Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS USA

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

It takes practice to learn how to use the lens at first but no worries it's not difficult. Great lens, a "must have" for interiors and architectural work. As always - best service from B&H!

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

I do a lot of architectural photography including Real Estate. With this lens I am avoiding lots of time in Photoshop trying to correct the distortion I get with my Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L USM lens (which is a great lens but vertical and horizontal lines near the edges at the widest settings are often skewed). With this lens the lines are almost always perfect. Saves me editing time plus I don't have to crop anything out. I have not yet played with the tilt but I am excited to do so. Lots of creative opportunities with this lens.

Very solid and well built. Controls are solid and work well. You do have to manually focus but that is normal for me. I have the "S" focusing screen for my Canon 5D Mk II which aids manual focusing.

Not everyone needs a lens like this but if you do this one is a winner.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

I use this lens for real estate and landscape. For a long time, I struggled with my choices: canon's 14mm, 16-35mm, and this one. Man, am I glad I chose this. Not only does it allow you to correct tall structures from the "falling over" look, but this lens allows you to force the focus of your photo, by blurring everything around it.

F/4 can be annoying, but I always carry a tripod so it doesn't bother me too much.

Sharp as a tack.

A filter would be nice, but I'll take everything else this lens has offer instead. The bulbous front end makes you more responsible with your gear ;)

The creative possibilities are endless thanks to this lens.

A real gem on the 5D mark III

Do yourself a favor: take the leap!!!

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

This thing is awesome. But it should be for the price.

The best feature is that the shift rotates independently of the tilt so no more disassembling the lens to change the alignment! It also has a tilt lock switch (locks at 0 degrees), and a tilt lock knob (for arbitrary locks).

I could be wrong, but it seems that I have more shift range over the 24mm (ver 1) that I also own. That makes for a larger image if you composite.

The worse part of it is I can't use a CPL because this lens is not compatible with filters due to the massive lump of beautiful glass protruding from the front.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

I started using shift lenses for my architectural work when I made the transition from film to digital imaging. I've used many brands including Schneider, Canon, Nikon and Hartblei. All have done the job to different levels of satisfaction, but they all have had weaknesses. That being the case, I pursue the best glass which can mean changing the platform more frequently that I would like.

P.C. lenses started as shift only, eventually the tilt function was added. The final enhancement, done by Canon, was a full rotator feature which allows tilting, used to manipulate depth of field in either vertical or horizontal orientation. At this time, that makes the Canon 17MM TS-E and the Canon 24MM TS-E II, the top choices for feature set. Nikon's PC-E lenses have tilt and shift functions, but not the rotator feature. The Canon lenses also offer larger control knobs for than Nikon's PC-E lenses, which for me, with large hands, is a significant factor.

All of this would mean nothing if the optical qualities were not top notch as well. I have found the 17MM to be an outstanding performer.
The sharpness is wonderful, the rendering excellent. I have found no barrel distortion or mustache issues with this lens. I have even produced a three image vertical stitch with it and it held up beautifully.

The lens being an F4, is dim in low light situations, I would recommend using live view is those circumstances. It has a snow globe front end, like Nikon's 14-24MM, filters cannot be used and it is vulnerable to impact or scratching. The lens is hefty. This is a lens to be handled gingerly.

A great feature set, outstanding optical performance and robust build
make this a great choice for architectural and landscape photographers. I recommend this lens highly.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

This is a great lens. If you're in the market, this is the one to get. Absolutely incredible. Super sharp images, very flexible. If you shoot architecture this it!

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

definitely sharpest wide angle i've used. its ability to change/straighten perspective and tilt focus plane are opportunities for greater creative expression. love this lens and used with the canon 1.4x tc iii, becomes a sharp ~24mm that has the same capabilities. top image and build quality.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

I shoot architecture and landscape and for many years the only solution to getting good perspective control on wide angle shots was to use a Phase One back with a Rodenstock 28mm HR. While that is still a superior setup optically, the Canon 17mm TSE is no slouch. With that said, I LOVE THIS LENS.

In fact, I rarely pull out the Rodi/P1 combo because the whole 35mm setup is so much faster and easier to work with.

Optically it is very good. My only complaint is that when I have it shifted all the way out to the edges of the image circle it gets a little soft. As expected. Well within tolerances though.

Let's put it this way, within a studio of 3 architectural photographers, I drool over my colleagues' Nikon 14-24 and they drool over my 17TSE.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

What a heartbreaker!

Before ordering this TS-E 17mm f/4L, I checked all the review sites. None tested its performance when tilted. It looked good by the tests they did do. So I ordered it.

The following results and observations are from testing the lens in carefully controlled conditions on two Canon 5D Mark II bodies.

I have been using view cameras and/or tilt-shift lenses for over 30 years. There are lenses that are optically designed to perform well when tilted and/or shifted. This is definitely not one of them.

The TS-E 17mm f/4L optically turns to junk when tilted. Tilted as little as 1 degree, the image quality visibly deteriorates, and it is only useable tilted up to 2 degrees. When tilted 3 degrees or more, the image quality becomes bad beyond belief.

If you absolutely MUST use this lens in tilted mode, just know that you must stop down to f22, use a lot of software sharpening, and know that your final image size will only look acceptable up to maybe 4x6"

When UNTILTED, this lens performs amazingly well for a 17mm rectilinear lens, with very little geometric distortion and chromatic aberration. At f4, the corners are a little soft, but with selective software sharpening and vignetting compensation, a usable image can be created. f5.6 is very good, and f8-11 creates images that need no help at all. Very nice and amazing for a 17mm rectilinear lens!

Its shifted performance is mediocre, as the outer edges of the image circle deteriorate in quality. If you shift only a few millimeters and stop down to f11-16, you can come away with an acceptable image.

So here's the bottom line. If Canon chose to sell this glass as a 17mm rectilinear wide-angle lens, it would be a masterpiece, or close to it. If they chose to put it in a mount that allowed shifts of just a few mm, it would be nice. But when packaged in a mount that allows tilts, it becomes a major disappointment and a real black-eye for Canon. Canon needs to hire someone from Schneider or Rodenstock to learn how to create glass that can be tilted, because this lens doesn't even come close. The lens feels and looks nice, and operates smoothly. But all for naught.

So I am forced to return the lens.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

Bought from B&H and shipped fine to Bahrain about 2 years ago (?), this lens travels permanently with me. From f11 even sharp at edges (mine anway). One of the locking tabs has never worked but this is not really an issue because there are scew locks as well. More versatile than you would think because it is so fast to use. Would have liked a seal between lens and camera. Dust a problem in the Middle East - anything helps. So long as you get into the habit of adding the lens cover when moving the camera, the protracted front element is not a problem. Flare is as you would expect but can be overcome in most circumstances - you just have to be aware. This is a very useful lens.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

Fabuloso

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

I rented this lens for an architectural shoot, and it's pretty amazing. I'd highly recommend it. In addition to typical architectural shoots, it would be great for video where you want to shoot something like a conveyor belt from one and, and want the entire belt in focus.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

After only a few weeks with this lens, I can genuinely say 'money well spent.'

The shift aspect of the lens has not only served as a great help for architectural shots, but it's allowed me the ability to further flatten shots that are intended to have very intentional dimensions. It's also handy when trying to stretch out a little beyond my limits, ie shooting on or near a cliff, I can avoid getting nearby brush or other aspects in frame, and capture beautiful landscapes.

The tilt aspect creates amazing 'miniature' photography, which was one thing that I have looked forward to seeing with this lens. I have not been able to use the tilt on the lens to extend my depth of field for products or whatever you may be shooting, but this will no doubt resolve any of those troubles.

Most importantly, this lens opened my range of focal lengths, even though I have a 24mm 1.4L. The additional width that this lens provides truly opens up your camera to take more breathtaking photographs with ease.

The 17 TS-E has jumped to the top of my list of favorite lenses.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

So glad I have this lens. The images I've seen in my mind for the past 10 years are now coming to light thanks to the capabilities of this lens.

Get the smallHD DP6 to compliment the lens and you will not be sorry. Even with my bad eyes the software of the DP6 makes focusing a non-issue.

Insanely sharp from corner to corner. Makes my 16-35mm 2.8 L look like a piker.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

Fantastic lens for landscape and buildings. No complaints for the lens, but only drawback is not be able to use split density filters.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

It is a very expense lens but if you shoot architectural or Interiors it give you the edge that you need to please demanding clients . Is true that you can correct in photoshop prospective from a regular lens but you will lose some of the frame .Very sharp lens you don' need more medium format.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

For detailed wide angle shots and absolute control, this is the lens. It does have a precarious lens protrusion so it must be used with care - but the results are worth it. No discernible distortion - lines are straight and level. For architectural shooting, this lens is a must. I wish every lens I owned was up to this level - only surpassed slightly by the TS-E 24mm. Only sorry I waited so long to get it.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

I had the original 24 TS-E and upgraded it - I like those lenses so much and wasn't keen on my 17-40, so I'm hoping the 17 TS-E will satisfy my more.
So far, I love the results - no vignetting when used without any shift and sharp edge to edge.
I love the flexibility - I use the shift a lot and occasionally the tilt - but it's also great for stitching and accepts the extenders.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

As a professional architectural photographer, the first tests I have done with this lens are wonderful. It is very sharp, though as a manual focus lens, you have to be very careful with your focussing. Even with its full shift, there is very little vignetting in the upper corners of the frame.

The lens is very heavy and has to be handled delicately. Because of its protruding front element, it has to be handled even more carefully, covering it with the lens cap after virtually every shot. The first few tests I did were all hand held, making it clear it can be used like that fairly easily.

I would recommend this lens unhesitatingly to those who shoot architecture.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

If you shoot architecture, interior or landscape and use a full frame camera, consider this lens a necessary purchase. It works like a charm and no more skewed lines from buildings.
The images are tack sharp front to back and the color is perfect.
This lens performs amazingly well for a 17mm rectilinear lens, with very little geometric distortion and chromatic aberration. F4.0 is very good, and F8-11 creates images that need no help at all. Amazing for a 17mm rectilinear lens!

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

It takes practice to learn how to use the lens at first but no worries it's not difficult. Great lens, a "must have" for interiors and architectural work. As always - best service from B&H!

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

I do a lot of architectural photography including Real Estate. With this lens I am avoiding lots of time in Photoshop trying to correct the distortion I get with my Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L USM lens (which is a great lens but vertical and horizontal lines near the edges at the widest settings are often skewed). With this lens the lines are almost always perfect. Saves me editing time plus I don't have to crop anything out. I have not yet played with the tilt but I am excited to do so. Lots of creative opportunities with this lens.

Very solid and well built. Controls are solid and work well. You do have to manually focus but that is normal for me. I have the "S" focusing screen for my Canon 5D Mk II which aids manual focusing.

Not everyone needs a lens like this but if you do this one is a winner.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

I use this lens for real estate and landscape. For a long time, I struggled with my choices: canon's 14mm, 16-35mm, and this one. Man, am I glad I chose this. Not only does it allow you to correct tall structures from the "falling over" look, but this lens allows you to force the focus of your photo, by blurring everything around it.

F/4 can be annoying, but I always carry a tripod so it doesn't bother me too much.

Sharp as a tack.

A filter would be nice, but I'll take everything else this lens has offer instead. The bulbous front end makes you more responsible with your gear ;)

The creative possibilities are endless thanks to this lens.

A real gem on the 5D mark III

Do yourself a favor: take the leap!!!

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

This thing is awesome. But it should be for the price.

The best feature is that the shift rotates independently of the tilt so no more disassembling the lens to change the alignment! It also has a tilt lock switch (locks at 0 degrees), and a tilt lock knob (for arbitrary locks).

I could be wrong, but it seems that I have more shift range over the 24mm (ver 1) that I also own. That makes for a larger image if you composite.

The worse part of it is I can't use a CPL because this lens is not compatible with filters due to the massive lump of beautiful glass protruding from the front.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

I started using shift lenses for my architectural work when I made the transition from film to digital imaging. I've used many brands including Schneider, Canon, Nikon and Hartblei. All have done the job to different levels of satisfaction, but they all have had weaknesses. That being the case, I pursue the best glass which can mean changing the platform more frequently that I would like.

P.C. lenses started as shift only, eventually the tilt function was added. The final enhancement, done by Canon, was a full rotator feature which allows tilting, used to manipulate depth of field in either vertical or horizontal orientation. At this time, that makes the Canon 17MM TS-E and the Canon 24MM TS-E II, the top choices for feature set. Nikon's PC-E lenses have tilt and shift functions, but not the rotator feature. The Canon lenses also offer larger control knobs for than Nikon's PC-E lenses, which for me, with large hands, is a significant factor.

All of this would mean nothing if the optical qualities were not top notch as well. I have found the 17MM to be an outstanding performer.
The sharpness is wonderful, the rendering excellent. I have found no barrel distortion or mustache issues with this lens. I have even produced a three image vertical stitch with it and it held up beautifully.

The lens being an F4, is dim in low light situations, I would recommend using live view is those circumstances. It has a snow globe front end, like Nikon's 14-24MM, filters cannot be used and it is vulnerable to impact or scratching. The lens is hefty. This is a lens to be handled gingerly.

A great feature set, outstanding optical performance and robust build
make this a great choice for architectural and landscape photographers. I recommend this lens highly.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

This is a great lens. If you're in the market, this is the one to get. Absolutely incredible. Super sharp images, very flexible. If you shoot architecture this it!

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

definitely sharpest wide angle i've used. its ability to change/straighten perspective and tilt focus plane are opportunities for greater creative expression. love this lens and used with the canon 1.4x tc iii, becomes a sharp ~24mm that has the same capabilities. top image and build quality.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

I shoot architecture and landscape and for many years the only solution to getting good perspective control on wide angle shots was to use a Phase One back with a Rodenstock 28mm HR. While that is still a superior setup optically, the Canon 17mm TSE is no slouch. With that said, I LOVE THIS LENS.

In fact, I rarely pull out the Rodi/P1 combo because the whole 35mm setup is so much faster and easier to work with.

Optically it is very good. My only complaint is that when I have it shifted all the way out to the edges of the image circle it gets a little soft. As expected. Well within tolerances though.

Let's put it this way, within a studio of 3 architectural photographers, I drool over my colleagues' Nikon 14-24 and they drool over my 17TSE.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

What a heartbreaker!

Before ordering this TS-E 17mm f/4L, I checked all the review sites. None tested its performance when tilted. It looked good by the tests they did do. So I ordered it.

The following results and observations are from testing the lens in carefully controlled conditions on two Canon 5D Mark II bodies.

I have been using view cameras and/or tilt-shift lenses for over 30 years. There are lenses that are optically designed to perform well when tilted and/or shifted. This is definitely not one of them.

The TS-E 17mm f/4L optically turns to junk when tilted. Tilted as little as 1 degree, the image quality visibly deteriorates, and it is only useable tilted up to 2 degrees. When tilted 3 degrees or more, the image quality becomes bad beyond belief.

If you absolutely MUST use this lens in tilted mode, just know that you must stop down to f22, use a lot of software sharpening, and know that your final image size will only look acceptable up to maybe 4x6"

When UNTILTED, this lens performs amazingly well for a 17mm rectilinear lens, with very little geometric distortion and chromatic aberration. At f4, the corners are a little soft, but with selective software sharpening and vignetting compensation, a usable image can be created. f5.6 is very good, and f8-11 creates images that need no help at all. Very nice and amazing for a 17mm rectilinear lens!

Its shifted performance is mediocre, as the outer edges of the image circle deteriorate in quality. If you shift only a few millimeters and stop down to f11-16, you can come away with an acceptable image.

So here's the bottom line. If Canon chose to sell this glass as a 17mm rectilinear wide-angle lens, it would be a masterpiece, or close to it. If they chose to put it in a mount that allowed shifts of just a few mm, it would be nice. But when packaged in a mount that allows tilts, it becomes a major disappointment and a real black-eye for Canon. Canon needs to hire someone from Schneider or Rodenstock to learn how to create glass that can be tilted, because this lens doesn't even come close. The lens feels and looks nice, and operates smoothly. But all for naught.

