does.It will. That uses the shift, rather than the tilt, so you can keep the camera parallel to the building and raise the lens. Think of it as using a hugely excessive wide angle lens and cropping out just the part you need.

[lakiluno]

they really gotta disable the 8) smily - (f/2.8) can't really be taken seriously...

and they need to only have :o, and not :o and :oops: (that second one is : oops : to you and me)

anyway...A really full featured review, excellent. I still don't quite understand the whole tilt shift thing (I remember seeing something about it making buildings appear straight instead of getting narrower...whats that about?), but I'll just google it and spend some time reading.

Leo

[I Simonius]

Thank you Jon for the kind words!! Still have a lot to learn with this optic but half the fun is in the learning!! I am very surprised that this isn't considered an L lens........build, colour, contrast, all remind me of my favourite Canon L primes. It does have the L pricetag though!!

was the camera the 1Ds used for the child (Julia) pic?

[Double Negative]

Don't forget, a Canon service center (or you yourself!) can modify the lens to tilt AND shift on the same axis (by default they're 90º apart).

[schmoelzel]

Don't forget, a Canon service center (or you yourself!) can modify the lens to tilt AND shift on the same axis (by default they're 90º apart).

Good point....might do this; just not yet!!

[RAitch]

Like I said before, you could take a nice picture with a brick.
The tilt shift could be handy for some portrait work... Taking a head on shot of somebody looking to the side while keeping both eyes (facial plane) in focus. Man, that's gotta be touch with all those manual controls.

Look forward to more shots Michael.

[schmoelzel]

Schmoelzel, please tell me why you don't write for magazines? Oh, I know. You're just too good. I always look for your posts.

It's also fantastic to see your Julia growing up. Your photographic talent is amazing.

As to the lens, curious why you decided on the 45 instead of the 24. I've been wanting one of these tilt/shift lenses for quite sometime now. One day, probably after I add what I believe to be your favorite lens to my collection (85L sound familiar?) and the 300 f2.8.

Thanks. I'd love to see more samples of that lens at work.

mark

I am not too much of a landscape type of shooter so 45mm seems more logical to me than 24!! Plus, I had heard that the 45 and 90 TS-E's were optically better than the 24 (even though the 24 is the L lens!). Thanks for the compliments!!

[schmoelzel]

Like I said before, you could take a nice picture with a brick.
The tilt shift could be handy for some portrait work... Taking a head on shot of somebody looking to the side while keeping both eyes (facial plane) in focus. Man, that's gotta be touch with all those manual controls.

Look forward to more shots Michael.

Richard, it is an interesting type of lens!! I can see it being over-used though so you have to be really careful and use it (tilt) only when really needed!! Thanks for the compliment!! And yeah, manual focus takes some getting used to.......I think we have all been spoiled by the amazing AF qualitites in our canon glass and bodies.......

[schmoelzel]

was the camera the 1Ds used for the child (Julia) pic?

I wish Simon!! :D I still have my well-used 1D.......someday maybe FF but for now this is the camera for me!

[Double Negative]

I am not too much of a landscape type of shooter so 45mm seems more logical to me than 24!! Plus, I had heard that the 45 and 90 TS-E's were optically better than the 24 (even though the 24 is the L lens!). Thanks for the compliments!!
Yeah, the 24mm seems to be much worse off than the other two optically, despite the L. Weird - and too bad, as that would be much more useful for landscapes and architecture, IMO. But I guess you're really better off with the 45mm for architecture since it'll have less distortion over the 24mm. Just hope you're not operating in tight quarters...

[picnic]

Yeah, the 24mm seems to be much worse off than the other two optically, despite the L. Weird - and too bad, as that would be much more useful for landscapes and architecture, IMO. But I guess you're really better off with the 45mm for architecture since it'll have less distortion over the 24mm. Just hope you're not operating in tight quarters...

Can I bring this thread up again??? I'm renting the 24 T/S lens for 2 weeks--and have done a lot of research for the past year on this. I now have the 5D so it pushed me over the edge and I'm trying to decide what to do. Though I feel the 24 is wider than I want (esp. on FF), I will say that the 24 is terrific for landscapes--but VERY difficult to MF without an angle C viewer and a better screen. I have found a number of pros using this lens for both landscapes and architectural shots with great success and they feel their copies are very good. The one I'm renting also seems quite good though I haven't scrutinized it as I would a lens I bought.

Now--I'm trying to decide whether to jump into a T/S with a less expensive lens (Hartblei 35 or Arsat 35) or go for broke with the Canon 45. I suspect I'll go with the lesser and see how much I use the lens and how I use it (my interest is extension of the plane of focus, flat stitch panos, selective focus--and perspective control as the lesser use).

