Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 Lens announced (1:2 macro)

Lensbaby Velvet 85mm F/1.8

Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 at a glance:

  • Short telephoto portrait-length lens is designed for full-frame Canon EF-mount DSLRs, however it can also be used with APS-C models where it provides a 136mm equivalent focal length.
  • Bright f/1.8 maximum aperture affords greater control over depth of field for working with shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques, and also benefits working in low-light conditions.
  • Inspired by classic portrait lenses from the mid-20th century, this lens is designed to produce an ethereal glowing quality with soft, smooth tonality that is well-suited to portraiture.
  • Softness can be controlled by stopping-down the lens: when stopped-down to f/16, the image exhibits a smooth quality with greater central sharpness.
  • A working distance of 9.5″ along with a 1:2 reproduction ratio suits working with close-up subjects.
  • Manual focus design with a smooth, dampened focusing movement is complemented by engraved focus distance indicators.
  • A 12-blade diaphragm contributes to a smooth bokeh quality that is ideal for selective focus imagery.

A new and interesting lens is available for those looking for a fast and classic portrait lens wich can also be used for some macro photography, the Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8.

The Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 is available at Adorama and B&H Photo for $499.95.

Dan Mandell posted his first impression of the new Lensbaby, he writes:

I could justify buying it simply because of its increased situational versatility. While you have the option to go full artsy with this lens, you can dial it down or season to taste if you prefer. It would have been interesting to really see how this lens works in even more diverse scenarios. Off the top of my head, I can think of a few things. There are probably ways to exploit what the lens does to create more targeted areas of effect. Using spotlights or fresnels, you could literally paint in or pinpoint areas of light that would receive the effect. Even light painting or long exposure shots have interesting possibilities here.
I’m happy to see Lensbaby making some moves in this direction. I look forward to more and more interesting entries into the market from them.

Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8

[via Mirrorless Rumors]

Lensbaby 50mm f/2.5 Sweet Spot Spark Lens deal – $99.95 (reg. 199.95, today only)

Lensbaby 50mm f/2.5
Lensbaby 50mm f/2.5 at a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.5 to f/22
  • Tilting Lens Body for Selective Focus
  • Multi-Coated Glass
  • Doublet Optical Design
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 9″

B&H Photo DealZone deal for today only. Get the Lensbaby 50mm f/2.5 Sweet Spot Spark lens for $99.95. Compare at 199.95. Free shipping.

Today’s Gold Box and one day only deals at Amazon USAmazon DEAmazon UKB&H Photo, eBay and Adorama

Lensbaby Spark Duo for Canon EF deal – $60 (reg. $140, today only)

Lensbaby

Lensbaby Spark Duo at a glance:

  • Spark 50mm f/5.6 Lens
  • Sweet Spot Selective Focus Lens
  • Multi-Coated Optical Glass Doublet
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 13″
  • Supports Lensbaby’s Optic Swap System
  • Compatible with 37mm Accessories
  • Plastic 50mm f/2 Optic for Lo-Fi Look
  • Uncoated Double Convex Plastic Singlet
  • Magnetic Aperture Set

B&H Photo has the Lensbaby Spark Duo for Canon EF mount on sale at $59.95. Compare at $139.95. This deal is for today only.  The bundle pairs the Lensbaby Spark 50mm f/5.6 Selective Focus Lens with the Plastic Optic for a variety of different looks and includes a Magnetic Aperture Set to take further control over the look of your images.

Today’s Gold Box and one day only deals at Amazon USAmazon DEAmazon UKB&H Photo, eBay and Adorama

Lensbaby’s New Twist 60 Lens Exudes Pure Magic of Vintage Photography

lensbaby twist 60

Lensbaby Twist 60 at a glance:

  • 60mm f/2.5 Optic
  • Canon EF Mount/Full-Frame Format
  • Compatible with Optic Swap System
  • Straight Body Manual Focusing Ring
  • Creates Subtle Swirled Edges
  • Aperture Range: f/2.5 to 22
  • Manual Aperture Control
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 18″
  • Filter Diameter: 46mm
  • Internal 12-Blade Diaphragm

Lensbaby announced the Twist 60, and it is all about being bokehlicious. The Twist 60 can be preordered, and sells for $279.95 (B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon).

Lensbaby’s New Twist 60 Lens Exudes Pure Magic of Vintage Photography

Company’s love of old lenses inspires new creativity with classic image elements optimized for full frame photographers

Portland, OR – April 12th, 2016 – Lensbaby, makers of award-winning creative effects lenses, optics and accessories, today announced the availability of the Twist 60 lens. Twist 60 helps creative photographers find their visual voice by seeing the world differently.

This metal-bodied 60mm f/2.5 lens with gold anodized accents creates powerful portraits, spotlighting subjects by freeing them from their background and surrounding them with swirly blur and enhanced vignette. The brighter the aperture, the greater the swirl and the greater the vignette.

“Twist 60 embodies our love of old lenses and their unique ways of helping photographers discover creative possibilities,” said Craig Strong, Lensbaby Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer. “True to an 1840 design by Joseph Petzval, this lens reveals striking separation between subjects and their background, a quality that modern lens designs lack.”

Twist 60 Lens specs:

● 12 blade f/2.5-22 aperture
● 60mm focal length
● Twisty, swirly blur
● Recommended for use on full frame cameras
● Available in Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sony E mounts
● 4 elements in 3 groups
● Filter threads: 46mm
● Black anodized body with gold anodized aperture ring
● Minimum focus distance – 18”

Availability
Twist 60 lens retails for $279.95 and is available via pre-order beginning April 12, 2016 (shipping May 5th, 2016). Twist 60 Optic will also be sold separately for use with other Lensbaby Optic Swap System-compatible lenses. It retails for $179.95. For best results, when using it in a tilting Lensbaby such as the Composer Pro, photographers should shoot with Twist 60 pointed straight ahead. Lensbaby products are available at lensbaby.com, B&H, Adorama, and from select specialty photo stores worldwide.

About Lensbaby
For over a decade, photographers have relied on Portland, Oregon based Lensbaby to help them break free of routine, tinker, and open themselves up to unexpected results – dancing, playing and delighting in what’s possible with a creative lens and their imagination.

Lensbaby makes award-winning creative effects lenses, optics and accessories that follow this philosophy, including the Velvet 56, a versatile portrait and macro lens; their unique Optic Swap System, which lets photographers swap their optic and tilt their lens for limitless effects; and mobile lenses that transform everyday smartphone photography. Lensbaby products are sold and distributed worldwide. For more information, visit www.lensbaby.com

Lensbaby Twist 60: B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon