Re: Tilt-Shift Lens: Any Experiences?

In article <1143721936.762909.300920@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, Annika1980 <annika1980@xxxxxxx> writes
I rented the Canon 24mm TS-E tilt-shift lens for a week and before it
arrives I'd like to know if there are any tips or suggestions for using
this lens? Any subject matter that lends itself especially well to
it's features? Also, the lens may not come with instructions on it's
special uses, but I assume I can find info online somewhere. Anybody
got any tips?

Excellent for buildings, cityscapes, and interiors. Perhaps the best lens you could find for these things.

You must meter before shifting. If you don't, the meter may lie by +/- 1 or 2 stops (in either direction, depending on situation). Don't forget to focus - sounds daft, I know, but if you use AF lenses most of the time it's surprisingly easy to forget, I have a few times.

If you don't have instructions you may miss the fact that the mount rotates, so you can shift when taking portrait orientations shots. Depress the little chromed button at the base of the lens to release the lock.

Most people recommend using a tripod; I agree this is a counsel of perfection. However, when this is not possible, because of crowds or official disapproval, hand held use is perfectly possible outdoors. In these circumstances I generally use the exposure lock. Thus:

(1) Focus.

(2) Press meter/meter lock button and hold it down.

(3) Shift (possible to do with left hand while right thumb holds down exposure lock).

(4) Check framing, to ensure verticals both sides.

(5) Expose.

The point I mention in 4 is because, hand held, it is possible to get a picture in which the amount of shift is not correct, and have one side vertical and the other noticeably off. Needless to say, this looks horrible.

The front element of the lens is quite protuberant, so use of the lens hood is a good idea.

One reason I find the lens good for dark interiors is that it makes it possible to use the floor as a steady base, without having most of the picture full of floor. Great for churches etc.

Hope you enjoy the week. Problem is, I bet you will want to buy one!

David
--
David Littlewood
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