Diane

[DrPablo]

Regarding the 24 TSE, I bought mine used for $900 a couple weeks ago and use it on a 300D. It's magnificent. It has all the color rendition I expect from an L-lens. It loses a tiny bit of sharpness at full shift (11mm), but even at 9 and 10mm shift it's very sharp. Metering is the only tricky part for me, as it loses light with increasing shift but the camera won't meter accurately. So you need to meter with no shift, then do your shifting and adjust by about a stop (Canon discusses this in the manual). I've now put it on my 35mm Rebel G, and taking it around with some Velvia 100. With the full frame it goes from great to even better.

All these shots are at near full shift.


http://DrPablo.smugmug.com/photos/70056394-L-1.jpg



http://DrPablo.smugmug.com/photos/70306963-L.jpg



http://DrPablo.smugmug.com/photos/69797955-L.jpg

[schmoelzel]

Can I bring this thread up again??? I'm renting the 24 T/S lens for 2 weeks--and have done a lot of research for the past year on this. I now have the 5D so it pushed me over the edge and I'm trying to decide what to do. Though I feel the 24 is wider than I want (esp. on FF), I will say that the 24 is terrific for landscapes--but VERY difficult to MF without an angle C viewer and a better screen. I have found a number of pros using this lens for both landscapes and architectural shots with great success and they feel their copies are very good. The one I'm renting also seems quite good though I haven't scrutinized it as I would a lens I bought.

Now--I'm trying to decide whether to jump into a T/S with a less expensive lens (Hartblei 35 or Arsat 35) or go for broke with the Canon 45. I suspect I'll go with the lesser and see how much I use the lens and how I use it (my interest is extension of the plane of focus, flat stitch panos, selective focus--and perspective control as the lesser use).

Diane

I went the route of the inexpensive alternative (Hartblei) and while it was a good lens, Canon is better IMO! I know they are a lot more expensive but the results are worth it if you desire such a lens and the effect that you can bring to the table. I have had mine for over a month and while not the most intuitive lens in my bag, practice is fun and interesting results are often to be had!! Good luck with your decision.......have a search for posts by sGu here on the forums.....he has many superb examples taken with this optic!!

[picnic]

I went the route of the inexpensive alternative (Hartblei) and while it was a good lens, Canon is better IMO! I know they are a lot more expensive but the results are worth it if you desire such a lens and the effect that you can bring to the table. I have had mine for over a month and while not the most intuitive lens in my bag, practice is fun and interesting results are often to be had!! Good luck with your decision.......have a search for posts by sGu here on the forums.....he has many superb examples taken with this optic!!

I've rented the Canon 24 TSE for several weeks now--not due to go back until Tuesday, so I do know what the Canon can do---but there were some excellent comparisons done between the 24 and the Hartblei 35mm f/2.8 . For half the money, I'll see how I feel about the lens. I did not want the 24--so if I decide in the future to buy a Canon, it will be the 45. This is a good way to test the waters--will I use it enough to warrant $1100--or not. It will def. be a niche lens for me--and I'm undecided if it will be a keeper.I like sGu's images very much BTW- (and very envious of his environment for urban shooting)--but my style is quite different so the 35 is just about the right FL for me--and I do want the ability to rotate from perpendicular to parallel with the shift and tilt. You can do it with the Canon by unscrewing 4 little screws and rescrewing, but the rotation on the Hartlblei appeals to me also--without the 'surgery' LOL. Oh, and I have the Lensbaby too with tele and wide converters and macro lens, so I enjoy this style of shooting. With the T/S, I'll do some selective focusing, tilt for fore to infinity in focus, some perspective correction.

We'll see how it goes. T/S lenses seem to be 'hot' right now, so if I decide against it--I'll sell it and move on. Thanks for your input--good to hear others experience with them. BTW--do you have any shots with the Canon available??

Diane

[picnic]

Regarding the 24 TSE, I bought mine used for $900 a couple weeks ago and use it on a 300D. It's magnificent. It has all the color rendition I expect from an L-lens. It loses a tiny bit of sharpness at full shift (11mm), but even at 9 and 10mm shift it's very sharp. Metering is the only tricky part for me, as it loses light with increasing shift but the camera won't meter accurately. So you need to meter with no shift, then do your shifting and adjust by about a stop (Canon discusses this in the manual). I've now put it on my 35mm Rebel G, and taking it around with some Velvia 100. With the full frame it goes from great to even better.


No manual came with the rented lens but I had found good info on eosdocproject. I also got some good tips from others using T/S--and metering before shift/tilt was one of them. I meter, set up in manual and then tilt or shift--or both. I agree its very nice on FF--I'm using it on the 5D--but for my style of shooting, the 24 is wider than I prefer so the 35--or perhaps later the Canon 45 or 90 will be my preference.

