Till shift lenses comprehensive list
You probably heard or see or even used tilt-shift lenses. This strange-looking, expensive and interesting lens is not for everyday use unless you are an architecture or an interior photographer. It’s not for everybody's budget either. But when you use it in the right circumstances or for the right “job” there is no turning back. You probably heard that these lenses are mostly used for architectural or interior photography, but it can also be used in macro, landscape or even portraiture as well as some creative projects with a tilt function. Of course, the majority percentage of use is indeed in architectural works
Here is a comprehensive list of many if not all tilt-shift lenses. I split the list into 4 categories.
The usual suspects - well-known lenses from major brands.
Unique lenses - less know brands that did or still produce unique or rare tilt-shifts.
Tilt or shift only- lenses that featured only one function of a tilt-shift lens, either tilt or shift.
Add-on - accessories that can be used with tilt-shift lenses or can convert lenses to a tilt-shift one
Please fill free to comment and add if I forget something. Let's make this list precise and full.
Let’s start …
I. The Usual suspects
Here is the list of well knows lenses from well-known brands that most of us heard or seen or used.
Canon
Canon has the most comprehensive range of tilt-shift lenses. No matter what brand of camera you use if you are serious about architectural photography you will end up using one or more lenses from Canon. No other manufacturers featured more of that type of lenses than Canon.
Nikon
Probably the second best in terms of the range of tilt-shift lenses is Nikon with its Nikkor range.
Fujifilm
Fuji recently released two new tilt-shift lenses for their GF series. Still no mass production yet or selling, but the lenses are real and soon will be available.
Samyang/Rokinon
Perhaps one of the most famous company that produce a single model of tilt-shift lens with various mounts is the Samyang (also known as Rokinon)
II. Unique lenses
Now that we know all the usual suspects it’s time to check out some unusual ones of various manufacturers and bayonet types.
Schneider-Kreuznach
A super interesting range of lenses, some are discontinued, from a Schneider-Kreuznach company. Featuring differing bayonets including Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Mamiya/PhaneOne make them an expensive but nonetheless alternative for the companies that do not have their own TS lenses.
Hartblei
Old Soviet and German lenses with Carl Zeiss optics. Variety of mounts including Nikоn, Sony Alpha (A-mount), Canon EF / Canon EOS, Canon FD, Minolta Dynax / Maxxum / AF, Minolta MD, Pentax K, Pentax M / Zenit / Praktica (M42), Yashica-Contax. Most lenses are discontinued.
Arax / Arsat / Photex
Also quite rare but cheap tilt-shift lenses from Arsat company that originated in USSR Ukraine. Manual everything. Still produced even nowadays.
Bronica
A rare Japanese brand of tilt shift lens
Rollei
Rare tilt-shift lens from Rollei.
TTartisan
Recent new lens (as of 2023) from a fairly known Chinese brand. With an unusual focal length of 100mm and macro capability this lens is nice addition for a macro photography as well as architecture.
III. Tilt or Shift only
Several lenses on the market feature either only shift or only tilt options. It’s cheaper to produce lenses with one of 2 options instead of a fully operational tilt-shift lens. Tilt-only lenses are easier to produce since it doesn’t require to have a bigger glass to cover shifts. Sometimes manufacturers or sellers use tilt-shift in the name of such lenses, but with a closer inspection, it became clear that they are NOT true tilt-shift lenses. So be careful the marketing name could be misleading. Here are examples of such lenses.
Shift only lenses
Tilt only lenses
IV. Add-ons
One of the main add-ons is the tilt-shift converter or adapter. Some only tilt, some only shift, and most featured mount converters. There are sooooo many adapters on the market I will not going to list them all here, there are no points, but I am going to mention a couple of popular examples of the most known adapters.
Adapters/converters
and the list goes on …
One of the undocumented features of some lilt shift lenses (especially Canon) is the ability to use extended with the lens. That gives an advantage to different focal lengths with one lens. For example, a 17mm + 1.4 extender will give you a - 24mm TS lens. However, it comes with a trade. No matter how good the extender it will soften the lens it is used upon, but considering the price of the extender vs the tilt-shift lens, one may consider using it and spend a few seconds more in post-production :). I know this since I do use one myself.
Extenders
It’s only fair to mention that there are many DIY tutorials on how to make your own tilt-shift lens. As well as tilt-shift bellows. That might be an option for photo enthusiasts.
DIY and Bellows
So here is my list of tilt-shift, shift-only, tilt-only lenses and accessories, if you have something to add or if you find a mistake please let me know.
ENJOY!
