For discerning architectural photographers, there is great need for wide angle lenses. 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 wide Canon 24mm f/3.5L II TS-E Lens.
Being a Canon "L" lens, by definition it is a premium Canon optic. The 24mm TS-E has several distinct elements that make it stand apart from more common glass. Firstly, designers integrated a set of physical controls that allow users to rotate the direction of the tilt and shift independently of one another. Secondly, there is ±8.5° 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.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 24 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/3.5 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 84° |
| Tilt/Shift |
Tilt ± 8.5° in 1° increments Shifts ± 12mm in 1mm increments |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 8.27" (21 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.34x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:2.9 |
| Groups/Elements | 11/16 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | No |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 82 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.5 x 4.2" (8.89 x 10.67 cm) |
| Weight | 27.5 oz (780 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Excellent sharp piece of glass.
If you are looking to do some serious Architech or Landscape Photography, this lens is a must have. The Tilt/Shift lens make you think and compose your shots before clicking away. Full Manual...Read complete review
If you are looking to do some serious Architech or Landscape Photography, this lens is a must have. The Tilt/Shift lens make you think and compose your shots before clicking away. Full Manual and full creative control. Very little distortion in the corners with full frame.No Chromatic Abberations. Crystal clear sharp images.
If you are a fast shooter with all Auto and HOPE you got something good. This lens is NOT for you.
This lens is for photographers who tell their cameras and lens what to do, not the other way around.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Fringing!
I've been renting this lens for a while with great results and finally made the decision to buy one. When I got it I was taken aback immediately by the abnormal level of fringing all...Read complete review
I've been renting this lens for a while with great results and finally made the decision to buy one. When I got it I was taken aback immediately by the abnormal level of fringing all over the images and quickly sent the lens back for an exchange. The new lens performs better generally but the performance is still marred by purple and green fringing along all contrasty lines, and not just around the edges but also in the middle of the shot. I bought the lens mostly for architecture and landscape photography, and both styles unfortunately often deal with contrasty edges. After uncomfortably long times in post production to correct the fringing, I'm just not trusting this lens anymore unless I'm in a very controlled environment, which is sad when I think that I've spent $2K on it. Btw the 90mm TS lens which isn't even an L series has no fringing at all and has the best image quality of all the lenses I own. I was expecting similar quality with this one and so I'm quite disappointed. Sure you might say that I was unlucky twice on this purchase, and that I should send my replacement lens to Canon for realignment right away, but what does that say about Canon's initial lack of quality control?
Reviewed by 87 customers
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
This lens is awesome sharp, and will meet the need for high resolving capabilities for future cameras from Canon. Using the tilt-function is not difficult using the live-view on my 5DII, usually very little tilt is necessary for obtaining sharp images from very near to infinity in landscape images. I will call this lens a precision tool. Using "ordinary lenses" will never be the same after you get used to and familiar with a lens like this. I also use a lot the TS-E 90mm, which is also a super sharp and versatile lens.
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
I replaced my older version of this lens with Canon's new version. It's slightly sharper on the edges than the old version which is good. However, most important to me is the larger image circle of the new version, allowing greater shift corrections. It's a good lens, although expensive.
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
This is an amazing lens. I own several of the best L lens so far (50 - 85 70/200 etc) but I have to say that I have been impressed by the sharpness of this 24mm ... just to use it as a wide angle lens is a pleasure, imagine adding to that the T&S. Of course your buildings won't be bending anymore, but I found that the tilt funcionality is very interesting, with the control over the focus plan, that allows you to play with that in many situations other than architecture.
At the moment is my favourite lens I have in my bag ...
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
I bought this lens brand new to upgrade from the previous generation I 24TS. After 3 weeks the tilt knob became fully loosened and fell off. The result was that the lens could neither tilt nor focus properly. Upon sending the new lens in to Canon they told me that it was a result of the lens being dropped (which it was not) and assessed an $800 repair fee on the 3 week old lens.
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
I come at this from the perspective of a long time owner of the original version. Clearly the new lens is much better in terms of edge sharpness and CA. Be aware that the improvements are not a miracle, however -- you still need to stop down to f8-11 to get best results.
Only downside -- the lens is much bigger and heavier than the original.
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
I bought this to take urban architectural/documentary photos, and it does not disappoint. Amazingly sharp, and ease to use all of the T/S actions.
It is also amazing the DoF or selective focus that can be achieved with just a bit of tilt - don't let the f/3.5 min aperture dissuade you.
Highly recommended.
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
I bought this lens to replace the 24mm version 1 model. They have improved it in many ways, from the glass quality to the functions. Gone are the previous problems with chromatic aberrations and non locking of the shift. It's now a pleasure to use and the results are all I expected they would be. I also have a 17mm version and I find this lens creates a more realistic result in most cases.