[MDJAK]

Schmoelzel,

Any further shots with this lens? You should be an expert by now.

mark

[michael_]

yeah anymore im seriously considering this.

[schmoelzel]

yeah anymore im seriously considering this.


Wish I could but I just sold it last week and I honestly did not use it as much as I had hoped! At least I only lost 10% in price from what I paid! It is/was a good lens but it is definitely a specialist-type of optic. There was someone on these forums from Manchester England who had a a fabulous photoblog with many shots using this lens........made me have to have one!!

[StealthLude]

I really want one of these lenses for product photography and landscape...

Very sweet. Too much cool glass out there.

[jacobsen1]

a recent pano:
http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/beach-panos/Untitled_Panorama2.jpg

[ben_r_]

^^^^ Wow that is amazing!

Does no one else have this lens and care to post some pics of it? Id love to see more.

[jacobsen1]

I haven't had much time to shoot with mine lately unfortunately... But I did pickup the 24mm TS-E finally... I can't wait till the sun starts setting a wee bit later so I can shoot after work a bit more.

[Double Negative]

Nice, Ben. Definitely looking forward to those... And the warm weather!

[JDubya]

how about some updates ;)

[picnic]

how about some updates ;)

I've had my 45TS for maybe 2 years now. I love it--I use it with a variety of techniques---with tilt/swing for increased perceived DOF, shift for perspective correction, shift for 3 shot flat stitch panos, selective focusing and sometimes just as a manual focus 45 prime. I've put together some of the shots taken with the 45TS in a little Pbase gallery
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/tiltshift I consider it my most 'creative' lens.

Diane

[nazdravanul]

Thank you for the last link.
Some more photos would be really appreciated from everyone who owns/owned/uses/used this lens .... some 1dsII or even better, 1dsIII samples would be really great (:

[GMCPhotographics]

Here's a recent photograph from a trip to Ljubijania, Slovenia. Ok, I've abused it's intended function but i just love the creativity that this lens offers on a Canon 5D:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/2959006111_683209f26e_o.jpg

It can also make a pretty usefull 45mm lens for general stuff too, like landscapes:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/2959006459_d3184abd56_o.jpg

[timnosenzo]

Here's a recent photograph from a trip to Ljubijania, Slovenia. Ok, I've abused it's intended function but i just love the creativity that this lens offers on a Canon 5D:


It can also make a pretty usefull 45mm lens for general stuff too, like landscapes:



Great shots! I really want to pick up a TS-E lens, but I can't decide between the 45 and the 24. :confused:

[GMCPhotographics]

There's no easy answer as to which one to get. Both the 24 and 45 are highly usefull but have very different uses. I can see myself getting all three eventually.

[photoguy6405]

I've had my 45TS for maybe 2 years now. I love it--I use it with a variety of techniques---with tilt/swing for increased perceived DOF, shift for perspective correction, shift for 3 shot flat stitch panos, selective focusing and sometimes just as a manual focus 45 prime. I've put together some of the shots taken with the 45TS in a little Pbase gallery
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/tiltshift I consider it my most 'creative' lens.

Diane

Excellent pictures. Glad to read that you've had it for a couple years and still use it and enjoy it.

[timnosenzo]

This thread doesn't get much play, so I thought I would add a few photos. I just got this lens a couple of weeks ago, so I am still trying to figure it all out. I've been very happy with it so far. :)

http://www.timnosenzo.com/photos/492544722_3imB4-L.jpg

http://www.timnosenzo.com/photos/479895947_TGZqp-L-1.jpg

http://www.timnosenzo.com/photos/477170962_Lkf5f-L-1.jpg

http://www.timnosenzo.com/photos/478923214_wwm6q-L-1.jpg

http://www.timnosenzo.com/photos/482168926_xkbH9-L-1.jpg

[WhyFi]

Questions for those with experience with the 45 TS-E -

How's the handling of the focus? It is any easier to focus this than manually focusing a lens designed with AF in mind? Is the focus confirmation reliable? Are different screens recommended or needed?

Thanks much!

[TheGreatDivorce]

Just got mine yesterday, and had to take some "test" shots of a few of my favorite things, my girl, my dog, and my Subie. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/1st-day-tiltshift-0008lrz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/1st-day-tiltshift-0014lrz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/1st-day-tiltshift-0011lrz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/1st-day-tiltshift-0001lrz.jpg

[dkspook]

Curse it. I almost made it through an entire month without lens lust.

[Cole_Schmitt]

Would reallyy love to try TS! But I need a white lens right now :( :p

[timnosenzo]

Couple from yesterday.

http://www.timnosenzo.com/photos/528042177_nExQW-L-1.jpg

http://www.timnosenzo.com/photos/528041842_CwKcX-L.jpg

[MDJAK]

I forgot about this thread. Still relevant and excellent additions to the OP's fantastic work.

me

[stetsonaw]

Just picked one up today! I'll have some pics up soon! Prolly gonna 'mod' mine. Anyone have any pics with their lens 'twisted'?

