I keep reading about the advantages of the perspective control lenses, and I'm convinced. Then, I look at the cost. To some extent, that helps to keep my wallet in my pocket. The bigger issue, though, is that I'd be using it on a D2X. Looking at the theory behind the tilt / shift lenses it makes sense that a full-frame sensor would work much better with those lenses.

Any experience out there with a PC-E lens and a DX camera. Is there much to be gained, or should I wait until I break down and buy an FX camera?

Thanks

Hi Dennis,

Right off the top of my head I would recommend renting the lens and then you can make a real life determination for your needs. I am leaning more and more toward renting expensive gear instead of tying up resources that have very specific uses unless I plan on using the gear daily.

You could rent a full frame and the tilt shift for a day and compare the results with your D2 using the tilt shift on the same project.

I realize that I did not address your question directly and that is because I really do not know the direct answer. I am offering how I would go about finding the answer if it were my money being spent.

Dennis--I'll echo Rick's comments and add the following: What are you looking for in a Perspective lens? If you "just" want to change the perspective I'd recommend experimenting with the perspective capabilities in Photoshop. With a little practice and work it can do much more than a lens can and you get to keep your current lens.

HOWEVER, Photoshop can not change your focal plane the way you can with a view camera or a Tilt/Shift lens. So if you are looking for that type of artistic control then a rental may be a good first step.--David

Thanks, Rick and David. I'll see what's available locally in rentals.

I've had success in using Photoshop to take care of perspective issues. It's the change in focal plane I'd be looking for.



Dennis

Hi Dennis,

I'm a shift-lens junkie, especially for panos. For years, I've had a 35pc then got an 85 t&s when I was shooting film before getting a 28pc for the DX.

They are great for doing panos since the images match almost perfectly and that is the main reason I still use them today. I also se them to increase image resolution by overlapping images and using them for an extensive architecture project that I'm working on.

With a Dx camera, the widest available lens is the 24mm PCE, much the same as my old 35 PC on FX, but 4x larger and 16x the price... Most of the time, I'm using the 24 on a D700 with the limitations of the prism in the way when I rotate... That is overcome by using a modified TC-14e which works pretty well with both the 24mm PCE and 85 PC.

Since I still shoot both DX and FX, the advantage for me is having one lens that doubles as two focal lengths with no modifications a 24mm on the FX an a longer 35mm equivalent on the DX but both with auto aperture (yea!).

Another advantage with the 24 PCE on the DX is no vignetting like you get with extreme shifts on the FX, though I find I like that effect in my pix since it adds a retro extreme view camera movement.

Had I not found the 24 PCE on eBay, I would have rented the lens. Now that I have it and have used it quite a bit, I'm glad I have it, especially doing wider landscapes.