Fujifilm GF 30mm TS review + Tilt Shift Tutorial

Tilt Shift lenses provide unique optical control over perspective and exactly what's in focus, making them popular with exacting architectural, landscape and still-life photographers. In this tutorial I'll show you how to use them, as well as demonstrating the techniques with a Fujifilm GF 30mm TS lens for the ultimate quality. I'll also include more affordable options!
Thanks to ‪@benharveyphotography‬ for his perspective as a professional architect including the image for this thumbnail!
Fujifilm GF 30mm TS at B&H: bhpho.to/4aWPbYf // WEX UK: tidd.ly/3tZKZpZ
Canon TS-E 24mm at B&H: bhpho.to/47FyWfo // WEX UK: tidd.ly/3tVd15Y
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00:00 - Tilt Shift lenses introduction
01:31 - Why use Tilt Shift lenses?
02:22 - Why Tilt Shift lenses are larger
03:05 - Canon TS-E 24mm for full-frame
03:24 - Fujifilm GF 30mm TS design
04:18 - Fujifilm GF 30mm TS tripod collar
04:35 - Fujifilm GF 30mm TS lens hood and filters
05:01 - Tilt Shift imaging circles, optics and sensors explained
06:24 - Fujifilm GF 30mm TS Shift capabilities
08:56 - Using optical shift for panoramas
09:35 - Fujifilm GF 30mm TS Tilt capabilities
11:42 - Fujifilm GF 30mm TS bokeh quality
12:17 - Fujifilm GF 30mm TS landscape quality
14:21 - How a pro architect uses Tilt Shift lenses
16:21 - Tilt Shift lenses and GF 30mm TS verdict
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@cameralabs]

Tilt Shift lenses provide unique optical control over perspective and exactly what's in focus, making them popular with exacting architectural, landscape and still-life photographers. In this tutorial I'll show you how to use them, as well as demonstrating the techniques with a Fujifilm GF 30mm TS lens for the ultimate quality. I'll also include more affordable options! Thanks to @benharveyphotography for his perspective as a professional architect including the image for this thumbnail! Fujifilm GF 30mm TS at B&H: bhpho.to/4aWPbYf // WEX UK: tidd.ly/3tZKZpZ Canon TS-E 24mm at B&H: bhpho.to/47FyWfo // WEX UK: tidd.ly/3tVd15Y Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Sell your used gear to MPB at: bit.ly/3ULU9yL Buy used gear from MPB at: prf.hn/l/YLqwRAP Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Cameralabs merchandise: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop Gordon’s retro gear channel: kzbin.info Equipment used for producing my videos Panasonic Lumix S5 II: amzn.to/3Hf5IcI Sony A6400: prf.hn/l/pRO0wp5 Sony e 24mm f1.8: amzn.to/2TqWNzk Rode NT USB mic: amzn.to/3AdHcUp Rode Wireless Go II mic: amzn.to/3xkCvGo Rode Lavalier Go mic: amzn.to/3ygzzKY Godox UL150 light: amzn.to/2VpVbXE Godox QR-P70 softbox: amzn.to/3yQfGdF MacBook Pro 14in (16GB / 1TB): amzn.to/3PrKbPV 00:00 - Tilt Shift lenses introduction 01:31 - Why use Tilt Shift lenses? 02:22 - Why Tilt Shift lenses are larger 03:05 - Canon TS-E 24mm for full-frame 03:24 - Fujifilm GF 30mm TS design 04:18 - Fujifilm GF 30mm TS tripod collar 04:35 - Fujifilm GF 30mm TS lens hood and filters 05:01 - Tilt Shift imaging circles, optics and sensors explained 06:24 - Fujifilm GF 30mm TS Shift capabilities 08:56 - Using optical shift for panoramas 09:35 - Fujifilm GF 30mm TS Tilt capabilities 11:42 - Fujifilm GF 30mm TS bokeh quality 12:17 - Fujifilm GF 30mm TS landscape quality 14:21 - How a pro architect uses Tilt Shift lenses 16:21 - Tilt Shift lenses and GF 30mm TS verdict As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@PaulAmyes]

I used to shoot for an architectural magazine and tilt shift lenses were the go to tools. I found that if you corrected it perfectly you often got the illusion that the closest edge of the building looked like the bows of a ship and would look unnatural so I'd back it off a smidge to lessen it. If you can't afford shift lenses then distance and longer focal lengths were your friend. I learnt to do table top product photography on a 5x4 view camera with tilt, shift and swing movements. That was a godsend to control the plane of focus which could be wafer thin on that format. Now I use Olympus m4/3 and they have a perspective control feature which is great. No special lenses to buy at great expense.

