OK, I admit I am a little bit more than curious about what the lensbaby is and how it works. Flora is really posting some spetacular images where these have been used and I would love some "real world" feedback on which to get and what accessories and why from folks who know. I shoot crop sensor Canon bodies, if that matters. Seems to me that these work similar to tilt/shift lenses or standards on larger format. Please, somebody edu'm'cate me
Posted by Dan Borzynski on April 24, 2009 at 4:35 PM
Jeff, you understanding that it is equivalent to the front tilt/swing functions of LF are essentially correct. Since the lens moves and not the film/sensor plane, the distortion and perspective control you get with LF rear movements are not available. I don't believe there is a shift option available on the Lensbaby.
From what I have seen, the resulting images are not as sharp in the in-focus regions as they would be with a traditional 35 mm lens, or even with a LF lens and the same movements applied. But that is not the point of the Lensbaby.
In some respects, it is similar to the idea of using a Holga camera. You are after what it can do, not what it "should" so.
Posted by Barb Hansen on April 24, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Hey Jeff.......what most of us have is the Lensbaby Composer and in addition most have the macro +10/+4 lenses. The macro lenses are extra to the composer. There is a tool that comes with the lens, a magnet on one end and a round gizmo that holds the replaceable aperature disks. To change f/stops you change disks. The macro lenses screw onto the front of the lens and can be used independately or in combination. I have a Canon 40 D and I know of at least one 50D and some Nikon users, so you can get them to fit just about anything. For my self I enjoy playing with this set-up, and it is the only time I have actually shot handholding my camera.
Hey Jeff, go with the new model the "composer", if you decide to purchase, email me I have a code that will get you 10% off on your order from Lensbaby. It's a fun lens that you should do well with.
I have the composer and control freak Jeffrey, but as a flora shooter I find the +4 & +10 macro kit essential. As with Mike, you can email me for a 10% off discount by using my code.
The work I like the best from my LB shooting is when I just let go and I'm not worried about focusing. During these times I'm hand-holding the camera and quickly adjusting my camera for a colorful composition, plus it's just a lot of fun to use!
Discussion
4 repliesFrom what I have seen, the resulting images are not as sharp in the in-focus regions as they would be with a traditional 35 mm lens, or even with a LF lens and the same movements applied. But that is not the point of the Lensbaby.
In some respects, it is similar to the idea of using a Holga camera. You are after what it can do, not what it "should" so.
The work I like the best from my LB shooting is when I just let go and I'm not worried about focusing. During these times I'm hand-holding the camera and quickly adjusting my camera for a colorful composition, plus it's just a lot of fun to use!
David M. Cobb