[stetsonaw]

Just rotated it, same axis now! used this link
http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/modify_canon_tilt-shift.html

now i'm really excited! stay tuned!
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c104/Wires2k2/IMG_6409.jpg

[stetsonaw]

Canon EOS 5D ♠ 45mm TS-E ♠ ƒ/2.8
Test shots, which made me pull the trigger on it.
1.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2502/3690284178_25fdf760b7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stetsonaw/3690284178/)
2.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3690267458_9985cbbd67_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stetsonaw/3690267458/in/photostream)

[stetsonaw]

more TS-E fun, this time football
Canon EOS 5D ♠ 45mm TS-E ♠ ƒ/2.8 ♠ Full Tilt, no shift
Frank Bryant, Captain, Quarterback, USMC Bulldogs
Practice prior to a 17-14 win
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3694393880_ca47701feb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stetsonaw/3694393880/)

[sheawyatt]

I must say that is the first time I've seen sports shot with a TS lens. Nice work.

[stetsonaw]

I must say that is the first time I've seen sports shot with a TS lens. Nice work.
thanks! i'm gonna see what all different stuff i can do with this. really brings out the creative side.

[stetsonaw]

more 5D/TS-E 45 fun!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3506/3754393219_4956834cdf_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stetsonaw/3754393219/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2585/3754391841_54c3014cff_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stetsonaw/3754391841/)

[stetsonaw]

another... missed the focus, but i still like it.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/3756837933_d3208478b2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/people/stetsonaw)

[photoguy6405]

I like the two night shots. Very nice.

[stetsonaw]

^^thanks!

[mrloofer]

Revisiting this thread: How easy is this lens to focus and do you all use a focus screen?

[stetsonaw]

i've got an Ee-S in my 5D, focuses pretty easily. if you buy it, you won't regret it. the DOF is so fun with this!

[GMCPhotographics]

I like to use mine for fashion and portraiture:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3831094083_04ec013f3a_o.jpg

and

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3506/3831886322_033cc4c7c1_o.jpg

[mrloofer]

AWESOME shots! I love the TS effect. Been trying to reproduce it using Photoshop but it doesn't even come close to the real thing. I also like the color and contrast this lens gives. I just decided to order the focus screen and I'm going to rent the lens this weekend. Any tips on using the lens for portrait work?

[stetsonaw]

Gareth, great shots!

take your time, i do what i can to use the AF points in the camera (in MF they beep/flash once you've achieved your target focus). you'll also notice that the metering is a bit off once you tilt or shift. best to take a test photo (no tilt or shift) in shutter- or aperture-priority, get your exposure, flip over to manual, plug your settings in, then tilt or shift. granted, not always perfect, but it definitely helps.

btw mrloofer, your flickr doesn't work.

[mrloofer]

@Stet - thanks for that, I had recently closed my Flickr account and created a new one.

Is there a particular method for shooting portraits on this lens that you use and can share?

Cheers.

Edit: I guess what I'm wanting to know is do you just use the tilt feature for the cool DOF effects for portraits or a combination of tilt and shift?

[stetsonaw]

My new '08 Mazda3 i Sport! I love this car!
All photos are 45mm Tilt-Shifted with my 5D :D
Enjoy!
Click picture for it's flickr page, and please let me know what you think.

Courthouse (Tax/title/registration :()
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2618/3843739952_ba6d85bb87_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stetsonaw/3843739952/)

Props
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3843746558_41eacb52d9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stetsonaw/3843746558/)

Pipeline (not sure what kind)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/3842965743_5f9459c902_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stetsonaw/3842965743/)

Reflection of greatness
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3842986727_e4d53152d3_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stetsonaw/3842986727/)

Exactly what this car is... accidental coincidence, didn't notice the sign pole until i started processing my images.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/3842939347_44c7829cb9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stetsonaw/3842939347/)

[mrloofer]

Been having some fun with this since getting it yesterday.

http://www.alanlougher.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/img_2626-edit.jpg

http://www.alanlougher.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/img_2616-edit.jpg

[stetsonaw]

this lens is so epic for car photography, shots look good Alan!

[mrloofer]

Thanks Stet! Here's some more I shot today of my 4yr old daughter. The one thing I noticed with this lens is it's very contrasty, my B&W conversions yield very rich blacks.

http://www.alanlougher.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/img_2650-edit-edit.jpg

http://www.alanlougher.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/img_2679-edit-edit.jpg

http://www.alanlougher.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/img_2682-edit.jpg

[stetsonaw]

yes, it is a very high contrast lens, love it!

