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Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 Tilt/Shift Lens

by Jeff Conrad

Introduction
Description Features
Nomenclature
Operation
Mounting the Lens Removing the Lens Attaching the Lens Hood Removing the Lens Hood Focusing Setting the Aperture Exposure Setting Tilt and Shift
Close-Up Photography
Magnification and Working Distance Positioning the Camera Exposure Compensation
Lens Care
Accessories
Incompatibilities
Precautions
Specifications
Links
Revision History
Comments

The TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 lens provides image controls similar to those provided by view camera movements. The tilt allows control of the plane of focus to maximize or minimize the depth of field (DoF); the shift allows control of apparent perspective.

The 90 mm focal length is useful in product and landscape photography when a slightly distant vantage point is desired. The lens also is good for architectural photography from a distant vantage point if the subject contains straight lines near the edges.

The TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 lens is excellent for moderate close-ups when the desired composition cannot be achieved with the camera back parallel to the plane of the subject. Magnifications of up to 0.29 are possible with the lens alone; although not officially endorsed by Canon, the lens can be used in combination with extension tubes and the EF 1.4x and EF 2x extenders to achieve magnifications up to 1.24.

Tilt normally is used to achieve maximum overall sharpness, but it also can be used to orient the plane of focus to give a very shallow depth of field in portraits or close-ups.

Features

Lens tilt up to ±8°
Lens shift up to ±11 mm
Combined tilt and shift
Rotation of the tilt and shift movements up to ±90°
Fully automatic lens aperture control
Overall-extension Gauss-type optical system
Maximum magnification of 0.29

Note: As supplied, the tilt and shift operate at “right angles” to each other, so that it is possible to combine tilt and lateral shift or swing and rise/fall, but not tilt and rise/fall or swing and lateral shift. The lens can be modified by a Canon Service Center so that tilt and shift operate in “parallel”, allowing combined tilt and rise/fall or swing and lateral shift. Refer to the article on Image Controls for a description of camera movements.

Nomenclature

Controls

Manual Focusing Ring	Adjusts the focus distance. Rotation clockwise (viewed from behind the camera) decreases the focus distance; rotation counterclockwise increases the focus distance.
Tilt Knob	Adjusts the amount of lens tilt up to ±8°; located on the side of the lens body.
Tilt Lock Knob	Locks the tilt at a given position; located on the side of the lens body opposite the tilt knob. Rotation clockwise locks; rotation counterclockwise releases.
Shift Knob	Adjusts the amount of lens shift up to ±11 mm; located on the side of the lens body.
Shift Lock Knob	Locks the shift at a given position; located on the side of the lens body opposite the shift knob. Rotation clockwise locks; rotation counterclockwise releases.
Lock Release Lever	Allows the lens to be rotated about its axis up to ±90°; located on the side of the lens near the flange. Depressing toward the camera body releases.

Scales and Markings

Distance	Indicates the distance of the plane of focus from the film plane. The distance is read opposite the white index mark in feet (green), and in meters (light gray).
IR Focusing Index	When using infrared-sensitive (IR) film, a focus adjustment is necessary. After achieving sharp focus though the viewfinder, use the distance scale to adjust focus so that the distance indicated by the white index mark is moved opposite the small red dot.
Depth of Field	Together with the distance scale, indicates the approximate near and far distances for acceptably sharp focus at indicated apertures (f/16 and f/32 are marked). The indicated distances for the DoF are meaningful only when the tilt is zero.
Tilt	Two scales, one near the tilt knob and the other near the tilt lock knob on the opposite side of the lens body, indicate the angle of tilt of the lens axis from its normal position. The scales are marked in white, with minor divisions at 1° intervals from 0 to ±8°, and major divisions at ±5°.
Shift	Two scales, one near the shift knob and the other near the shift lock knob on the opposite side of the lens body, indicate the displacement of the lens axis from its normal position. The scales are marked in white, with minor divisions at 1 mm intervals from 0 to ±11 mm, and major divisions at ±5 mm and ±10 mm.

