Opinions on Lensbaby?

[amandaf]

Whats everyone's opinion on Lensbaby lenses for more "artistic" photography? I'm thinking about getting one in the next few months or so. Does their fisheye optic work well, or should I just wait and spend the $700 plus on a real fisheye lens?

Thanks!

 

[Light Artisan]

Never used one myself, but that's probably because I think it's a gimmick/toy that people grow tired of after having them for a week.

I could be wrong, it just doesn't interest me.

 

[Markw]

Well..a fisheye lens and a fisheye lensbaby would look completely different. The lensbaby look can be achieved with a real fisheye and a PP program, but a fisheye lens look cannot be achieved with a fisheye lensbaby and a PP program. It cannot take away the lensbaby look.

I would get the fisheye lens. If you want the lensbaby look, you can always add it in on PS. I can't see paying $700+, though. You can routinely find them for less than 700.

Mark

 

[KmH]

The Lensbaby is a novelty lens. If you want a good fisheye, get a good fisheye. The fisheye is another novelty lens. If you have a crop sensor camera look at the 8 mm f/3.5 chinese lens ($350 or so, new) that is branded with several names like Bower, Vivitar, Rokinon, etc. It's sometimes labeled as a 7 mm.

Most who get either, use them for a liitle while, and then sell them.

Consequently, if you keep your eyes peeled you can pick them up for much less than the price of new.

 

[Markw]

Sigma also makes a 4.5mm 2.8 fisheye. Though $1k, it should be nice. They also make an 8mm 3.5 and a 10mm 2.8. I would pass on the 8mm and get the 10mm, saving $150 and gaining a stop of light. If you need the extra 2mm, though, by all means..go for an 8mm. Also, the 10mm will AF on cameras without motors. The 8mm will not.

Mark