Tips for Using Tilt-Shift Lenses for Correction and Creativity

A Post By: Darlene Hildebrandt

0Comments

If you’ve ever wondered about the effects of using a tilt-shift lens this video with host Vincent Laforet will show you some of uses such as:

  • Correcting distortion caused by wide lenses and converging lines
  • Create stitched images without distortion
  • Creating miniature looking scenes by shifting the focus plane
  • Achieving maximum focus on your subject using shift

Here are some of the Tilt-shift lenses mentioned in the video.

Obviously these are specialty lenses and not everyone has a need for, or can afford them. But perhaps if you have the ability you may want to rent one and play around. Check with your local camera store or online with places like Borrow Lenses. Or you can try the less expensive Lens Baby for making some fun effects.

Have you ever tried one out? Do you do the type of photography that requires a tilt-shift lens? Or is it a luxury for the wish list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Read more from our Cameras & Equipment category

Darlene Hildebrandt is the Managing Editor of dPS. She is also an educator who teaches aspiring amateurs and hobbyists how to improve their skills through articles, online photography classes, and travel tours. Get her free ebook 10 Photography Challenges to help you take better pictures or join a photo tour to some exotic places.

  • @photogoofer

    I shoot architecture and use Tilt-Shift lenses for a couple of reasons. Primarily for their lack of distortion and clarity. But, also to maintain my vertical lines when shooting interiors and exteriors.

  • David Thompson

    Thanks for sharing this video. I came away with some nice ideas for shooting with T/S lenses, some of which I had not thought of (the portraiture in particular). Sweet!

  • A2_tha_MFK

    I’m considering purchasing a Canon 24mm TS-E. I’m wanting one for Landscapes. They seem to be a very sharp lens from corner to corner from what I have read. Plus the “slide” function, I’m thinking, would be good for panorama photography? Can someone clarify that I would be able to set up a shot, shoot one from left, one middle, then one right. All just by sliding the lens one point at a time?

  • Edmund

    Don’t forget that you can exaggerate the angles by shifting the “wrong way”. So if you want to make a tall building seem impossibly tall or a deep valley seem really deep these lenses are just fantastic. Obviously, most people use them to remove distortion but get creative and create distortion.

  • I haven’t personally done it but don’t see why you can’t do that, just make your shifts horizontal and stitch away. You’d be limited to the movements of the lens though so if you need more you still might have to rotate the camera

  • good point!

  • Christopher JM

    If you use Adobe Lightroom you can also adjust your image using Lens Corrections. If you adjust the Vertical you can fix that falling look. It does a good job but it does crop the image. So if you can’t afford a Tilt Shift lens or don’t want one this is a good thing to remember. And if you plan to use it, frame your subject accordingly. Meaning leave lots of room to crop.

  • Natalie

    I’am working at home, working basic jobs that only require desktop or laptop computer and internet access and I am so happy with it… Six months have passed since i started this and i earned so far total of $36,000… Basicly i get paid close to 80 bucks each hour and work for 3 to 4 hrs a day.And awesome thing about this job is that you can manage time when you work and for how long as you like and you get a paycheck weekly -> If you think this could be for you then Start HERE! <-

  • Christopher

    A T/S lens is on my list of equipment that can justify the expense. I shoot interiors for my interior decorator client. A lot I can do in LRCC for corrections, it would just save me a lot of time to use this lens and get it in the camera before doing the editing. I would prefer one that is wider than what is on the market, I will have to adjust my shooting style to compensate.

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