TS-E on the cheap? For architectural photography

AmateurArchitectural wrote:

You can consider a 400D with 17mm TS-E. Will give you low quality higher ISO, usability problems with tilt judgement. No live view to aid you either.

You can consider a 650D with 17mm TS-E. Will give you much better higher ISO possibilities, a great high res. LCD which swivels (and offere live view) and has a nifty touch interface that you can use or leave, and will give you much better judgement of focus and tilt.

You can consider a 6D with 24mp TS-E II. Will give you a better than the 400D LCD, with live view. Will offer a bigger and brighter view finder, which helps a bit judging focus and tilt too.

You can consider a 6D with Samyang 24mm tilt shift. You get a tad lower quality optics than the Canon powerhouse, less build quality for a lower (more affordable) price.

You can consider a 6D with the old 24mm TS-E, 2nd hand.

This is a fantastically knowledgeable, helpful and clear answer - thank you so much. I hadn't thought of a cheapo new crop body as a clever way to keep costs down but get Live View! Along with Mike CH's observation about the limitations of polarisers at wide angles this is sounding like a great option:

EOS650D+TS-E17mm:

- decent resolution

- good quality Live View for focusing, especially with tilt

- excellent IQ (including avoiding the less good edges of TS-E)

- I don't lose my EF-S standard zoom

From the reviews of the EOS650D it sounds as if I might even be able to get the occasional shot at a quality and resolution needed for a smallish poster-sized print, if I get my technique bang-on.

Any down-sides I'm failing to spot?

I think so, yes. The 17 TS-E has a huge bulbous front element which is a problem if you want to use filters; the 24 TS-E takes screw-in filters. Sharpness is not an issue with either of these lenses, but FWIW the 24 mm lens is sharper (and of course the 6D image would be cleaner and slightly higher resolution). The 17 is more expensive - not by a huge amount, but if you are buying a new body the difference will take you that much closer to the price of a 6D.

I don't own a T/S lens so take what I say with a pinch of salt, but if I was investing that much I'd want a full frame body, and the 6D makes that relatively affordable. You could also consider a used 5DII if you don't need the specific features of the 6D.