Photo: Charles.lanteigne (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Quick answer
An ultra-wide tilt-shift lens for full frame, combining a 17mm view with shift and tilt. It has a bulbous front element.
Pros
- Very wide view with shift
- Tilt and shift movements
- L-series construction
Cons
- No front filter thread
- Manual focus
- Bulky
Verdict
For architects and interior photographers in confined spaces. Most others will find the 24mm easier.
About this lens
The Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L is a tilt-shift lens covering 17mm at f/4 for Canon EF mount cameras, from the Canon L series. A tilt-shift lens for perspective correction and selective focus, used in architecture and product photography.
Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 17mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/4.0
- Lens type
- Tilt-Shift
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 2009
- Optical construction
- 18 elements in 12 groups
- Aperture blades
- 8
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.25 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.14x
- Weight
- 820 g
- Length
- 106.7 mm
- Diameter
- 88.9 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L?
- Tight interiors
- Architecture
- Dramatic landscapes
Its moderate maximum aperture works best in good light or with a higher ISO.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 17mm | 93.3° | 103.7° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 27mm | 67° | 77° |
Frequently asked questions
Can you use filters on the Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L?
Not in front. The curved front element has no standard filter thread, so you need a special holder system or must apply the effect in editing.
Is the TS-E 17mm f/4L full-frame?
Yes, it is built for full-frame cameras and the image circle accommodates the shift.
Is the Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L autofocus?
No. All Canon TS-E lenses use manual focus, which suits the careful setup typical of architectural work.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
