Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L Tilt-Shift Manual Focusing Lens for EOS - "Open Box"

2016-09-22T17:43:23

I own both of Canon's 17mm and 24mm "L" series Tilt and Shift Lenses (most recently the 17). They are both exceptional. Crisp and sharp are the only way to describe them. If you already know what these lenses do and why you need one quit screwing around and buy one. I want to say these are not for beginners but the truth is a beginner would learn a ton of photographic technique if they took the time to learn about the use of these lenses.

DAVE J.

2016-07-19T09:14:07

As an architectural photographer, prospective means everything. With this lens my frame is wide but not filled with 50% ceiling like other not TS lenses. Waited a long time to purchase this but glad I finally did!

Lisa I.

2016-07-11T09:02:29

As an architecture photographer this lens has worked its way into my top-gear list. It goes with me to every shoot and i can't imagine how used to work without it! I am a big fan of tilt-shift lenses, they give you so much creative control and the 17mm TSe from Canon is a perfect example of great craftsmanship. Being the widest TS lens available from any company, there is no other competition for this lens but it is still first in class image quality with edge-to-edge sharpness. Fair warning, you need to use extreme caution when handling this leans (as you can see from the photos) because the glass protrudes so far from the barrel, but that is the only dow side and just part of learning to use such a unique lens. This lens lives with its very special lens-cap on al ALL TIMES except when i am actually taking a photo. The second i am not shooting, i put the lens cap back on, even if it is just sitting on my tripod. Overall, if you can justify the high price tag, it is an easy decision to own this lens and will open up so many new possibilities, especially in the architecture realm.

Clinton B.

2016-02-03T08:05:23

If you have never peeked into the unique world of the tilt/shift lens, then be forewarned - there is a learning curve. But there are some benefits to the tilt/shift lens that might make it worth the investment for the serious hobbyist or professional. As for the lens itself, it is very nice. Operation is smooth. The ability to rotate the tilt and shift mechanisms separately allows a great deal of flexibility. And did I mention sharp? Well, I will now - it is a very sharp lens and it should not leave the user wanting for more. I have used mine on my 5D III. I haven't tried it on the 7D II, but it certainly won't give up any sharpness on the smaller format (and will give a field of view equivalent to a 27.2 mm lens on a full frame body). If you're cautiously curious, and aren't able to spend a great sum of money, consider getting hold of an earlier Canon Tilt/shift lens such as the original 24 mm f/3.5L (not the Mk II which isn't inexpensive either). Once you learn the features and benefits, you can decide if you want to move up to the newer glass.

THOMAS W.

2016-02-02T14:57:07

This lens is a fabulously sharp (to the corners) 17mm lens without considering the tilt and shift capabilities. When shifting and tilting, this lens is a life saver and still remarkably sharp and contrasty. It is a wonderful and unique tool for working professionals and interested amateurs, and well worth its price. While significantly shifted, it it does suffer from some fall-off and a lessening of corner/edge sharpness - depending on the degree of shift and tilt as well - but the amount of these issues is minor and a small price to pay for its capabilities. Also, stopping down to f/8.0 or smaller does usually reduce these issues to "don't worry about it" levels. Last, writing about the negatives, the resistance to flare is actually miraculous for a lens with a set of front elements that resemble a large snow globe jammed half-way down a lens barrel. But, there is, inevitably but rarely, a little more veiling flare and some occasional "hard aperture-shaped ghosting" than you'd get from a first class "normal" lens when facing very strong backlight aimed directly at the lens from a few very particular angles. I've used the lens on two jobs so far and been extraordinarily pleased with the results. I came from the 4x5 and 8x10 view camera film tradition, and tilt and shift functions are second nature to me. This lens reminds me of the very best view camera lenses made and might even cover the image plane just a little more thoroughly than any of those lenses with the same angular coverage that I've experienced with those old monorail cameras. It's a very liberating feeling to go on a shoot and know that you CAN shoot that very, very wide shot with a DSLR AND keep the verticals or horizontals parallel plus shift the focus plane around some as well. No half-effective software tricks needed; just shoot it right to begin with. Bravo Canon!

David F.

2016-01-22T09:21:39

Have test shot this for a couple of days... beautiful wide angle for architecture without the distortion I associate with a normal Wide angle lens.

JOHN W.