I just got Canon's TS-E 24mm f3.5L tilt/shift lens. Used it the first time this morning. I shifted, but I didn't tilt, to eliminate convergence in pictures with buildings and such. I found the lens most interesting to use. I used a double bubble to level the lens, and then used the shift to compose, to place the horizon where I wanted it - worked like a charm.
I'm using the lens with a 1.3 sensor. Now I feel the need for a full frame body. 24mm x1.3 just isn't wide enough.
Canon recommends the "laser matte with grid focusing screen Ec-D." I wonder if anyone has installed this screen and what they think of it.
Also I wonder how useful those of you who have experience with this lens find the tilt function.
Anyhow, I hope you can share your experience, tips, or tricks, about this lens.
Thanks
Posted by James Hersey on June 22, 2008 at 10:17 AM
I use a matte screen with grid. After using the grid screen I would not shoot without it. It helps with comp and leveling when I don't have time to check the bubble level. I used this focus screen with my film and now 5d's. The 24mmTSE is one of my favorite as it might become yours. I use it for making quick panos with the shift, keeping structures square with shift. I do use tilt to get a selective depth of field but mostly for giving me a large depth of field in the right conditions while still keeping a fast f-stop. this helps with a field for example when you want to get depth and keep the speed up. I am sure after using the 24mm for a while you will be looking at the other TSE's.
I try and use my 24 TSE for all wide angle images whenever possible and I use the tilt the most. My TSE is the sharpest at f8. I use the tilt to get maximum depth of field and shoot a f8 or 11 to get the best performance. Give it some time and it will become your favorite lens.
Posted by Tom Nevesely on June 24, 2008 at 4:04 PM
I also have the grid screen and I love it. It's especially useful for stitched panoramas.
I also shoot my 24mm TS-E at f/8 to f/14 and tis is plenty when using tilt. On the 24mm, you only usually need one or two degrees of tilt. A little goes a long way. One thing to keep in mind is that tilting and focusing takes a while longer than with regular lenses so it helps that you arrive at your spot a bit earlier so that your set up and ready for when the light hits.
Discussion
3 repliesI'm using the lens with a 1.3 sensor. Now I feel the need for a full frame body. 24mm x1.3 just isn't wide enough.
Canon recommends the "laser matte with grid focusing screen Ec-D." I wonder if anyone has installed this screen and what they think of it.
Also I wonder how useful those of you who have experience with this lens find the tilt function.
Anyhow, I hope you can share your experience, tips, or tricks, about this lens.
Thanks
I also shoot my 24mm TS-E at f/8 to f/14 and tis is plenty when using tilt. On the 24mm, you only usually need one or two degrees of tilt. A little goes a long way. One thing to keep in mind is that tilting and focusing takes a while longer than with regular lenses so it helps that you arrive at your spot a bit earlier so that your set up and ready for when the light hits.