[@cameralabs]

You're absolutely right about pulling back a bit from the max to avoid an unnatural look, that's a good tip I should have mentioned. And thanks for reminding me of the Olympus perspective control which I've demo'd in many reviews but had forgotten about! It does crop quite a bit though.

[@Trevellian]

What a great explanation and tutorial. Never understood exactly how tilt shift lenses actually worked. Now those mists have cleared. Thanks Gordon.

[@cameralabs]

You're very welcome!

[@dominey]

If I were an architectural photographer with clients, this would be a must buy. Great for any editorial situation, and those megapixels could easily make huge prints.

[@cameralabs]

Definitely, if you make money from architectural photos, then they're a must.

[@mikelyon5595]

What a fantastic combination for creativity!

[@ziggggy53ify]

Ah, Gordon, an absolutely perfect introduction into the world of tilt and shift lenses. Bravissimo good sir, that's no mean task. 👏👏

[@cameralabs]

Thankyou!

[@antzpantz]

Thank for making an up-to-date video about the latest Tilt-Shift Lenses with video demonstrations of how they work!

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome, hope it was useful!

[@kapurar]

Great tutorial on TS systems. Thank you as I have been looking for a tutorial like this.

[@cameralabs]

You're very welcome!

[@Ed-davies]

Having used various TS lenses over the years I have always enjoyed using them and the challenge of using tilt correctly. (in particular) I am mainly a landscape shooter and can say hands down that Fujifilm created an obscene and unapologetic lens here. The level of sharpness from edge to edge just blows me away. Only down side is the weight, though this has had a strange positive in that I take considerably less gear out with me and choose to just take this lens when I do thus creating a massive restriction has made me think much more about my shots. Yes as you say it can mostly be all done digitally but this lens is part of the process and enjoyment for me. It was a massive purchase and I was luckily able to raise funds from other gear.

[@linhof5x7]

where were you able to get a hold of one? i can’t find it anywhere in the US…

[@Ed-davies]

@@linhof5x7 in the UK , I placed a pre-order on the 15th of September and it arrived with me on the 27th of October. Glad I did now as they seem to be impossible to get!

[@cameralabs]

Great to hear from an actual owner of this lens, i hope I did it justice here!

[@karlklauda7739]

Hi, yes the Fujifilm 30mm TS is a marvel of engineering. I got hold of mine in Vienna. My vendor told me it was the last freely available one in Europe. I think the first production run is sold out.

[@Ed-davies]

@@cameralabs Hey Gordon, you certainly did it justice! :-)

[@Rick--A-F]

Really good tutorial and review, thanks.

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@mlentsch]

Great video. Glad youtube finally suggested your channel. That Fuji setup is gorgeous. I'm gonna have to start charging more if I wanna get that....

[@cameralabs]

Glad you found me!

[@toburton15]

Thank you very much. I'm currently using the Fujifilm X-system, expanding my business into businesses who require content and evaluating the GFX system with tilt/shift lens.

[@benharveyphotography]

What an amazing combination, I wish I could get my hands on one! 😂 I can certainly see an increase in shifting ability when compared to my full frame setup and the optical performance of it is amazing, as you demonstrated. Happy to help out and see what I have been missing out on!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks for your contributions Ben! It was great include how a pro architect would use them.

[@HariS.-gp2te]

Wonderful video. Thank you.

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@tjkrueger2655]

Dream kit right there, plus the 4/3 aspect ratio is a bonus

[@cameralabs]

Yes, I like the shape of GFX

[@TheLordCyberex]

Useful as always! You know, I bought my first DSLR Pentax K20D after reading your review on it... So, we are virtually "friends" about 14 years! :) Thank you! And greetings from Ukraine!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks for your support for so long! I remember reviewing the K20D, I think sadly the last Pentax camera they sent me to test.

[@gordonbunker3272]

Impressive kit! Takes me back to my view camera days.

[@cameralabs]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@gordonbunker3272]

@@cameralabs Very much - the flexibility and results were tops for the day. That was a long time ago - I sure don't miss lugging all that gear around! :^)

[@PlanetFrosty]

Great video! Yes, I’m planning on getting a Fuji GFX camera.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! Check out my gfx 100s ii video!

