Canon TS-E 135mm f/2.8L lens to replace 90mm f/2.8 model

Canon is working on two new tilt-shift lenses, both replacing existing models, but one of them featuring a longer focal length, as previously rumored.

Tilt-shift photography is getting a lot of attention and users are demanding newer, better models. Canon is one of the digital camera manufacturers which has some options in its lens line-up, but it seems like new units are on their way.

Canon has been rumored to launch new tilt-shift lenses since the beginning of the year. At first, inside sources have claimed that the optics will be released by the end of 2013. However, as time went by, it had become clear that this is not going to happen and that the company will wait until early 2014.

Although the rumor mill does not know very much about them, it has found out that the 45mm f/2.8 and the 90mm f/2.8 lenses are the ones getting replaced. Furthermore, the latter model would be succeeded by a longer local length version.

Go ahead and grab a Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8 while you can! This tilt-shift lens is being replaced by an “L” model which will have a focal length of 135mm.

Canon TS-E 135mm f/2.8L lens poised to replace the 90mm f/2.8 tilt-shift optic

Well, new tidbits have been leaked, confirming the Canon TS-E 135mm f/2.8L lens, which will replace the 90mm unit. Both upcoming optics will get the L treatment and they will also keep the aperture, but only the 45mm will retain its focal length.

Adding an “L” to a lens means that the product will have a more robust build and provide better image quality. Beside the dust and water sealing, the 45mm f/2.8 and 135mm f/2.8 are getting a Low Dispersion element to improve photo quality.

New Canon TS-E lenses to be based on new and improved tilt-shift mechanism

The Canon TS-E 135mm f/2.8L and 45mm f/2.8 lenses will come packed with a new tilt-shift mechanism. It will not be based on the older version and will be different from the one found in the 17mm f4L and 24mm f/2.5L II.

The changes are necessary in order to make the optics more durable. Their moving parts make them more susceptible to breaking down, as a lot of users have complained that the knobs are not reliable enough.

Canon is expected to announce the products in early 2014. If you cannot wait until then, then you should check out the current 45mm f/2.8 and 90mm f/2.8 lenses at Amazon, where they are available for $1,399 each.