Operation

Mounting the Lens

Ensure that the shift and tilt are set to zero.
Remove the camera body cap or the previous lens (see next section).
Remove the rear lens cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Match the raised red dot on the lens with the red dot on the camera.
Carefully center the lens in the mount and gently slide the lens all the way into the camera.
Gently twist the lens clockwise until the lens locking pin clicks into place.
Ensure that the lens is securely locked before using the camera.
Remove the front lens cap.

Note: Whenever practical, attach the lens hood to prevent flare and protect the front element of the lens, especially when the lens is used without a protective filter.

Removing the Lens

Ensure that the shift and tilt are set to zero.
Locate the lens release button at one side of the lens mount.
Depress the lens release button fully, and keep it depressed.
Rotate the lens counterclockwise until you reach a stop; the red dot should point to the top of the camera.
Remove the lens carefully.
Attach the rear lens cap to protect the electronic contacts and prevent the entry of dust.
The camera is now ready to accept another lens. If you do not wish to mount another lens, attach a body cap to protect the camera.

Caution: Do not rest the lens on the camera mount—damage can occur to the delicate electronic contacts.

Attaching the Lens Hood

Depress the buttons on both sides of the hood and slide it onto the lens until it stops.
Release the buttons.
Ensure that the lens hood is securely attached; however, a slight amount of play is normal.

Removing the Lens Hood

Depress the buttons on both sides of the hood and withdraw it from the lens.
Release the buttons.

Note: Before storing the lens, attach the front lens cap to protect the front element of the lens. If desired, reverse the lens hood and attach it to the front of the lens in the same manner as for attaching the hood.

Focusing

Autofocus

Not available

Manual Focus

With the tilt and shift set to zero, look through the camera viewfinder at the subject, then rotate the manual focusing ring on the lens until you see the viewfinder image is as sharp as possible. If you manually focus while holding the shutter release button depressed halfway, the focus sensors in the camera may indicate in the viewfinder when sharp focus is detected in a focusing zone.

Setting the Aperture

This lens has a stepping-motor–driven electromagnetic diaphragm (EMD). The aperture is set and controlled electronically from the camera body. Operation is fully automatic in the same manner as with a normal EF lens.

Exposure

All metering patterns and all automatic exposure (AE) modes except for DEP can be used in the same manner as with normal lenses when the tilt and shift are set to zero. However, exposure measurements made with the camera’s TTL metering system when the tilt and shift are not zero will be in error, and the magnitude of the error will depend on the amounts of tilt and shift.

It’s usually difficult to make an exposure measurement using one of the camera’s AE modes and then set the tilt or shift or both while keeping the shutter release depressed halfway, especially when using a tripod. Manual exposure usually is a better choice when employing tilt or shift. Use of an external meter allows exposure measurements to be taken after tilt or shift have been set, which can be very helpful in conditions of changing lighting. However, exposure measurements made with an external meter require compensation when the lens is used at very close distances.

Setting Tilt and Shift

Whenever possible, use a tripod with the TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 lens. A small change in camera orientation can cause a large change in the orientation of the plane of focus, and can have considerable effect on convergence of parallel lines.

A focusing screen with a grid, if one is available for your camera body, may be helpful in maintaining alignment of vertical or horizontal lines when shifting. A bubble level that attaches to the camera’s hot shoe can help ensure that the camera is precisely level

Tilt

If necessary, loosen the tilt lock knob by turning it counterclockwise.
Set the tilt by turning the tilt knob in the same direction as the desired tilt.
If desired, tighten the tilt lock knob by turning it clockwise.

Note: In many situations, setting the proper tilt requires considerable experience. Refer to the article on Image Controls for a description of several possible approaches.

Shift

If necessary, loosen the shift lock knob by turning it counterclockwise.
Looking through the viewfinder, set the shift by turning the shift knob until the desired framing is achieved.
If desired, tighten the tilt lock knob by turning it clockwise.

The TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 lens can be rotated about the lens axis up to ± 90° to provide the same effect as combined rise (or fall) and shift, or combined swing and tilt. Detents are provided every 30°, and locks at the 90° positions.

