So I have been using the Laowa shift lens for a week or so now, and used it in anger on a few jobs too - and largely speaking it has been brilliant.
Being able to raise and lower the image circle, and hence the relative position of the camera, once it is set up and level is so useful, particularly on tricky close positioning and, although not yet tested, on tall buildings (I am hoping to pop into town next week to try it out on a challenging block that I have to photograph on occasion).
That said, it isn’t without it’s Achillies heals. The large front element is prone to damage, and it also creates some crazy lens flare. Some is quite artistic and pleasing, sometimes it manifests as a washed out image that, although largely fixable in post, is a challenge that I could do without on these short turnaround jobs.
Whilst I have been enjoying it this week, the manual EVERYTHING is good for slowing down and taking some time over composition… the Nikon 14-30S has the edge over it for straight forward shots. I suspect I will go back to using the zoom more often than not, but this little power house will remain in regular service - at least until Nikon bring out a Z mount tilt/shift with a wide angle (14 - 16mm or please!)
Things have continued to be quiet on the work front of late so I am going to re-evaluate my marketing and have a chat with a few people to gain advise and, if I am lucky, perhaps an introduction or two. But I also want to start concentrating on some of my other work - I have some ideas in the fine art direction, I have some ambitions in the landscape field with workshops and publications for instance. Perhaps there may be some more video work too.
Loads going on, the sands are shifting… and tomorrow is another day.