CANON TS-E 50MM F2.8L MACRO
Canon has updated its 50mm TS-E with this new macro version. Is it worth that high price?
Canon was the first to introduce a small (135) format lens that could both tilt and shift back in the Seventies, and it expanded the range when the mount changed from FD to EF. This lens’ predecessor, the TS-E 45mm f2.8, is a favourite of both wedding and commercial photographers. It’s well liked for its normal perspective, not forgetting all the creative possibilities with lenses like this, but its design dates back to the days of film when expectations were lower.
In terms of exterior design, this new lens follows the later 24mm and 17mm TS-E models in enabling both tilt/swing and shift in parallel or perpendicular planes to one another. It has a similarly robust exterior and the controls and markings are well placed. But these advantages are all relative. With a length of 115mm and weighing close to a kilo, this is a big and unwieldy lens compared to the earlier 45mm. Still, the long barrel means there’s room for a large focusing collar, the action of which is both smooth and heavily damped.
Naturally, Canon has upgraded the optical design. Images are clear and crisp, and practically free of fringing. And the resolution is excellent, hardly changing from f4 down to f11-16. Lenses like this usually have compromises. The original had troublesome fringing and was a little soft at the edges, which became more pronounced when shifting, but that’s not the case here. It might not be as affordable as that lens, but optical quality like this doesn’t come cheap.