The lens behind the magic
Lensbaby is a line of art lenses used for creative-effects photography. They’re the perfect tool for helping me achieve my painterly style, especially when I produce my original encaustic art. I discovered Lensbaby lenses when I was searching for a lens that would be playful and help me create a magical world. Now that I use these lenses exclusively I treat them like a painter would the paint brush. Each one has a different effect and creates a unique ‘look’.
As a Lensbaby brand ambassador, I’m privileged to be able to deliver my toy photography message to a wider audience. In addition Im able to offer 10% to my fans and friends when they purchase one of these fabulous lenses direct for Lensbaby. Simply use my code wCorbett when you check out.
Where to start?
I’m often asked which Lensbaby lens to start with. I get it, the variety of choices is confusing. So I thought I would take a moment to show you a few of my favorite lenses, how I use them and the effects you can create.
Each of the lenses I talk about below are part of the Lensbaby Optic Swap System of lenses unless otherwise noted. Once you have the Composer Pro II mount for your camera, the optics are bought individually. It’s a compact system that allows me a lot of versatility in a compact package.
Sweet 35
This my favorite lens in the Lensbaby family. It’s the lens I either start with or fall back to when I’m struggling with the other effects. As the name suggests, this lens has a “sweet spot” of focus that can be moved around the focus plane.
Besides being able to move around the point of focus, I love the sense of motion created by the strong edge blur. This effect can be as pronounced or as subtle as you want depending on the aperture. When I’m trying to capture an image with a sense of motion, such as a fast moving vehicle or water flowing, this is the lens I generally default to.
The Sweet line of lenses also comes in a 50mm and 80mm focal length. You will need a macro adapter (either the macro filters of convertors) to use these lenses with small subjects.
Edge 50
The Edge group of lenses from Lensbaby are both the most useful and most frustrating! The Edge effect is similar to a tilt-shift lens in that you can manipulate the focal plane. Including creating a line of focus that moves from foreground to background while maintaining a shallow depth of field. Confusing? Absolutely! Effective? Absolutely!
With the Edge lenses I can draw a connection between my subjects by using the focal plane to connect them. Or I can keep multiple figures in focus even when they’re not on the same focal plane. This focusing trick allows me to sidestep focus stacking so I can concentrate on storytelling in the moment.
The Edge line of lenses are available in a 80mm and 35mm focal lengths as well.
Twist 60
The Twist 60 is based on a vintage Petzval lens. The lens curves the bokeh which allows me to use the bokeh as compositional element. I love to use this effect to frame my subject.
I find this lens adds a certain subtle and magical quality the other lens effects are unable to match. The Twist 60 remains one of my favorite lenses in the Lensbaby family.
You will need a macro adapter (either the macro filters of convertors) to use this lens with small subjects.
Soft Focus II
The Soft Focus II works much like Lensbaby’s stand alone Velvet line of lenses. The optic creates a ‘glow’ around the subject giving off a soft feeling. But unlike the Velvet, you can add creative effects disks to create shapes in the bokeh. While sometimes this effect can overwhelm the image, it can also create other worldly images like this floating astronaut on a bed of flowers.
I love that with Lensbaby lenses I can still create the ‘happy accidents’ of my early film photography days.
You will need a macro adapter (either the macro filters of convertors) to use this lens with small subjects.
Sweet 22
The Sweet 22 is a fixed aperture pancake lens. An apt descriptor for this low profile lens. And while this lens has the same edge effect as the other Sweet lenses, because its not on a composer ball and socket, the spot of focus is fixed. This means I have to be intentional with my composition in a way I can often let slide with the other lens. Not a deal breaker, and for the right subject, a definite plus.
Lensbaby has made several small profile lenses similar to the Sweet 22. Each one of them is enjoyable and often make perfect travel lenses. I can achieve a lot of effect on my images in a small package.
A few final thoughts
I think by now you realize that I adore Lensbaby lenses. They allow me to create wee, enchanting worlds where the toys come alive. But even I’m not immune to the learning curve that each one of these manual lenses has presented me. I still joke that the Obscura pinhole lens almost broke me as a photographer.
Which is why I always recommend building your optic collection slowly. Master one lens at a time or risk becoming overwhelmed and frustrated.
Of course the flip side to the potentially steep learning curve is the amazing lens flare and the creamiest bokeh you will find in a lens. If you enjoy a painterly or pictorialist approach to your photography, I invite you to check out these lenses.
And don’t forget to use my code, wCorbett, to take advantage of an additional 10% your order.