[@PlanetFrosty]

@@cameralabs I watched when it came out, but end up in the hospital afterwards. I planned to get the camera then. I expect to do that within the next week or so with 3 or 4 lenses. I wish we had more flash accommodation though. I’m also getting a Freefly for product and high speed for lab.

[@borromine]

Having used an Arca Swiss 69 view camera for a long time, I am going to get both of these ts lenses. Heavy expensive but superb kit!! Thanks for excellent review.

[@cameralabs]

You're very welcome!

[@opendrivers]

Thanx!

[@NeilNathan1]

When moving from the Canon 5D MKII and lenses to Fujifilm cameras and lenses I kept my Canon 24mm tilt shift lens and now use it on the GFX 100s with the Viltrox EF-GFX adapter.

[@Abc1987]

Like most people watching, I am not in the market to buy the GFX or this lens. But this was very informative and until this video I never actually understood how the tilt shift lens worked. Thanks!

[@cameralabs]

You're very welcome!

[@heiner71]

Nice tutorial, Gordon! The Canon lens can be had used on ebay, between $400 and $1000. That won't break the bank for many folks who would want to experiment with this technology.

[@cameralabs]

Definitely, and it's a nice option.

[@RecordProduction]

Nikon’s 19mm lens is pretty great too but this looks fab! I use mine for music studio interiors and can see this being a future purchase 😊

[@BayAreaDrone]

Thank you for the great video that goes into details! I do use tilt-shift lenses for architecture, but I've been considering how I can apply them to food photography. I'm considering investing into tighter focal lengths than the ones like 24mm. Greetings from Bay Area!

[@cameralabs]

Yep, for food, definitely go for a longer focal length TS lens.

[@nextsibling]

If you're following the budget option of using the transform controls in Lightroom (or other sware), it's helpful to remember to compose very generously, leaving plenty of spare space around the subject, to accommodate what you''ll have to crop after adjustments.

[@cameralabs]

That's a good tip

[@nelsonclub7722]

T+S for portraits are the bomb

[@a3hindawi]

Thanks

[@cameralabs]

Thankyou!

[@pwolkowicki]

I had all lenses with shift option on my Pentax K-7 :P I only wonder why it was so painfull to use it. They should think of some easy to access menu for it, or did they in later models?

[@rogernuffer]

I use the canon 24mm adapted to a 50R. It works really well for shift. But I must admit that it only gets into the front of the camera once or twice a year

[@vidthreenorth4007]

I have a Fotodiox Pro Shift Nikon G lens mount adapter for M4/3 mount body. So far, I only have a Nikon 28 f/3.5 lens to use on it, which does not really add much capability beyond the lens w/minor convergence correction. If I had a 24mm or 20mm lens, then it would be more significant. I should also note that the shift was not aligned properly on my adapter and the angle has stops (not infinite adjustment) so that if I want to shift up, it shifts slightly left instead of straight up. This is not a big problem, but the manufacturing was sloppy. If I had lived in the US I might have sent it back and tried a replacement, but it would have been problems over problems.

[@wendriftwood1952]

Thank you. When can we expect a full GFX100II review?

[@cameralabs]

I made a quick preview of it last September, but I'll have to judge demand before committing to making a full one. These take about two weeks to make, so need lots of views to justify it. Sadly the really specialist or niche stuff can't work out on YT unless it's being sponsored in some way as the views just can't pay for the time.

[@NealeSmith76]

Been using the Canon TS-E lenses for nearly 20 years, the second gen models really upped the optical ante, but when I heard Fuji were on the case with GFX shift lenses I got really interested, wish there was a 'standard' 50mm equivalent on offer, that would really precipitate the jump, I use the 45mm shift on my Canon a lot, that and the 24mm cover most of my required work, but I do love the old 90 as well. I'm stuck between making a Fuji purchase, or ditching my TS-E45/TS-E90 for the second gen TS-E50 and 135. My only gripe with Canon has been a lack of decent pro-spec body options. I don't get on with the 5D bodies, and resent having to stick a vertical grip on to get more battery life. Almost every image I make utilises shift and stitch in either a horizontal or vertical axis, I've become so accustomed to making images this way, for personal work as well as commissioned. So close to considering Fuji, might have to get a used body and make the leap!

