Best Architectural Photography Lens: Canon 24mm Tilt-Shift Versus Laowa 20mm Shift Lens

Architectural photography can be described as one of the more technical kinds of photography. Photo compositions generally need to have a more structured aesthetic. Vertical lines need to be straight, and the best way to ensure this is by using a tilt-shift lens. The question is: which lens is best for architectural photography?  

In our latest video, we compare the highly favored Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II against the relatively new Venus Optics Laowa 20mm f/4.0 Shift lens. Both of these wide angle lenses have been designed with architectural photography in mind. The shift features in both lenses allow you to move the glass elements vertically and horizontally to prevent perspective distortion in your images. 

One of the biggest differences between both lenses is the price. Venus Optics generally offers less expensive options than more established brands such as Canon. For instance, the 20mm shift lens discussed in the video above is $800 less expensive than the Canon lens. With both lenses offering similar focal lengths, photographers may want to consider both options before deciding either way. 

In the video linked above, we compare key aspects between both lenses, such as sharpness, lens flares, and usability, and we demonstrate the real-world difference in the field of view. Check out the full video to see which of the two is the best lens for architectural photography.

Usman Dawood's picture

Usman Dawood is a professional architectural photographer based in the UK.

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