To rotate the lens, press the lock release lever on the right side of the lens. Be careful to avoid hitting the finger used to press the lock release lever, especially if the shift or tilt is not set to zero.

Close-Up Photography

The TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 lens is excellent for moderate close-ups when the desired composition cannot be achieved with the camera back parallel to the plane of the subject. In some cases, the shift is helpful in eliminating reflections when photographing small objects. Several applications are illustrated in the Canon Workshop Series booklet Close-Up and Macro Photography.

Magnification and Working Distance

Magnifications of up to 0.29 are possible with the lens alone, and magnifications up to 1.24 are possible in combination with a 25 mm EF extension tube and the EF 2x extender. The 90 mm focal length provides adequate working distance in nearly all cases.

Combination	Magnification	Working Distance, Lens Alone	Working Distance, w/Lens Hood
Lens alone	0–0.293	Infinity to 333 mm (Infinity to 13.1")	Infinity to 300 mm (Infinity to 11.8")

With EF 12 mm extension tube	0.14–0.43	683 mm–245 mm (26.9"–9.65")	650 mm–212 mm (25.6"–8.30")
With EF 25 mm extension tube	0.31–0.62	333 mm–189 mm (13.1"–7.44")	300 mm–156 mm (11.8"–6.14")
With EF 12 mm and 25 mm extension tubes¹	0.41–0.7	243 mm–162 mm (9.57"–6.38")	210 mm–129 mm (8.27"–5.08")

With EF 1.4x extender²	0–0.41	Infinity to 333 mm (Infinity to 13.1")	Infinity to 300 mm (Infinity to 11.8")
With EF 1.4x extender and EF 12 mm extension tube²	0.20–0.61	683 mm–245 mm (26.9"–9.65")	650 mm–212 mm (25.6"–8.30")
With EF 1.4x extender and EF 25 mm extension tube²	0.44–0.88	333 mm–189 mm (13.1"–7.44")	300 mm–156 mm (11.8"–6.14")

With EF 2x extender²	0–0.58	Infinity to 333 mm (Infinity to 13.1")	Infinity to 300 mm (Infinity to 11.8")
With EF 2x extender and EF 12 mm extension tube²	0.28–0.86	683 mm–245 mm (26.9"–9.65")	650 mm–212 mm (25.6"–8.30")
With EF 2x extender and EF 25 mm extension tube²	0.62–1.24	333 mm–189 mm (13.1"–7.44")	300 mm–156 mm (11.8"–6.14")

With 250D lens	0.36–0.69	260 mm–150 mm (10.2"–5.9")³	227 mm–117 mm (8.9"–4.6")³
With 500/500D lens	0.18–0.49	510 mm–220 mm (20"–8.7")³	477 mm–187 mm (18.7"–7.4")³

Not recommended by Canon
Not officially endorsed by Canon, but shown in Close-Up and Macro Photography
Working distance at close focus estimated

Positioning the Camera

When photographing at very close distances, a small change in camera position causes a large change in image size. When using a tripod, it’s often easier to make small adjustments in camera position with a focusing rail than by moving the tripod. Use the following procedure with a focusing rail:

Set the tripod in the desired position.
Attach the focusing rail to the tripod and the camera to the focusing rail.
Position the focusing rail approximately in the middle of its adjustment range.
Focus the lens until the image is sharp.
Use the focusing rail to adjust the camera position until the desired image size is obtained.
Adjust the focus on the lens until the image is again sharp
Repeat steps 5 and 6 if necessary.

Focusing rails are available from several suppliers; Kirk Enterprises and Really Right Stuff (who refer to them as “focusing sliders”) offer focusing rails compatible with the Arca-Swiss quick-release system.

Exposure Compensation

When photographing at very close distances, exposure measurements made with an external meter require compensation. The camera’s TTL meter makes the compensations automatically.

The following tables give the required compensations, in exposure steps, at various distances indicated on the lens distance scale (the actual distances are less when the lens is used with an extension tube).

Table 1 gives the exposure compensations for cameras that indicate exposure in 1/2-step increments; Table 2 gives the compensations for cameras that indicate exposure in 1/3-step increments.

