Lensbaby has just launched two new Optics – Fisheye and Soft Focus – which both look very interesting, although I have to say my love at first sight falls on the Soft Focus Optic. Some of the sample images on the Lensbaby website from this Optic are just stunningly beautiful. Here is a quick little introduction to each of these new Optics.
Fisheye
With Lensbaby’s new Fisheye Optic you can now turn your Lensbaby Composer into a fun fisheye lens. The Fisheye Optic’s ultra-wide 12mm focal length and 160 degree field of view captures eye-popping fisheye views from infinity all the way down to one inch from the front of your lens. The Fisheye Optic is designed for use with the Composer, but it can also be used with the Muse with the purchase of a special adapter.
Soft Focus
The Lensbaby Soft Focus Optic creates a velvety soft image perfect for portraits, flowers, landscapes or any of your subjects that may need that soft touch. Soft Focus has a look that is evenly soft throughout the image without the Sweet Spot of sharp focus created by our selective focus optics. You can vary the amount of softness by changing the aperture disks.
In addition to the two new Optics Lensbaby has also introduced Step-up/Shade ring which will enable you to fit 52mm filters on your Lensbaby Composer.
Check out the Lensbaby website for full details on these new products.
P.S. For the sake of good order please note that the image accompanying this article was not created with any of the new Optics, but rather with the Lensbaby Macro kit on a Canon 20D converted to a dedicated infrared camera by LifePixel.
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26. October 2009 at 9:18 am
I really like the look of the lensbaby. The only problem is, it started out as a cheap and cheerful lens. Now it’s a complete system, and you could easily spend a lot on the different optics. I am very tempted, but wonder how much use I would really get out of it.
I really liked your images you posted using the lensbaby – how about an in-depth article on how you shoot with it, and the way it effects your creativity?
26. October 2009 at 11:46 am
Hi Mike,
Thank you for your comment.
Your point is very valid about how the Lensbaby has evolved into a small system which means an investment of more money if you want to explore the different optics and accessories available.
In many ways, however, this is also what is making the Lensbaby offering increasingly interesting in terms of photo gear that really does offer up some new creative possibilities.
As with any system most people will usually start out small and then add to it if they feel the desire to explore possibilities further.
Personally I started out with the original Lensbaby (the Muse) which I found somewhat tricky to handle and use. When the Composer came out I was ’sold’ though as it really is an improvement in terms of handling and use. Since then I have added the optic kit and other accessories and I plan to really explore the Lensbaby’s creative possibilities in more depth this (southern hemisphere) summer.
On that note your suggestion about writing a more in-depth article is a very good idea which I will try to pursue in the coming months (as mentioned I need to shoot more with my Lensbaby and develop a larger body of work).
While Photography 24/7 is still evolving one of my goals with this website is indeed to write more about the creative aspects of photography and perhaps less so about the technical aspects although I also have plans to perhaps develop more content for users who are new to digital SLR photography.
Thanks for the suggestions and inspiration Mike!