My favorite model is my darling soon-to-be 4 year old. I take pictures of her EVERY DAY. You’ll see me juggling my DSLR along with my iPhone (I often use my phone as a backup) just about everywhere we go. Sure, I can take a cute picture but I’ve been lacking that creative spark.
I first heard about Lensbaby years ago from a professional Photographer. I wasn’t really sure what to make of the lens so I wrote it off. I think the moving lens intimidated me. I just recently ran into Lensbaby again on Twitter. This time I decided to take a closer look.
Lensbaby makes lens and optics that give you soft focus and blurred images without having to manipulate your images in post-production. Lensbaby generously sent me the Composer lens to review. I was told that the Composer is the perfect lens for a Lensbaby newbie. The Composer arrived in a box with the cutest manual. Yes, I’m a sucker for packaging and LensBaby had me at “Mama?” (You’ll have to buy the lens to see out what I’m talking about).
I own a Canon 20D which is compatible with the Composer. The instructions are simple but there’s definitely a learning curve. Attention auto focus users- your camera’s setting needs to be switched to manual and you have to manually control the focus. How exciting! The Composer’s components are a ball and socket system and the lens bends or tilts to find that sweet spot of circular focus. Practice definitely makes perfect.
I’m still having issues with the sharpness of my focus. It could be because I’m near-sighted and my diopter dial isn’t giving me the clearest view. I’ve taken tons of crappy images but I’m super pleased with the attractive and artistic images I’ve captured with this lens. I’m totally hooked. The pictures of my daughter have been dreamy and unique. So far, so good.
The one feature that I really have to get used to are the aperture rings. Changing F stops means having to drop rings into the optic lens with an aperture tool. Switching rings is hard to do especially when I’m chasing after my daughter. Therefore I’ve been sticking with the F/2.8 ring.
The Composer has a focal length of about 50mm and is part of the Switch Optics System. The Switch Optics Systems lets you swap out the optic component of the lens. The various optics further opportunities to play around with your creativity. The Composer is equipped with the Double Glass Optic which has a sharp spot. I just purchased the Plastic Optic to expand my options with this lens. I’m eager for it to arrive to see the difference between the two optics. I’m going to invest in the macro lens for those close-ups images in the future.
The Composer lens is a wonderful lens and the trial and error process has been fun. But yes, this mama loves her Lensbay. If you’re looking for a multi-purpose lens then this probably is the lens for you. I recommend this lens to anyone who likes soft focus photography or wants to challenge his or her artistic expression with a special effects lens. This lens goes way beyond “cute” snapshot of your adorable little ones. Moms you will wind up with amazing images of your kids to hang all over your walls.
The Composer retails for $250 and is available at www.lensbaby.com. I purchased Plastic Optic for $34.95 on www.bh.com. View the gallery section on www.lensbaby.com for inspiration or to get a better idea of what you can achieve with Lensbaby lenses. Stay connected with Lensbaby via twitter @SeeInANewWay and facebook
– Tee
* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. That’s IT Mommy did receive the product mentioned to facilitate this review. This will in no way sway our opinion of the product or service. The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.
13 comments
That looks amazing! I have never heard of it. Your pictures are amazing (I am sure even without)! I will be looking into this further…might have found my “Birthday” present! Thanks for sharing!
A must for your birthday wish list. You will love this lens.
Wow! I love that picture of Teagan! Although, I am definitely intimated by using the manual features on my SLR…hmmm, might have to move out of my comfort zone because those shots are truly inspiring!
The great thing about digital photograhy is that delete button. =) Practice on your AV mode, read some tutorials and you’ll be just fine!
Wow! Those pictures are incredible. You really made using the new lens with camera less overwhelming and intimidating. Thanks!
Wow! Thanks! I’m having so much fun experimenting with the Composer lens.
What fun! We have a UV lens that does wonders on bright, sunny days. Maybe we’ll have to check something like this out as well. There’s only so much Photoshop can do but it cannot replace a good original photo.
I am so wanting a nice DSLR camera. Which one do you suggest?
Hi Stefani, Not sure how much you want to spend – I have a couple of friends who own the Canon EOS Rebel T3i. The camera takes video, takes beautiful images and is under $900. You can always take a look at the T2i which is a little cheaper.
I just got a new digital camera this past Xmas & although I am a master at manipulating images with Photoshop I want to get more into the actual photography side of things. This lens looks like it would make a great addition, right after I get a fish eye lens to take panoramic photo’s.
Dana Beeman: danabeeman(at)gmail(dot)com
I am just barely getting into photography. I just bought a Canon rebel. I am going to take a look at this, I love that soft focus, it is sooo pretty!!
I’m glad to know there’s such a thing as a “newbie” lens. One thing that’s kept me away from DSLRs is confusion over lenses. Beautiful picture of your daughter!
Thanks for the review of this lens. I am always looking for more creative ways to take photographs. Someday, I will have a fab camera that I can use this lens with.