When the lens is used with an EF extender, the compensations in the tables are in addition to the compensation (1 step or 2 steps) required for the extender. No additional compensation is needed for a close-up lens.

Example: If the lens is used with a 25 mm extension tube on a camera (such as the EOS 5/A2/A2E) that indicates exposure in 1/2-step increments, +1-step compensation is required when the indicated focusing distance is infinity. The compensation must be increased to +1.5 steps when the marked focusing distance is decreased to 0.652 m (2.14 ft). The closest markings on the meter scale are 0.6 m and 0.7 m, but the feet scale has a marking at 2.2 ft. The ‘+’ indicates an increase over the exposure recommended by the meter. For example, if the meter recommends an exposure of 1/200 second @ f/8, and the table indicates a compensation of +1 step, the correct exposure is 1/100 second @ f/8.

Table 1. Exposure Compensation for TS-E 90 f/2.8 Lens
1/2-step Increments

Compensation, steps Indicated Distance

Lens Alone

+0.50 1.32 m (4.33 ft)

+1.00 0.539 m (1.77 ft)

With 12 mm extension tube

+0.50 Infinity

+1.00 0.904 m (2.97 ft)

With 25 mm extension tube

+1.00 Infinity

+1.50 0.652 m (2.14 ft)

With 12 mm and 25 mm extension tubes¹

+1.00 Infinity

+1.50 1.7 m (5.58 ft)

Table 2. Exposure Compensation for TS-E 90 f/2.8 Lens
1/3-step Increments

Compensation, steps Indicated Distance

Lens Alone

+0.33 1.92 m (6.29 ft)

+0.67 0.73 m (2.4 ft)

+1.00 0.503 m (1.65 ft)

With 12 mm extension tube

+0.33 Infinity

+0.67 3.11 m (10.2 ft)

+1.00 0.754 m (2.47 ft)

With 25 mm extension tube

+0.67 Infinity

+1.00 7.41 m (24.3 ft)

+1.33 0.764 m (2.51 ft)

With 12 mm and 25 mm extension tubes¹

+1.00 Infinity

+1.33 4.5 m (14.8 ft)

+1.67 0.683 m (2.24 ft)

Not recommended by Canon

Lens Care

Storage

Use the front and rear lens caps to protect the lens. Store the lens in a cool dry place, out of direct sunlight.

The lens has moving parts that are sensitive to dust, and the shift and tilt mechanisms have additional openings through which dust can enter. When working in a dusty environment, clean the lens body with a blower or soft brush, and keep the lens in its case or a closed camera bag whenever possible.

Service

There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Contact the nearest authorized Canon Service Center

Accessories

Front Accessories

Close-Up Lens

The TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 lens can be used with a 58 mm Canon 250D close-up lens to achieve magnifications up to 0.69, or with a 500 or 500D close-up lens to achieve magnifications up to 0.49. However, vignetting can occur if the lens is tilted or shifted.

Rear Accessories

EF Extenders

The TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 lens is physically compatible with Canon EF 1.4x and EF 2x extenders, although Canon do not officially endorse their use. When a TS-E lens is used with a Canon extender, the presence of the extender is not communicated to the camera body, so the displayed f-number is incorrect. The error is 1 step with the 1.4x extender, and 2 steps with the 2x extender.

For example, with the 1.4x extender, indicated f/5.6 is actually f/8. Readings with an external meter, or use of a “rule” such as the “sunny 16” (f/16 @ 1/ISO), will require compensation. For example, with ISO 100 film, one possible exposure with the “sunny 16” rule is f/8 @ 1/400 second; if the TS-E 90 mm lens is used with the EF 1.4x extender, the camera must be set to f/5.6 @ 1/400 second to obtain this exposure.