[J-B]

Great photos Alan, I like nr. 2 the most

[brownbugger]

Thanks Stet! Here's some more I shot today of my 4yr old daughter. The one thing I noticed with this lens is it's very contrasty, my B&W conversions yield very rich blacks.

http://www.alanlougher.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/img_2650-edit-edit.jpg

http://www.alanlougher.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/img_2679-edit-edit.jpg

http://www.alanlougher.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/img_2682-edit.jpg

amazing shots ! pictures reminds me of an era long gone

[stetsonaw]

great shots again alan, good to see more traffic in this thread!

[stetsonaw]

one more...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2525/3843759694_388533eb4e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stetsonaw/3843759694/)

[stetsonaw]

i'm lonely in here...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2628/3953996613_a111e7001e_b.jpg

[Rap Sizzle]

If Canon comes out with a Mark II version of this lens, I'd be all over it. Although if I find one at a good price I might just pull the trigger.

[stetsonaw]

you wouldn't regret it!

[trumpet_guy]

f/6.3, without tilt

http://www.pbase.com/tswen/image/117931636/original.jpg


f/6.3, with 4 degrees of tilt, a little closer to the subject also

http://www.pbase.com/tswen/image/117931631/original.jpg

[MikeRichards]

Can't wait to get mine...should be here on Wednesday!! Woop, woop!

[geo1976]

I want one!!! I've seen 2 so far for sale...but I have no money. I'll bet you $5.23 that when I do get the money together there won't be any for sale!!!

[GMCPhotographics]

There's a few for sale at the moment, because people are selling their TS-e 45mm and several body parts to fund the TS-e 17 / 24 lenses

[timecut]

Bought one two weeks ago and i just love it.
http://www.timecutphoto.com/photos/776086718_yjNjJ-L-1.jpghttp://www.timecutphoto.com/photos/776087114_dpAvp-L.jpg
http://www.timecutphoto.com/photos/775695487_z7rNP-L-2.jpg

[Kurotinka]

Just got mine last week. Liking it so far. hehe heres my contribution

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4360907794_07f5f0f150_b.jpg

[geo1976]

Just got mine last week. Liking it so far. hehe heres my contribution

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4360907794_07f5f0f150_b.jpg

I recently got one myself. Perhaps I should play with it more and figure it out but I get blur on both top and bottom, or when I spin it, side to side. In your picture you have it all on one side. How?

[Kurotinka]

I recently got one myself. Perhaps I should play with it more and figure it out but I get blur on both top and bottom, or when I spin it, side to side. In your picture you have it all on one side. How?

I shot a lot of practice shots, but i dont think i spun it or anything. I believe it was halfway tilted right. I would say just keep shooting with it and practice. hehe oh yeah lets see some shots! hehe

[j_ambrose]

Dying to pick one of these up lately, just gotta find one at a good price!

[Kurotinka]

Another set of photos i took with my 45. Hehe Taken for my community nursing class.


Highland Park, Michigan
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4408660579_f41c0dca02_b.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2790/4408663025_d75e1d77aa_b.jpghttp://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4408663131_e4fc8d6542_o.jpg

[johnaengus]

Ive been thinking about selling my 50L and getting one of these.

[shimmishim]

Just got mine last week... It snowed like crazy this past tuesday here in knoxville

http://www.johnshim.com/uploads/2010/030410/fb-101.jpg

http://www.johnshim.com/uploads/2010/030410/fb-102.jpg

[MigsVuitton]

Finally got my hands on one!

http://www.5byseven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/divinetuan1.jpg

[Skriz]

Very neat!

[MigsVuitton]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4858405428_e04ba899a7_b.jpg

[tjames]

grrr, and just when I thought my kit was complete I stumble across this thread.. thanks alot guys...

[photoguy6405]

grrr, and just when I thought my kit was complete I stumble across this thread.. thanks alot guys...
Always glad to help. ;)

[mananetwork]

Yay, get to put myself into a new thread :D

LOVE this lens!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4934562636_084eb3f619_b.jpg

[alainphoto]

I am looking forward to join the TS-E club, on 45 or 90 mm, current version or - who knows - mark II ones ...

thank you for the very nices images on this thread, it is a pleasure to see ;)

[Marloon]

I am looking forward to join the TS-E club, on 45 or 90 mm, current version or - who knows - mark II ones ...

thank you for the very nices images on this thread, it is a pleasure to see ;)

Hurry! join the crew! this lens is amazing! Can't wait for my turn!

[Marloon]

The learning curve is so steep... Yet i'm enjoying it.

http://i51.tinypic.com/dgrtoo.jpg

[coirchlid]

I picked this lens up as a rental for a day and ended up extending the rental to a week (I'm on my 3rd day). I was interested in just trying it out since I've seen pictures all over the internet taken with TS lenses. Now I'm seriously considering buying one of my own. I want one soo bad! These lenses really add to the capabilities of a photographer, and they really add to the fun and joy of photography.

