Lensbabies? Are they any good?

[mdruziak]

Lensbabies reward STRONG composition. If you just take snapshots with a Lensbaby, as someone said, they will all look out of focus. However, if you are able to create an image with strong composition, the results can be magical.

If you don't like the look of the photos you see in this thread or on the Lensbaby website, don't buy one. However, I will tell you that I have been shooting with a Lensbaby at just about every wedding I do and at least one of the photos almost always is chosen by the B&G for their album. This style of imagery is very popular with the 20 -30 age group.

One tip, spend the extra $$ on the Lensbaby Composer. I think the squeeze to focus Lensbabies are a lot harder to use than the composer.

 

[pez]

Just ordered a Composer Pro and a Sweet 35- can't wait to make fun images for C&C trashing!

 

[KmH]

Today is 'Lets Dig Up Old Dead Threads To No Apparent Useful Purpose' day. :er:

 

[pez]

One characteristic I've noted about photographers over the years is a tendency to take life just a bit too seriously sometimes.

 

[denizen_9]

I'm really seriously debating if I should get it or not!!!!! For $250, I will get the composer, the aperture kit, & a case for the composer... Good buy or not??? I've read a lot about the pros & cons of the lensbaby composer; but I really like the idea of what this lens can do, & it's fun... So pls help/advise asap!!! Thanks!!!!

 

[Josh66]

I have the Muse, and although I have not used it - the Composer does look easier to use.

I don't think I would want a Scout though (it can't tilt)...

 

[pez]

The Composer Pro is a big improvement over the original Composer, and makes these things a lot easier to use- been having lots of fun with mine. The new Sweet 35 has a regular aperture with 9 curved blades, making the whole thing play more like a "regular" manual lens. Unless you have a very bright viewfinder, expect to use live view a lot, or else low light shots may be "problematic".

 

[kundalini]

The Composer Pro is a big improvement over the original Composer, and makes these things a lot easier to use- been having lots of fun with mine. The new Sweet 35 has a regular aperture with 9 curved blades, making the whole thing play more like a "regular" manual lens. Unless you have a very bright viewfinder, expect to use live view a lot, or else low light shots may be "problematic".

Please post some photos here or link photos you've already posted on TPF. I'm interested in seeing them. Thanks.

 

[Infinite_Day]

One characteristic I've noted about photographers over the years is a tendency to take life just a bit too seriously sometimes.

Perhaps a tendency to take themselves a bit too seriously as well?

 

[pez]

The Composer Pro is a big improvement over the original Composer, and makes these things a lot easier to use- been having lots of fun with mine. The new Sweet 35 has a regular aperture with 9 curved blades, making the whole thing play more like a "regular" manual lens. Unless you have a very bright viewfinder, expect to use live view a lot, or else low light shots may be "problematic".

Please post some photos here or link photos you've already posted on TPF. I'm interested in seeing them. Thanks.

Here are a few, some with a Tiffen +4 close-up filter (a couple are X-posted from the abstract thread):

night shot, high ISO, just liked the feel:

another abstract but shows how the bokeh is "stretched" in the tilt:

one more with the +4 filter lens: