Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS USA
For discerning architectural photographers, there is no lens that is too wide. Tilt and shift movements, features normally found on large format cameras, can be bestowed upon a smaller format of camera with a lens such as this Canon 17mm f/4L TS-E Lens.
Being a Canon "L" lens, by definition it is a premium Canon optic. The 17mm TS-E has several distinct elements that make it stand apart from more common glass. Firstly, designers integrated a set of physical controls that allows users to rotate the direction of the tilt and shift independently of one another. Secondly, there is ±6.5° of tilt and ±12mm of shift that gives photographers ample ability to correct for perspective when taking images of interior or exterior spaces, and landscapes.
- EF mount lens is compatible with all Canon EOS cameras
- Wide image circle of 67.2mm is 50% greater than 35mm/full frame film area
- High precision glass (18 elements/12 groups) for low distortion and high resolution to the edge of the image
- Tilt and shift mechanism rotates ±90° allowing shift in any direction
- Tilt mechanism rotates ±90° allowing tilt in any direction relative to the shift
- One Aspherical and four UD lens elements minimize chromatic aberration
- Floating internal focus mechanism delivers high image quality throughout focus range
- Sub-wavelength structure and super-spectra coatings minimize ghosting and flare
- It uses a circular aperture for beautiful out-of-focus areas and has an SWC lens coating to control ghosting and flare to a far greater degree than with earlier coating technologies.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 17 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 104° |
| Tilt/Shift |
Tilt ± 6.5° in 1° increments Shifts ± 12mm in 1mm increments |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 9.84" (25 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.14x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:7.1 |
| Groups/Elements | 12/18 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | No |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | None |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.5 x 4.2" (8.89 x 10.67 cm) |
| Weight | 1.81 lb (821 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 76 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Strong construction (38)
- Consistent output (27)
- Durable (25)
- Rugged (15)
- Easily interchangeable (10)
Cons
- Heavy (15)
- Heavy / bulky (3)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (49)
- Architecture (21)
- Low light (10)
- Architecture interiors (6)
- Night photography (6)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (33), Semi-pro photographer (21), Photo enthusiast (14)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (49)
Most Liked Positive Review
Opens up whole new possibilities
This is an amazing lens, a product which can do things that nothing else I have tried or heard of can accomplish.
First, a superwide that shifts opens up whole new possib...Read complete review
This is an amazing lens, a product which can do things that nothing else I have tried or heard of can accomplish.
First, a superwide that shifts opens up whole new possibilities. I have preferred wide angle perspectives for over 40 years, using my 24 mm lens as a normal lens and a 14 mm as much as any other. But the 14 is problematic most of the time when you can't align the field of view to be parallel with the ground. A tilt lens solves this problem: you still need to keep the camera level for most compositions, but the shift function allows you to look up (or sideways, or diagonally for shots on San Francisco's hills) without the distortion of perspective or the horribly dull foregrounds of asphalt or boring vegetation distracting from the more distant panorama.
Don't you sacrifice some field of view compared to the 14? Actually, no. Considered over its entire possible field of view (shifted 12 mm) this lens is equivalent to a focal length of 8.5-10 mm (that's why they don't make a hood—it would have to be almost parallel to the film plane)—you just can't use the whole field without stitching pictures together. But if you are trying to take architectural pictures of buildings lining narrow European streets or of American skyscrapers, this does a lot better at composition than a 14. You can't do the same thing with software. Software produces a keystone-shaped image that amounts to throwing away much of the field of view if you want a rectangular final image.
Compared to the 14 version II this appears not quite as sharp at the edges, especially with shift (which is why you would use it at all) but that is a very high bar. And the chromatic aberration and flare control is even better than the 14, which is impressive.
Using this lens is not so easy, but that is more a consequence of its capabilities than of any design flaw. With separate axes for tilt and shift functions, you can set it in enough ways to keep you experimenting for months. The lack of autofocus slows things down even further. It takes time to make use of this lens's full capabilities. But of course you don't have to; I have some really satisfying shots of London buildings taken hand held at night without spending more than 15 seconds on setup.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not as good as 24mm TS-E
I am mainly a landscape photographer. I've owned a 24mm TS-E II for about a year now. That, plus 1.4x TC, has been my go-to lens for many of my shots. I decided...Read complete review
I am mainly a landscape photographer. I've owned a 24mm TS-E II for about a year now. That, plus 1.4x TC, has been my go-to lens for many of my shots. I decided to also get 17mm TS-E for wider than 24mm shots. So. my review will be a comparison between the two mainly.
What I love
I love the 17mm TS-E, which I find it to be sharper than 16-35mm f/2.8 and 17-40 f/4.0 on the edges. I rented all three of them a couple different times for jobs as well as to compare them side by side. I liked it enough to want to purchase my own copy.
What I do not love
Once you shift the lens pretty far, or tilt more than a couple degrees, the image quality suffers quite a bit around the edges. Lots of CA and fuzziness. You have to step down quite a bit to avoid this. 24mm TS-E II is super sharp, even when tilted or shifted heavily, so this is a bit disappointing.
Overall, I don't think there is anything better than 17mm TS-E at that range and what it can do (Tilt, shift), so I am happy in that regards.
I think this will be improved on the version II, like the 24mm TS-E II, and then everyone will say how the original 17mm is just not sharp. :-)
Reviewed by 76 customers
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Pros
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
Great lens but you NEED to read the manual, otherwise is really hard to make it work. But after you have all figure it out It's great. Very sharp.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Architecture
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
As a standard lens this is absolutely wonderful.
Very sharp. I use on a 7D so the corners are never a problem. Only had for two weeks now but am loving the challenge of learning this lens. You have to be patient wnd pay extra attention to composure, something I lacked before. This is not a point and shoot lens. May consider selling my 16-35 and use this as my only wide angle, it's that good.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
Works as promised. Well built. A joy to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Canon 5D RAW straight to JPG.
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
I am mainly a landscape photographer. I've owned a 24mm TS-E II for about a year now. That, plus 1.4x TC, has been my go-to lens for many of my shots. I decided to also get 17mm TS-E for wider than 24mm shots. So. my review will be a comparison between the two mainly.
What I love
I love the 17mm TS-E, which I find it to be sharper than 16-35mm f/2.8 and 17-40 f/4.0 on the edges. I rented all three of them a couple different times for jobs as well as to compare them side by side. I liked it enough to want to purchase my own copy.
What I do not love
Once you shift the lens pretty far, or tilt more than a couple degrees, the image quality suffers quite a bit around the edges. Lots of CA and fuzziness. You have to step down quite a bit to avoid this. 24mm TS-E II is super sharp, even when tilted or shifted heavily, so this is a bit disappointing.
Overall, I don't think there is anything better than 17mm TS-E at that range and what it can do (Tilt, shift), so I am happy in that regards.
I think this will be improved on the version II, like the 24mm TS-E II, and then everyone will say how the original 17mm is just not sharp. :-)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Capture entire buildings
- Color
- Crisp output
- Quality built
- Wide angle lens
Cons
- Prone to Flare
- Unprotected lens
Best Uses
- Architecture interiors
- Landscapescenery
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
I shoot architecture for Real Estate. I was using my 7D with a 10-22mm lens, which gave wonderful results. However, 50% of my shots included way too much ceiling or much to wide a photo just to get the peak of the roof in the photo.
It is now my backup setup as I've upgraded to the full frame 5D Mark II to match up with the 17mm TS lens.
Here is my steps for others new to the lens:
1. Level the camera. This is critical so that vertical lines are vertical, which is a mark of a real pro.
2. With the TS at zero for tile and shift, set your exposure. Once you shift +/- of zero, the exposure may change.
3. Focus (the lens is not automatic focusing.
4. Shift the lens for the composition you want and take the photo.
Focusing is critical and therefore using Live View and 10x zoom to judge when it is focused is extremely helpful.
I have a rule that the cap is replaced after every shot as the bulbous lens is very unprotected.
Great investment that should serve me well for many years to come. Or at least until an automatically focusing version is released.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- No Color Fringing
- No Distortion
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
- Tack Sharp on Full Frame
- Versatile
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Commercial Building
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
Not a lens for all. If you shoot commercial building Exteriors and Interiors it may be a must have. Landscape shooters may be able to live without it - but I couldn't. It may be a small step down from the incomparable TS-E 24mm II, but it's a very small step. It works as an ultra wide on any Canon Full Frame and stays wide enough to be useful on the cropped sensor cameras (7D, 60D etc.)
I replaced a 14mm II with this lens. The 14mm II is very capable - the 17mm TS-E is sharper and with tilt / swing far more versatile.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
Great for architectural interior photography.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Minimal barrel distortion
- Minimal flare
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Architecture
- Architecture interiors
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
I have been a professional photographer (architecture and landscape) for 15 years and got my start on film. During this time I have used Hasselblad (film), Arca Swiss (film and RM3D with P+ back), and Nikon with an assortment of high quality lenses.
My favorite combo to date has been the RM3D with a Rodenstock 28HR. This is a fantastically sharp lens/back combo with a lot of available shift.
Well, let's just say, I have a new favorite. While, not quite the same as an Arca/Rodi combo, this lens performs with tremendous flexibility, sharpness and IQ. I have used a Nikon D3x with a 24pce for several years and I've got to say, this lens was worth the switch.
While I've only shot 5 projects with this lens, I've have yet to have flare problems even unflagged. And as far as I can tell, there is harly any barrel distortion which is pretty amazing for a 17mm lens.
Basically, I love it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
Remarkable quality when using this lens to take photos of interiors. Any wide angle lens performs better inside when you set it on a tripod. However, the raise and tilt adds more control. I have very happy with this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Build-quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Architecture Photography
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
I was looking for a wide-angle lens and wasn't sure whether to get this one or the Zeiss Distagon 21mm f2.8. Granted, these are two lenses for different kinds of subjects, but I was mostly interested in a sharp wide-angle lens. While these two lenses are in a similar category in terms of sharpness, in the end I went with the 17mm TS-E because it is significantly wider and also allows perspective correction.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Image quality
- Wide Angle
Cons
- Lens Flare
- Risk of damage
Best Uses
- Architecture
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
I shoot a lot of architecture, including model homes. Before making this purchase my go-to lenses for interior spaces were my 24mm T/S (older style) and EF 17-40mm f/4L.
