Lensbaby Composer & Fisheye Optics
| Article Index |
|---|
| Lensbaby Composer & Fisheye Optics |
| Lensbaby Fisheye Optic |
| Using the Lensbaby |
| Photographic Examples and Final Thoughts |
Product(s): Lensbaby Composer & Fisheye Optic
Provided By: Lensbaby
Prices: ~$269.95 & $149.95 repectively
Click here for lowest prices of Lensbaby products
Introduction:
I remember when I saw my first Lensbaby. I was attending a wedding and during the reception, had the good fortune to share a table with the photographer. At the time my interest in photography was limited by my Fuji F50 which was not a great outlet for creative expression. That day, however, I happened to be toting an Olympus E420 which was on loan from my place of employment. The other occupants of my table were much better versed in the photographic arts and so it happened that the professional photographer began showing off his toys, a Lensbaby being among them. The Lensbaby back then was a wobbly affair that looked more like a spring than a lens, but the photographic principal was the same; creative focal effects. After that night I mostly forgot about the Lensbaby, but my interest in photography did not wane. Several years later I was quite surprised when Zeus of BCCHardware offered me a chance to take a look at the newest iteration. I'm by no means a professional photographer so this mini-review will be written from the perspective of an enthusiastic amateur.
First Look - What's In a Lensbaby?
Lensbaby evolution has resulted in three current products. The Muse, Composer, and the Control Freak. I received the Composer, which is probably a good thing as it is the most balanced of the three lenses. The Lensbaby Composer allows the photographer to swap optical elements which allows for a wider range of effects. By default mine came with the standard Double Glass Optic element, a set of aperture discs (we'll get to that later), a neat black carrying pouch and a small instruction manual.
 Lenbaby Composer |
 Double Glass Optic |
Specifications:
- Double Glass (Multi-coated Optical Glass Doublet) included
- Focal Length: about 50 mm
- Focus Type: Manual
- Aperture Type: Interchangeable, magnetic aperture disks
- Apertures: f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22
- Minimum Focus: about 18" (45cm) / Maximum Focus: infinity
- Size: 2.25"(5.7cm) h x 2.5"(6.35cm) w / Weight: 3.7 oz (104.9g)
- No electronic communication between the lens and the camera body
- Available in mounts for Canon EF (EOS), Nikon F, Sony Alpha A / Minolta Maxxum, Pentax K / Samsung GX, Olympus E1 / Panasonic Lumix DMC
- Automatic light metering is possible by shooting in aperture priority mode for almost all digital and film SLR camera bodies except certain Nikon bodies including the D40, D50, D60, D70, D70S, D80, D90, D100, N50, N65, N70, N75, N80, Kodak 14N and ProN, & Fuji S1, S2, and S3.
On the next page we'll take a quick look at the interchangeable fisheye optic for the Lensbaby before we put them to use and take some photos.