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
I debated buying this lens for a long time, putting off the purchase three different times. What was holding me back, besides the expense, was worry that the learning curve would be steep and I wouldn't get the most out of this remarkable lens. Turns out it's not nearly as difficult to use as some photographers make out. True it takes practice to learn which knobs to turn for which purpose, but I started getting the hang of it fairly quickly. The tilt/shift is definitely for photographers who take their time over their shots, who enjoy the process as much as the result. I would not recommend this manual focus lens unless your camera has live view.
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
I use this lens for landscape and architectural photography. Big improvement over earlier version, in that it is easy to orient both tilt and shift individually without disassembling. Very sharp.
I wish I had bought this lens earlier on my trip to Alaska.
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
I'm a photography novice at best. I understand some of the basics, and decided I wanted to try a lens that was different. I bought the TS-E 24mm 3.5L II purely for fun and creative meanderings. I don't need it for pro work, not shooting product, food, or architecture. I bought it for fun. And fun it has been!
I recently started improving my photography skills because I want to capture wonderful photographic memories of my family. I actually bought this lens at first to take landscape shots, and to play around with the SCHEIMPFLUG PRINCIPLE and the plane of focus. Don't let me fool you into thinking I understand the details, I understand only enough to be dangerous.
I haven't taken one landscape shot with it yet (just been a few weeks). I do have some plans for landscape photos with it soon. Since I bought this, i have only used it to take photos around the house. Crazy right? Well not to me. It has turned out these wonderfully magical and dreamy shots of my kids and family. I have used it by adjusting the tilt only to change the focal plane, and create wonderful bokeh on either sides. It does have an interesting creative effect. The focal area is amazingly sharp too, and I've used it in low-light situations quite successfully, like for kids in the bathtub and in their rooms getting ready for bed. I don't know but to me I want to remember these things with good photos.
I did not expect to use it for this purpose, but am intending to learn more about its capabilities so I can do even more like this. I also plan to shoot local attractions like Gas Works Park and have a fun time with it.
I'm so glad I bought this and really want to try one of the other focal lengths now, like the 45 and the 90.
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
As an architect I often photo buildings that require a wide angle lens, but the distortion is in need of correction. This ones works. But, it is not a two minute learning exercise. Great lens.
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
I decided on the 24mm over the 17mm for two reasons: I have a 24mm and TS options included and I can add filters.
I am just getting used to the Tilt Shift features and the auto focus but really look forward to the time when I am confident with getting the results I am looking for.
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
It's worth every penny when B&H has discount.
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
Super sharp. Great lens. All tilt and shift options are smooth and easy. The Locks added to this version give extra comfort that focus will not slip out due to its heavy construction.
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
It's great lens as long as you know how to play with it.
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
I've been renting this lens for every recent interiors photo shoot and when B&H had it on sale, I bit the bullet and bought it. I love this lens. Having tried the 17mm TS-E, I find this one to be much more useful, especially for interiors. Actually, it's this and the 45mm TS-E that I use regularly.
It is quite sharp when you do not use either the tilt or the shift functions and there isn't a lot of distortion (although there is some). When you shift the lens, that's when you start to notice some softness appear in the direction of the shift. The more extreme the shift, the softer it becomes. This is consistent with reviews I've seen for the lens. However, I find the results to be better than doing perspective corrections in Photoshop. In addition, I like how I don't have to compose for correction (i.e. leave enough in the edges to compensate for the corrections).
Build wise, it is rock solid and of the quality you would expect from an L lens. Considering the alternatives, there's not much else to decide. If you're a Canon shooter and photograph interiors and architecture, this is the lens to get.
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
Heard lots lots of good things about this lens, from photozone.de, the-digital-picture, fredmiranda…Jumped on the double rebate deal, but I was so disappointed when the first copy arrived; landscape pictures are blur, low in contrast and center is not as sharp as my 17-40L at F4. Thanks to B&H return/exchange policy, second copy is little better, at lease center sharpness matches my 17-40 at F4, but contrast and color is almost same as the 17-40, I am expecting this lens to be much better since this is a prime lens and cost 3 times of the money.Both lenses I received are dated UZ0100, a bad batch from Canon?I compared Sony Nex 5n + some old Y/C zeiss lenses: 35-70, 25mm and 28mm lens with 5DII + this lens, sony picture is much better in terms of contrast, color and sharpness. I guess I should have ordered zeiss 21mm…BTW, dpreview has the most actually review. Checkout the full size sample images before you buy.
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
We primarily use this for video. It offers unique feel to a piece unlike and other prime.
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Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
Wow! Near perfect optics - I wish I'd bought this lens sooner.
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens for EOS Cameras:
If you are looking to do some serious Architech or Landscape Photography, this lens is a must have. The Tilt/Shift lens make you think and compose your shots before clicking away. Full Manual and full creative control. Very little distortion in the corners with full frame.No Chromatic Abberations. Crystal clear sharp images.
If you are a fast shooter with all Auto and HOPE you got something good. This lens is NOT for you.
This lens is for photographers who tell their cameras and lens what to do, not the other way around.
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