Lens Baby 2.0

[jdesigns]

After seeing Kevin's (Atomic Glee) thread about the Holga, I think it's time to introduce my LensBaby to the world!

From Wikipedia:

A lensbaby is a type of simple lens combined with bellows to create special effect photography on cameras which accept interchangeable lenses, mainly of the 35 mm or digital SLR formats.

The front standard can be manipulated off axis to move the sharpest area of focus to almost anywhere in the frame, you can therefore render the important part of your subject fairly sharp with everything else out of focus, even if it is the same distance from the camera. Aperture is controlled by a series of interchangeable discs.

This is a special effect lens that mimics the Holga camera, though without the light leakage. There is extreme aspherical and chromatic distortion outside the central sweet spot. The effect is unique and well suited to portraiture, some landscapes, and product photography.

The lensbaby comes in two versions, the simpler and cheaper f2.8 "lensbaby" and the more expensive f2.0 "lensbaby 2" with easier aperture control and a coated optic. The "lensbaby 2" is sharper in the sweet spot, which may suit some photographers.

As for what I think about it? It's taken me a while to get used to the idea of getting a bunch of "not so sharp" images. But like Kevin and others have found, perfectly focused images can get old and boring sometimes.

Enjoy these shots that I have taken this afternoon!

For more information, please visit the LensBaby website.

[callisto9]

me likey! that's neat! thanks for sharing! post more!

[jdesigns]

As you wish Erin! Both these were taken just for you, and the rainbow just happened!! (And to share with everyone!)

[callisto9]

Originally Posted by jdesigns

As you wish Erin! Both these were taken just for you, and the rainbow just happened!! (And to share with everyone!)

thanks! i set the flower one as my desktop, but it's a little blurry.

[jdesigns]

Originally Posted by callisto9

thanks! i set the flower one as my desktop, but it's a little blurry.

Alright Miss Smarty Pants! (A full size might work better for ya!)


I guess I should post a pic of what the lens actually looks like, eh?

[PhoenixRising]

More pics prease! Nice! And have you seem my thread on the Rollei?

[jdesigns]

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

And have you seem my thread on the Rollei?

Nope..... (Go look!)

[jdesigns]

As some of you already know, I dropped my Nikon D100 a few weeks ago and ripped the lens mount off.

Well, today it was done being repaired, so I took the ferry over to Seattle to pick it up.

I thought I might play more with my LensBaby. So in no particular order, here are some of the pics I shot.

[callisto9]

those are great shots justin! i always love seeing your photos.

[jdesigns]

A couple more.

[jdesigns]

Thanks Erin! I'm sure I looked pretty silly walking around with this big Digital camera with this lens that looked like a round accordian on it. It does come up with some fun effects though.

I had a blast just shooting things on the ferry. I can't imagine what time can be wasted shooting a town like Seattle.

[PhoenixRising]

Great shots, as always. You da man, man.

Oh yeah, does Canon sell one of these cool lens???

[jdesigns]

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

Great shots, as always. You da man, man.

Oh yeah, does Canon sell one of these cool lens???

Canon does not sell these lenses. LensBabies does. (Yes, I am a smarty ass!)

B&H Photo/Video sells them. That is where I bought mine from.

Of course, you could try eBay too.

[jdesigns]

I should probably point out that the first pic of me holding the camera......my fingers holding the edges of the lens is how you focus the lens. It's taken a bit of getting used to.

[jpdeuce]

Man, some of those are sweet. I think I like it alot better when the subject is real close...like the dog shot. Definitely like it better when there is something clear to focus on, like a word, or the dog's face, or the flower, or the D ring on the rope, etc... Pretty cool lens. Makes me wish I knew the first thing about photography.

[jdesigns]

Thanks jpdeuce!

If you want to know the "first thing" about photography, there are a few threads here in the Photography forum that answer basic questions like Shutter Speed, Aperture, and Lens Focal Length. Don't forget to check out the Tips for Better Photographs thread too!

If other questions come up, feel free to start a new thread here in the Photography Forum, and one of us will do our best to help you understand.

[PhoenixRising]

Originally Posted by jdesigns

Canon does not sell these lenses. LensBabies does. (Yes, I am a smarty ass!)

B&H Photo/Video sells them. That is where I bought mine from.

Of course, you could try eBay too.

Me likey, me likey a rot. Me getty. Soony, I hopey.

Me loopy.

[PhoenixRising]

Originally Posted by jdesigns

Canon does not sell these lenses. LensBabies does. (Yes, I am a smarty ass!)

B&H Photo/Video sells them. That is where I bought mine from.

Of course, you could try eBay too.

Is the only way to get this is to order online???

[PhoenixRising]

Never mind that last post; I just ordered it. Should be here Monday or Tuesday. Neat.

[jdesigns]

Welcome to the LensBaby world TJ! I'm lookin' forward to your pics!