If you own a DSLR, chances are youve heard ofLensbaby.
Lensbaby produces a collection of vintage-inspired creative lenses that do a lot more than your typical Nikon/Canon/Sony standards.
The latest lens from LensBaby is different.
Its an honest-to-goodness nifty fifty, a lens inspired by the wide-aperture 55mm portrait lenses of the mid-20th century.
Its a big, chunky piece of metal that could double as a weapon if need be.
I shot this2014 BMW 328din a studio with the 55mm f1.2, shooting flash composites.
You wouldnt know from looking at the image that it was shot with a 50-year-old lens.
The Lensbaby Velvet 56 is a modern interpretation of that Nikkor lens.
It allows for the vintage look without the post processing.
Or at least, a great bed of quality to dress with filters after the fact.
The Lensbaby Velvet 56 will be available in two styles.
Two important things to consider.
First, these are 100% manual lenses.
And thats a beautiful thing.
If youre shooting sports or weddings, you probably wont want a manual lens.
Autofocus will never be perfect.
Second, $500 is pricey.
And Nikon, for example, still produces manual f1.2 lenses in the 50mm focal length.
you’re free to buy a brand new version of the classic straight from Nikon today.
Theyre plenty more expensive than $500, though.
However, if you want a vintage lens, you’re able to still buy a vintage lens.
If youre on the hunt for vintage optics, Lensbaby is pretty great but can they beat the original?