TTL meter readings often will give the correct exposure if made with the tilt and shift set to zero, but some bodies, such as the EOS 5/A2/A2E, require exposure compensation when used with an EF extender. When exposure compensation is required, it's usually stated in the camera manual or an addendum. The necessary compensation varies slightly among different lenses; unfortunately, the TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 isn’t listed in the compensation charts, so the compensation must be determined by testing. The procedure is simple, however:

Ensure that the tilt and shift are set to zero
With the exposure mode set to aperture priority or manual, set the aperture to a middle value such as f/8, and choose a flat, evenly illuminated subject. Use a tripod if possible.
Take readings with and without the extender; note the indicated shutter speeds.
Determine the required compensation. The indicated shutter speeds should be one step slower with the 1.4x extender and 2 steps slower with the 2x extender. The differences between the theoretical and measured values are the required compensations. For example, if the indicated shutter speed is 1/8 second with the lens alone, and 1/2 second (a 2-step difference) with a 1.4x extender, the required compensation is –1 step.

If the camera offers different metering patterns (e.g., evaluative, partial, spot), repeat the test with each metering pattern.

EF Extension Tubes

The TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 lens is compatible with the EF 12 mm and 25 mm extension tubes. Exposure measurements made with the camera’s TTL meter will be correct, but measurements made with an external meter require compensation.

Incompatibilities

EF-M body	The EF-M camera does not have autofocus sensors; focus confirmation is not available.
EOS bodies	The full amount of shift may not be available on a camera with a built-in flash if the lens is rotated to a position between the 90° stops.
APS bodies

Precautions

Lens Handling

Caution: Sharp edges may be exposed when the lens is shifted or tilted; be careful when handling a lens that has been shifted or tilted. Return the shift and tilt to zero before removing the lens from the camera.

Use with Filters

The front element of the lens is very close to the front of the filter threads. Some filters may contact these front elements, damaging the lens, the filter, or both. Be especially careful when mounting non-Canon filters.

Use with a Camera with a Built-In Flash

When using a camera with a built-in flash, the top of a TS-E lens may contact the camera if the lens is rotated or removed from the camera with the lens shifted up. Ensure that the shift is set to zero before rotating the lens or removing it from the camera.

Use with a Tripod

With many tripod heads, a spacer such as the optional Canon tripod adapter may be needed to provide sufficient clearance to allow shifting or tilting. Clearance usually won’t be a problem on ball heads using an Arca-Swiss–style quick release, but the locking knob may need to be oriented toward the rear of the camera. The EOS-1D, EOS-1/1n/1v or EOS-3 with a power-drive booster, and several other models with optional vertical grips, usually provide sufficient clearance without an additional spacer.

Specifications

Dimensions Max. diameter x length
Lens alone, flange to front of filter mount	73 mm x 88 mm (2.87" x 3.46")
w/front and rear lens caps	73 mm x 109 mm (2.87" x 4.29")
Lens w/hood extended, flange to front of hood	86 mm x 121 mm (3.39" x 4.76")
w/front and rear lens caps and lens hood reversed	86 mm x 109 mm (3.39" x 4.29")
w/front and rear lens caps and lens hood extended	86 mm x 137 mm (3.39" x 5.39")

Weight (w/caps and hood)	612 g (1.35 lb)
Lens Construction	6 elements in 5 groups
Focusing Method	Overall extension; double helicoid
Diaphragm Blades	8
Aperture Range	f/2.8–f/32
Focusing Range	0.5 m (1.6 ft) to infinity
Shift	± 11 mm
Tilt	± 8°

Magnification¹
Lens alone	0.293
With EF 12 mm extension tube	0.14–0.43
With EF 25 mm extension tube	0.31–0.62

Angle of View for 35 mm Film
Diagonal	27°
Vertical	15.2°
Horizontal	22.6°

Angle of View for APS Film
Diagonal	21.7°
Vertical	10.6°
Horizontal	19°

Angle of View for 15.2 mm x 22.5 mm CCD
Diagonal	17.2°
Vertical	9.7°
Horizontal	14.3°

Image Circle Angular Coverage	36°
Image Circle Diameter	58.6 mm
Filter Thread Diameter	58 mm

Front Lens Cap	E-58
Lens Hood²	ES-65III (clip-on type)
Lens Case^2,3	LP1016 (pouch)

Release Date	April 1991

See the section on Magnification and Working Distance for magnifications with other combinations.
Included with the lens.
Older models were supplied LH-D14 hard case.