TS-E17mm f/4L
The TS-E17mm f/4L lens is the widest tilt and shift lens in the world for 35mm cameras and is ideal for landscape and architectural photographers looking to get more into their images.
As the megapixel counts in cameras rise more photographers who would traditionally use medium and large format cameras with lens or camera movements are switching to shooting with digital 35mm SLR cameras with their increased portability and wider lens range. This TS-E17mm f/4L lens provides a 104° diagonal field-of-view for capturing true wideangle scenes.
Although architectural photographers are the traditional market for this type of lens, it will also be of great interest to landscape photographers who want to be able to shoot their landscapes with wider apertures while still retaining depth-of-field throughout the image.
The new ability to rotate the tilt and shift mechanisms relative to each other adds another layer of versatility to the lens. With previous tilt and shift lenses, the factory default was to have the tilt aligned at 90° to the shift. While it is possible to align them so they are in the same plane, it required a trip to the service centre to have this done by one of the technicians. Now you can choose on a shot-by-shot basis how you want either the tilt or shift aligned relative to the subject, and the other lens movement, for the most creative control.
All TS-E lenses have a larger than standard image circle, but the TS-E17mm f/4L lens and the TS-E24mm f/3.5L II USM lens (both lenses have the same size of image circle) have the largest image circles amongst the Canon tilt and shift lens range. This enables an even greater degree of tilt or shift ability.
Key features
- Ultra wide 17mm tilt and shift lens
- Low distortion and high resolution
- +/-6.5° tilt and +/-12mm shift
- Independent tilt or shift rotation of +/-90°
- Aspherical and UD lens elements minimise chromatic aberration
- SubWavelength structure and Super Spectra Coatings
- Circular aperture
With a 104° diagonal field of view combined with +/-6.5° of tilt, +/-12mm shift and +/-90° of rotation on both the tilt and the shift mechanisms, the TS-E17mm f/4L is one of the most flexible lenses on the market. The TS-E17mm f/4L also features locks on the tilt and shift mechanisms to ensure that unwanted movements are avoided.
To achieve outstanding edge-to-edge resolution and low distortion, a high-precision, large diameter moulded glass aspherical lens is used. Chromatic aberration - common in wideangle shooting – is combatted by four UD elements. These features make the lens especially suited to architectural photography.
Canon L series lenses are built to withstand regular use in the most testing environments. Weather and dust seals provide added protection, and a lens hood and pouch are also included in the package.
Environmentally friendly lead-free glass is used throughout the construction of the TS-E17mm f/4L.
Key technologies
- Unique rotation system
The TS-E17mm F/4L is an ultra wideangle tilt and shift lens, providing wideangle views for both APS-C and full frame sensors. Thanks to Canon’s unique rotation system, tilt and shift direction can be rotated independently of each other up to +/-90°. This allows perspective and depth-of-field to be controlled separately - enhancing the flexibility of the lens.
- SubWavelength structure Coating
Designed for use in digital photography, Canon’s patented lens element coating helps minimise the ghosting and flare caused by internal reflection - helping to deliver crisp, clear images.
The SubWavelength structure Coating was first seen on the EF24mm f/1.4L II USM lens. This acts like the surface of a moth’s eye to reduce reflection from the surface of the lens. This has the advantage of reducing both flare and ghosting to improve image quality. Click here to find out more about SubWavelength Coating.
Lens Specifications
| Angle of view (horzntl, vertl, diagnl) | 93º 70º 30' 104º |
| Lens construction (elements/groups) | 18/12 |
| No. of diaphragm blades | 8 |
| Minimum aperture | 22 |
| Closest focusing distance (m) | 0.25 |
| Maximum magnification (x) | 0.14 |
| Distance information | Yes |
| Filter diameter (mm) | 77 |
| Max. diameter x length (mm) | 88.9 x 106.9 |
| Weight (g) | 820 |
| Magnification - Extension Tube EF12 II | NC |
| Magnification - Extension Tube EF25 II | NC |
| Soft case | LP1219 |
| G.F.Holder III (hood III*) | NC |
| G.F.Holder IV (hood IV*) | NC |
| * Maximum number of Hood III/IV attachable. In the case of zoom lenses, the maximum number applies to the shortest focal length. |
