24mm f/1.4 II or 24mm TS 3.5 II

[MRLinVA]

I am looking to upgrade from my 16-35mm Mk II to a fixed wide angle (primarily for landscapes).

I am toying with the idea of taking the leap for the TS but wanted to hear from others who have used or own the MkII versions of both lenses.

I realize they are somewhat different animals, but another way of putting it is whether the added cost of the TS is worth it (given the added benefits for architechturals, miniaturizations, etc.) over the lower cost and AF of the 24mm 1.4.

Thanks!

 

[Loswr]

I love my TS-E 24mm II - great for landscapes, less distortion and better corner to corner sharpness than the 24/1.4L II. One thing to consider is that with a TS-E lens, you will need to be shooting in Live View from a tripod (which you probably already are, for landscapes).

 

[NWPhil]

hi,
are you sure you want to loose the 16mm focal?
I would look first at which focal you use the most on this 16-35 - if indeed it's 80% above 24, you are in the right path.
Otherwise... maybe not, and you may want to consider the TS-e 17 instead.
there is this new 15mm zeiss, the canon 14mm both rectilinear...and expensive
On the less expensive side canon FI 15mm and rokinon 14mm
For landscapes, you will not miss the AF
Rent the TSE first - has better IQ than the ef II - an the tilt is very usefull in landscaping too, and supersharp
Nothing I can tell you abouth the ef 24 - don't have it, and I use my 17-40 @17 mostly


+1 to neuro above too

 

[ronderick]

I owe the 17 TS-E and my office has the 24 TS-E II.

The bad news about using these lens is you have to be patient and spend some time getting used to the perspective-control concept. Actually, let me take that back - even after investing the time in learning the lens, you'll probably need to spend a lot of time on the "setting up the gears/take the shots/dissembling the gears after the shot." cycle.

Like what Neuro said, investing in these lenses usually means that you'll also need rock-solid tripod/head too, so you'll have to add that into the cost. And being Manual-focus lenses, it's not a lens you can just take quick snapshots with, so it's usually in your bag when not in use. Finally, there's the problem of maintenance - the 17 TS-E cannot use a filter, so if you want to cut down your worries go for the 24 TS-E.

The good news? You have the keys to a totally different world in landscape/architecture photography.