[@cameralabs]

Let us know how you get on!

[@user-cl5uo2zc3b]

How do you think the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 II L TS would perform on a Hasselblad X2D?

[@cameralabs]

I know some people who adapt the Canon TSE onto Fujifilm GFX, so the coverage should be fine BUT you may only get very small TS adjustments before you see the imaging circle and vignetting.

[@harrygilliland5675]

I bought a Samyang 24mm tilt/shift lens great for panoramic images and landscapes they are very versatile lens they can be picked up for very reasonable price and are made in different mounts.

[@cameralabs]

Good tip!

[@adamzhang3028]

Have you had a chance to review the GF20-35mm? Would love to hear your thoughts.

[@cameralabs]

I'm afraid not, no.

[@314LA]

Hi. Will this lens work correctly through an adapter on a H2D?

[@cameralabs]

I have no idea, sorry. If the adapter allows GFX lenses, then yes it should mount and focus, but may become fully manual. Not sure how it'd handle the aperture.

[@Photo3838]

I wondered why the fujifilm TS is so much bigger than my Nikon 24 mm PC. It's the difference in sensor size that requires a much bigger image circle. Thanks for explaining that. I haven't used tilt or swing with one of these lenses. I have a 5X4 camera. Swing can make a huge difference. I was photographing a frank Lloyd wright house. It really becomes distorted when the image plane is not parallel to the house, especially at close range on a hillside. I'm thinking about the fuji. But can it do swing like a view camera? In theory it can. I just haven't seen it done like it's done with a view camera. 4000 dollars will buy you a very nice used view camera. But it uses film unless you moint a fuji on the back of a horseman view camera. But these lenses are what tge pros are using these days instead of view cameras. Times have changed.

[@RussellStewart]

I'll be making the shift (not a pun) to this lens from the Canon 24mm TS/E II & adapter for my GFX100. The Canon is not designed for the large medium format sensor and only very small movements are acceptable on the edges or corners (depending how you shift). The Canon is very good unshifted and tilted for DOF control though. For Panos I generally shoot the GFX100 in Pano crop, as it is so nice to visualise the entire frame in camera, but having the collar on the lens and being able to stich with zero parallax is certainly attractive. Yes, I have a 102mp sensor, but I want more! Printing 75inch wide high gloss or 3-4m wide canvases is not uncommon for me and near on 50% more image would be awesome.

[@cameralabs]

Nice to hear from someone adapting the Canon onto the GFX - I knew it could be done, but wondered about how practical it was. You'll love this lens, albeit maybe not the size and weight!

[@RussellStewart]

@@cameralabs when you’re already lugging around a couple of GFXs and half a dozen GF lenses, what’s a few more kilos? 🤣

[@cameralabs]

@@RussellStewart exactly!

[@danwhiteside248]

Great video. Have you tried any other tilt shift lenses?

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, yes, I've used Canons

[@danwhiteside248]

@@cameralabs do you think the canon tse 90/135 mm would work well adapted onto Sony a7rv? I tried the gf 110 t/s with a gfx 100s and it worked great for product photography, but that’s an expensive investment. Second hand tse can be less than half the price.

[@cameralabs]

@@danwhiteside248 Yes, since tilt shift is mostly a manual process, adapted EF lenses can work great

[@mvp_kryptonite]

What an impressive combo and that TS lens is awesome. Be great if it was motorised. Thanks for the video

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! Do you mean the tilt and shift controls being motorised? I quite like the big manual knobs!

[@GinoFoto]

Lens should be also motorized, remote controlled, which would be unique feature, useful especially for high end video production, we will see, but is rumored that RF most likely bring such feature out.

[@cameralabs]

I have high hopes for what Canon might do with a future RF Tilt Shift lens...

[@ahmeterol9026]

👌👌👌👌👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@davidharris4062]

Nikon do a 24mm & 85 mm tilt shift lens as well as a19mm tilt shift

[@cameralabs]

Are they z mount?

[@davidharris4062]

@@cameralabs have to use an adapter

[@user-sd3ik9rt6d]

Hi Gordon, its defiantly a niche product

[@cameralabs]

Without a doubt, but I wanted to make a video about what you can use Tilt Shift for, and this new lens provided a good excuse! Plus I show some cheaper and even free alternatives towards the end!

[@skiiizo]

Thank you very much for the video

[@cameralabs]

Your'e welcome!