For small spaces my new 17mm TS-E is now my go-to lens. When shooting a model home I use it for about 70% of the interior shots.
I find the image quality to be outstanding. No complaints.
There are two drawbacks for me. One is that the glass protrudes out the front with no ability to attach a hood or protective filter. I worry a lot about banging it on something. I have forced myself to install the cap every time I move the camera.
Additionally, I have found that this lens is very prone to producing rainbow lens flare in situations where none of my existing lenses would do this. If I'm shooting a kitchen with bright pendent lights I will have to remove some rainbow artifacts in post processing. So far none have ruined a shot, but each time a snap an image I wonder if I am am going to have to cope with the flare.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Sharp
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
Everything about the 17TS is first class. Not quite as sharp as the extraordinary 24TS but still very, very good and gives up surprisingly little when shifted. Beautifully made with a nicely rounded housing for handholding (try that with a boxy Nikon PC-E). Fairly priced for what it is. My only reservation is that 17mm is so wide to begin with that when you add a shift you can get some rather odd, gimmicky results. I don't use it often but in the right situation, it's great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Architecture
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
- avoids lots of photoshopwork, which in addition destroys optical qualities
- good in combination with high res.fullframe modells
- great shift range
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Barely sharp
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Architecture
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
After a few weeks of have it, I think this is the solution of the big problem. It's perfect? I don`t think so. It is not as sharp as you want (try the 16-35, for instance),it doesn't work with autoexposure (at least my lens in my 5D),you can't put filters on it, but wth; when you're taking pictures of high buildings in narrow spaces, this is the lens, period. I'm an architect working for(mostly) architects, so it's a really specific point of view.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
- Difficult to Clean
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
As a landscape photographer / view camera user for over 20 years, I really appreciate the perspective control offered by this lens. It is really a plus in many situations. IN addition, this lens is very sharp and delivers great performance overall. I previously owned the the 16-35mm F/2.8L II and this 17mm offers performance superior to the zoom.
My favorite way to use this lens is to head out into the field with a 5D Mark II and a 7D. Depending on the shot I am after, I have a "17mm" or a "~28mm" to work with. Most useful and very impressive results.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Minimal Distortion
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Does not come with a hood
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Architecture and travel
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
This is the best architectural lens that I have ever come across. Amazing piece of glass with very little distortion and a delight to use in a crammed space.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor tilt performance
Best Uses
- Architectural photography
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
Due to generally favorable reviews of this lens (at B&H and elsewhere on the Web) my hopes were high that this lens would live up to its billing. But in testing of this particular sample, it became evident that the tilt feature is unusable, as the optical quality degrades to the point of unacceptability when the lens is tilted. When used with no adjustments, the lens is quite good. But, for the price, the tilt feature should really be usable on this lens. The lens was returned. I'll probably try the 24mm version, as a usable wide angle t/s lens would be really nice to have.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Rugged
- Sharpness
- Strong Construction
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- architectural
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
As an architectural photographer I've been waiting for a good ultra-wide angle TS lens for a long time. This is it. Without question, the finest WA lens from Canon I have ever seen. Not counting the TS capabilities - this lens is sharper than even the 14mm F/2.8L, the 16-35mm F/2.8L and the 24 F1.4L at the same f ratio. A must have for any pros collection.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
This is an expensive lens, but there is nothing that can compare to the quality combined with the tilt-shift features. This lens gives me the creative control of a view camera with the compact form factor of a DSLR.
I used this lens on my Canon 1DsMkIII body and its invigorated my photographic interest to shoot interesting architecture and landscape compositions. This is a must have lens if you shoot architecture.
Without using the tilt-shift features, it a very sharp 17mm wide angle. The only downside is that it is manual focus only and a tripod is necessary too.
Highly recommended!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Great design
- Incredibly sharp
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Front element exposed
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Flowers in landscape
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon Wide Tilt/Shift TS-E 17mm f/4L Manual Focus Lens for EOS:
I use this for getting inches from foreground subjects like flowers, while putting them into the context of a landscape. The ability of independently rotating the tilt and shift is a huge plus to keep trees from key stoning.
I'm starting a book on sea caves, where I need a really wide lens. This will be perfect for that, as it would be for architecture.
I also use the shift to create either higher resolution images, or panos.
The lens is incredibly sharp. I will get rid of my 17-40, which is no where near this sharp. I now have all of Canon's tilt/shift lenses, and use them in about half of my work.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Hoods & Covers
- Price: $39.95
Cases & Wraps
- Price: $16.95
Protective Wraps & Mats
- Price: $9.00
What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Caps
- LP1219 Soft Lens Case
- 1-Year Warranty
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