So I am forced to return the lens.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

Bought from B&H and shipped fine to Bahrain about 2 years ago (?), this lens travels permanently with me. From f11 even sharp at edges (mine anway). One of the locking tabs has never worked but this is not really an issue because there are scew locks as well. More versatile than you would think because it is so fast to use. Would have liked a seal between lens and camera. Dust a problem in the Middle East - anything helps. So long as you get into the habit of adding the lens cover when moving the camera, the protracted front element is not a problem. Flare is as you would expect but can be overcome in most circumstances - you just have to be aware. This is a very useful lens.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

Fabuloso

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

I rented this lens for an architectural shoot, and it's pretty amazing. I'd highly recommend it. In addition to typical architectural shoots, it would be great for video where you want to shoot something like a conveyor belt from one and, and want the entire belt in focus.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

After only a few weeks with this lens, I can genuinely say 'money well spent.'

The shift aspect of the lens has not only served as a great help for architectural shots, but it's allowed me the ability to further flatten shots that are intended to have very intentional dimensions. It's also handy when trying to stretch out a little beyond my limits, ie shooting on or near a cliff, I can avoid getting nearby brush or other aspects in frame, and capture beautiful landscapes.

The tilt aspect creates amazing 'miniature' photography, which was one thing that I have looked forward to seeing with this lens. I have not been able to use the tilt on the lens to extend my depth of field for products or whatever you may be shooting, but this will no doubt resolve any of those troubles.

Most importantly, this lens opened my range of focal lengths, even though I have a 24mm 1.4L. The additional width that this lens provides truly opens up your camera to take more breathtaking photographs with ease.

The 17 TS-E has jumped to the top of my list of favorite lenses.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

So glad I have this lens. The images I've seen in my mind for the past 10 years are now coming to light thanks to the capabilities of this lens.

Get the smallHD DP6 to compliment the lens and you will not be sorry. Even with my bad eyes the software of the DP6 makes focusing a non-issue.

Insanely sharp from corner to corner. Makes my 16-35mm 2.8 L look like a piker.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

Fantastic lens for landscape and buildings. No complaints for the lens, but only drawback is not be able to use split density filters.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

It is a very expense lens but if you shoot architectural or Interiors it give you the edge that you need to please demanding clients . Is true that you can correct in photoshop prospective from a regular lens but you will lose some of the frame .Very sharp lens you don' need more medium format.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

For detailed wide angle shots and absolute control, this is the lens. It does have a precarious lens protrusion so it must be used with care - but the results are worth it. No discernible distortion - lines are straight and level. For architectural shooting, this lens is a must. I wish every lens I owned was up to this level - only surpassed slightly by the TS-E 24mm. Only sorry I waited so long to get it.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

I had the original 24 TS-E and upgraded it - I like those lenses so much and wasn't keen on my 17-40, so I'm hoping the 17 TS-E will satisfy my more.
So far, I love the results - no vignetting when used without any shift and sharp edge to edge.
I love the flexibility - I use the shift a lot and occasionally the tilt - but it's also great for stitching and accepts the extenders.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

As a professional architectural photographer, the first tests I have done with this lens are wonderful. It is very sharp, though as a manual focus lens, you have to be very careful with your focussing. Even with its full shift, there is very little vignetting in the upper corners of the frame.

The lens is very heavy and has to be handled delicately. Because of its protruding front element, it has to be handled even more carefully, covering it with the lens cap after virtually every shot. The first few tests I did were all hand held, making it clear it can be used like that fairly easily.

I would recommend this lens unhesitatingly to those who shoot architecture.

Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

If you shoot architecture, interior or landscape and use a full frame camera, consider this lens a necessary purchase. It works like a charm and no more skewed lines from buildings.
The images are tack sharp front to back and the color is perfect.
This lens performs amazingly well for a 17mm rectilinear lens, with very little geometric distortion and chromatic aberration. F4.0 is very good, and F8-11 creates images that need no help at all. Amazing for a 17mm rectilinear lens!