The problem with depth of field with subjects up close is one I often encounter, and I absolutely have a blast with manipulating the depth of field of landscapes and larger subjects.

Here's four of my favorites so far.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5059091076_a2f4e928fc_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyanea_gw/5059091076/)
f6.3 fully tilted left

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5058477727_549ec94f86_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyanea_gw/5058477727/)
f2.8 fully tilted up

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5058479243_b54e7c46fc_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyanea_gw/5058479243/)
f2.8 fully tilted sideways (L or R I don't remember)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/5058479001_8dab2b0a45_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyanea_gw/5058479001/)
f2.8 full tilted down

[helloagain36]

I can't get over how quiet this thread is despite how many wedding and portrait photographers use this lens. I know its a bit of a specialty lens but I have been seeing so many TS shots in portfolios recently I expected this to be a happening thread (unless everyone is PSing the effect in). Thinking about picking this up before my 2011 wedding season starts. I'd love to see some more examples from those using this lens in wedding/portrait situations.

[GMCPhotographics]

It's quite simple, as a professional....I don't want to educate the entire world about this niche effect. It's nice, it's fun, it's a bitch to learn and it gets over used far too easily. A bit like a fisheye....once or twice in a wedding / portrait shoot is cool....anymore than that and it gets very tedious very quickly

[KAS]

...but don't forget that you can still use the lens for what it was intended. Get those good venue shots without the distortion.

...I could definitely find a use for it. :)

[Marloon]

Yes! It is a very specialized lens! You can only use it once in a while during events and engagements. After that it gets repetitive and gets quite disgusting.

[Marloon]

http://i53.tinypic.com/35jbalw.jpg

[Marloon]

just a snap of my girlfriend with this lens. I have yet to use it in the engagement application. Will do this weekend.

http://i54.tinypic.com/24doh06.jpg

[photoguy6405]

Yes! It is a very specialized lens! You can only use it once in a while during events and engagements. After that it gets repetitive and gets quite disgusting.
Yes, it is a specialized lens, but like anything specialized if it is used properly and sparingly and in context it never loses its appeal. It's always a fine tool when used for DOF and/or perspective control. It gets old quick when used for the "trick" shots to make everything look small or selective focus.

[mananetwork]

Only lens I had on the camera at the time when I bumped into this guy lol

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1226/5098487865_94d2467a9e_b.jpg

[photoguy6405]

Only lens I had on the camera at the time when I bumped into this guy lol
Very nice. I like it.

[davo_robbo]

Gotta love this lens for portraits!


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1192/5109604699_6c70912a40_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1256/5109606219_6dfa5b01b3_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1157/5110205790_bf468ab096_o.jpg

[Marloon]

Gotta love this lens for portraits!

It really is great for portraits! I used it for my recent shoot!

http://i51.tinypic.com/nxuo8y.jpg

[Marloon]

Only lens I had on the camera at the time when I bumped into this guy lol

Awesome shot Tom!

[djharmonix]

Got this lens today, it's very impressive!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/djharmonix/253Q2820copy.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/djharmonix/253Q2807copy.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/djharmonix/253Q2876copy.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/djharmonix/253Q2887copy.jpg

More to come!

[Karizmatik]

http://kariz-matik.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/SS-37.jpg

[GMCPhotographics]

Nice shot ^^^ but this really shows why fashion editors don't like TS-E effects....it's destroys the detail in the model's outfit. In this case, I can't imagine many brides really going for the out of focus dress look when they've paid a small fortune for it in the first place.
As much as i love my TS-E 45mm, it hardly gets used because most of my Brides generally say that they'd prefer to see their dress...

[djharmonix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/djharmonix/253Q3231copy.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/djharmonix/253Q3199copy.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/djharmonix/253Q3234copy-1.jpg

[Thomas Hopkins]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/djharmonix/253Q3234copy-1.jpg

What a great photo, I love this one.

[Karizmatik]

Nice shot ^^^ but this really shows why fashion editors don't like TS-E effects....it's destroys the detail in the model's outfit. In this case, I can't imagine many brides really going for the out of focus dress look when they've paid a small fortune for it in the first place.
As much as i love my TS-E 45mm, it hardly gets used because most of my Brides generally say that they'd prefer to see their dress...

Man, I'm glad I don't have your brides, then lol. The bride and especially the groom specifically asked for me to use the TS on their day. The groom even offered to hire me one, if I didn't have one already. But even in the shot above, I could have tilted the TS slightly differently to preserve the dress, while still achieving bokeh in the trees. It's all taste.