[@tomislavmiletic_]

As it is, I cannot justify the price tag. However, if I could make money out of it, I'd pick it up tomorrow.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

I might have told you befor, I owned a full set of current Canon TS-E lenses. And then Canon superseded two of them with its TS-E 50, 90 and 135 TS-E Macro lenses. I then replaced my 5Ds with a Lumix S1R, for its high resolution mode and generally better features. I never chase cameras with "better dynamic range, or "better load noise," but I understand the S1R performs well there. I use the Sigma adaptor, but I would welcome an adaptor that allows me yo use filters. I don't use them a lot, but I appreciate the potential. I would also like a tilt EF-MFT adaptor. 17mm would not be wide, but adding, say, 13mm to each end of my 17.3mm sensor would be something. Maybe I should use tilt, but I never have. BTW Keith Cooper has used his Canon TS lenses on a GFX camera. When he was evaluating mirrorless options for an upgrade from his 5DSr, he ruled out Sony because of its E mount.

[@cameralabs]

Yep, another benefit of a larger imaging circle is being able to use it on larger formats - so a Canon TSE should be good enough for GFX - and as you say, full-frame lenses have plenty of potential for shifting on FT format. I should look into tilt shift adapters for EF to MFT sometime.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

@@cameralabs Shift adaptors generally. EF to Fujifilm X would be useful, even EF to RF-S.

[@cameralabs]

@@oneeyedphotographer yes, those would be good

[@AdamJRichardson]

Great video! That lens (and the whole kit) is a baller. Will have to save my pennies...

[@Salman-Mansoor]

Can I make a thumbnails for your channel

[@cameralabs]

Thanks for the offer, but most of my reviews are of gear under non-disclosure, so the thumbnails have to be made when they're still secret.

[@user-jp9js9th8o]

thank yo for the presentation (which could be massively abbreviated by leaving out the general informations about shift technique;-) - which should be quite common for the most of your viewers...) way too expensive and to slow, as I also use my adapted Canon TS-E 17 and 24 mm freehand, as well as the Laowa 15 and 20 mm... and here the next point: why 30 = 24 mm? why not minimal ca. 25 mm = 20 mm FF-equ., which easily can be cropped with 100 MP.. and why did they forget the collar for the 110 mm?? PS. in Germany the lens is available at many local stores of big retailers ..

[@cameralabs]

That's why I split it into two, called it a review + tutorial, and included chapter marks for those who wanted to skip past the explanation.

[@amaitra]

Nice video

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@amaitra]

@@cameralabs your videos are always very informative!

[@jeromeyeats480]

If you tilt a lens up too far in architectural photography where the lines of the buildings at the top bow outwards in a "prow of a ship" effect the results look totally wrong. Some converging verticals look wrong when they are over corrected because the results look totally unnatural. I have been using view cameras from decades ago, and Canon tilt shift lenses too. So I just closed down o this video after the first few seconds.Sorry. Regards Jerome Yeats

[@cameralabs]

Good for you Jerome. You'll have missed the part where I say not to overcook it for the most natural results.

[@StevenKeery]

Interesting but expensive. Architectural photographers might be prepared to carry the extra weight as they will only be travelling short distances to their subject from their car. I can't see landscape photographers wanting to carry such heavy equipment for long distances, whilst they are out and about. As they will usually be further back from their subject, converging verticals may not be such a problem, in most instances. The 100mp cameras will create large files, necessitating large amounts of memory to store those files. Unless the photos will be viewed at billboard size, I can't see the advantage for most photographers. To my mind, most photographs will be viewed at smaller image sizes in a book, or calendar, or perhaps a picture on a wall. Personally, I don't mind converging verticals so much that I would be willing to spend that much on such a heavy lens. I suppose it will help to keep chiropractors in business though, so they may thank you. It was interesting to see though, so thanks for uploading.

[@RecklessRowly]

I'm a landscape photographer who does carry TS lenses long distances (usually over hills in the Scottish Highlands). These lenses add a versatility that standard lenses do not have. And for landscape photography I find the tilt most useful.

[@StevenKeery]

@@RecklessRowly : I note you say you carry TS lenses in plural. Perhaps you could explain the context and subject, in which you personally, might use them.

[@RecklessRowly]

@@StevenKeeryI'm happy to give an extensive reply but I'll probably need a seperate way to contact you as my previous post was deleted.