The TS-E is like salt in that sense -- Use it too much, it'll ruin a meal. Just a little here and there though, it seasons it nicely. Of course if every shot of the Bride was TS'd, they'd be pissed. I use it maybe 5-10 times through-out the entirety of a day, though.

[coirchlid]

djharmonix, those are some beautiful shots. I especially like the one of the mural under the bridge, and the photos with the snow.

[Marloon]

I really like this lens! It's so creative that i still have to learn it's limitations and where and what situations it shines in.

http://i52.tinypic.com/10zz1hy.jpg

[Marloon]

great shots djharmonix & Karizmatik! We need more samples!!! :D

[Karizmatik]

Thanks, Marloon. And you're totally right - There are some situations it just doesn't work in. But it really does shine when you find the right spot. I really love what I can achieve with it -- It reminds me of when I first started photography; unsure of the outcome of each shot, it was challenging, etc, etc. Good fun.

One from the other day,

http://kariz-matik.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/IMG_2412.jpg

[djharmonix]

thanks for all the nice comments guys.
The lens does everything tho!

http://www.pbase.com/nicolasshapiro/image/130453738/original.jpg

[fnothaft]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4934562636_084eb3f619_b.jpg

Absolutely love this shot. Definitely picking up this lens when I move to FF.

[Karizmatik]

I love this lens. Even for ceremonies.

http://kariz-matik.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/DM-33.jpg

[brownbugger]

I love this lens. Even for ceremonies.

http://kariz-matik.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/DM-33.jpg


Fantastic !! I love your shooting style

[helloagain36]

Still looking for this lens, might need to break down and buy it new, used ones don't seem to come around very often.

[helloagain36]

Finally found one! I can hope for it to get here by the weekend but more than likely won't be here until next week, super excited though.

[kMayer]

I want this lens soo bad. How many of you 5D MK II owner's use live view when using this lens? I'm wondering how easy it would be to focus through the view finder on my 5Dc.

[Karizmatik]

I want this lens soo bad. How many of you 5D MK II owner's use live view when using this lens? I'm wondering how easy it would be to focus through the view finder on my 5Dc.

I used to use live-view but it chewed the battery something unbelievable. I bought a new focusing screen (The super precision matte one) and since then, I don't need the live-view and it's actually even more accurate with the new screen then it was on the live-view.

[kMayer]

What screen did you get?

[GMCPhotographics]

I've been a long time user of the Fine Focus Screen. It's great for good light situations. the problem with it is where light is poor, the reduction in viewfinder brightness is really noticable....Which is why I have one 5DII with a Grid screen and one with a fine focus screen.

[Karizmatik]

I've been a long time user of the Fine Focus Screen. It's great for good light situations. the problem with it is where light is poor, the reduction in viewfinder brightness is really noticable....Which is why I have one 5DII with a Grid screen and one with a fine focus screen.

I don't understand the problem with that -- I've shot at night with this lens (2.8 - All my other are 1.2 / 1.4 etc, so no problem with those lenses, only 2.8 and up) and never noticed a difference, even then. I mean sure, it is slightly darker than the average - But never enough to hinder shooting.

[djharmonix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/djharmonix/_53Q4607copy.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/djharmonix/4821St-Laurent-12copy.jpg

[hhuy888]

hi Nicolas,

I checked your signiture out and notice you have a 17L lens as well. Does Canon actually make a 17L lens? or it is just the ts-e 17?

thx,

[Karizmatik]

http://kariz-matik.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/IMG_3152-800.jpg

[djharmonix]

hi Nicolas,

I checked your signiture out and notice you have a 17L lens as well. Does Canon actually make a 17L lens? or it is just the ts-e 17?

thx,

Hi,
I wrote 17L because it's also an ''L'' series but yes, I'm talking about the 17TS-E.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/djharmonix/_53Q4964copy_1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/djharmonix/_53Q5002copy_1.jpg

[The Ghost of FM]

Does this lens have the rotate feature?

I read in the specs on B&H's web page about the lens that it does but wasn't sure if that was just a misprint?

Can someone who has one confirm or clarify?

Thanks.

Cheers!

[realmike15]

Does this lens have the rotate feature?

I read in the specs on B&H's web page about the lens that it does but wasn't sure if that was just a misprint?

Can someone who has one confirm or clarify?

Thanks.

Cheers!

Yes, all the current TS-E models have this. :D

[djharmonix]

Yes, all the current TS-E models have this. :D

Actually the 45ts-e can only rotate the whole lens altogether.

Meaning you cannot rotate the tilt/shift control independently. Only by unscrewing part of the lens which is a semi-permanent mod.

As fas as I know, only the 17ts-e and the 24ts-e can rotate both tilt and shift independently. I guess this is one of the reason why they will come out with a re-designed version of both the 45 and the 90ts-e.

[realmike15]

Actually the 45ts-e can only rotate the whole lens altogether.

Meaning you cannot rotate the tilt/shift control independently. Only by unscrewing part of the lens which is a semi-permanent mod.

As fas as I know, only the 17ts-e and the 24ts-e can rotate both tilt and shift independently. I guess this is one of the reason why they will come out with a re-designed version of both the 45 and the 90ts-e.

I don't think he's talking about that though, if you look at his question. Yes it's true in order to switch the Tilt and Shift function from Perpendicular to Parallel you do have to take the 45mm and 90mm apart... but again I think he's talking about rotating the entire lens, not just the Tilt or Shift function independently.

[djharmonix]

well, if the lens didnt rotate, it would be pretty much useless.
Already the fact that it doesn't rotate independently, I find it very limited.

[The Ghost of FM]

Thanks for the quick responses.

I was aware of the non-independent rotate. But wasn't sure if even the whole thing could rotate without unscrewing anything.

So it's basically just the 90mm which has no factory installed rotate feature then...and the 24mm mk I of course, correct?

Cheers!

[realmike15]

Thanks for the quick responses.

I was aware of the non-independent rotate. But wasn't sure if even the whole thing could rotate without unscrewing anything.

So it's basically just the 90mm which has no factory installed rotate feature then...and the 24mm mk I of course, correct?

Cheers!

Nope, I tried them out just recently in the store. All the current TS-E lenses can rotate.

[djharmonix]

Nope, I tried them out just recently in the store. All the current TS-E lenses can rotate.

you were right then! lol

Again if the TS lenses couldn't rotate they would be half useless!

[The Ghost of FM]

Nope, I tried them out just recently in the store. All the current TS-E lenses can rotate.
Thanks for clarifying that. ;)

Cheers!

[hhuy888]

this lens is difficult to use, but i can not live without it so i bought, sold and bought again. Here is my contribution to this great lens.

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh478/hoangv/HEMET/HEMET2126_small.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh478/hoangv/HEMET/HEMET2045C_small.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh478/hoangv/HEMET/HEMET2060C_small.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh478/hoangv/HEMET/HEMET2030B_small.jpg

[Karizmatik]

this lens is difficult to use, but i can not live without it so i bought, sold and bought again. Here is my contribution to this great lens.

I have to ask... How is it "hard" to use? And what is with the weird purple stuff in your images? Might want to send that back - Looks like mutated, mega purple fringing.

[djharmonix]

Shot my brother's ceremony of becomming a lawyer yesterday (dunno the word in english sorry) .
I used only the 45, no flash. Wanted to give a special look to his pictures. Yes a 24-70 w/580 would have done a better job but I'm happy with the shots. I love this lens because it gives a totally unique look.
I used f2.8-f4, tilted.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/djharmonix/_53Q5066copy.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/djharmonix/_53Q5069copy.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/djharmonix/_53Q5072copy.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/djharmonix/_53Q5078copy.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/djharmonix/_53Q5114copy.jpg

[hhuy888]

I have to ask... How is it "hard" to use? And what is with the weird purple stuff in your images? Might want to send that back - Looks like mutated, mega purple fringing.

it is hard to get sharp focus when shooting models who are used to fast speed of AF and
i feel there is a lot of possibilities this lens can offer, but not many good images available on the net to learn from (maybe i have not found the right source yet). Therefore, i need to explore on my own... Maybe it is just me, finding things hard because i am slow.

the "weird" purple stuff is my own addition because that is how i like it, i am not a trained photographer but a painter/scupltor instead and i like things that are off and weird ;D

...

hope i answered your curiosity.

[realmike15]

you were right then! lol

Again if the TS lenses couldn't rotate they would be half useless!

Well like I was saying before, the TSE 24mm II can rotate the Tilt-Shift functions so that they are perpendicular or parallel to each other... that's something the 45mm and 90mm will not do without taking them apart.

It'll probably be added with the update of the 45mm which according to Canon Rumors may not be too far away.

[hhuy888]

Well like I was saying before, the TSE 24mm II can rotate the Tilt-Shift functions so that they are perpendicular or parallel to each other... that's something the 45mm and 90mm will not do without taking them apart.

It'll probably be added with the update of the 45mm which according to Canon Rumors may not be too far away.

the new 45 ii and 90 ii will be nice and propably $800-$1000 more then the mark i. So, i would not worry and just buy the mark i to use it now. Sell later to buy the mark ii, if the upgrade is worth it.

There are a lot of rumors about many things. My gut feeling is: it is going to be awhile for the new 45 ii and 90 ii. Maybe a Canon 14-24mm 2.8 L that is even sharper then the Nikon 14-24.... We will see ;D

[davo_robbo]

From a recent shoot :)
More up on my blog! (http://www.davidrobertson.com.au/)


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5209/5273547270_476fb94b7b_o.jpg