I also have a Lensbaby set and it can be a real fun lens to use but only in certain circumstances, it's not really a day to day lens though can be used that way without and Tilt or Shift. I've kept it across Pentax, Nikon and now Sony so there must be something I like about it's output
That's good to hear! It turned out to be too late to return/replace the lens, so I'll keep it for now. I think you're right that it shouldn't be used for "general walk-around" like I have done so far, but instead when one has specific/suitable subjects in mind. Also, my partner suggested that it's probably important to have something interesting in the point of focus, something that is strong enough in itself to not let the eye wander away looking for more. After have looked at some other people's Sweet 50 photos that I like I think he's right.
Some "normal" snow photos, with A7II and CV Nokton 50/1.5 VM:
Looking at a Yellow Flower
Tripod mounted Leica R 100mm f2.8 Apo-Macro-Elmarit lens and A7r
ISO 400, probably f11, 1/100 second
Exposure corrected by +0.48 Stops; processed in LR6.4
August 12, 2015
Along Limberlost Trail, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
HelenaN wrote:
That's good to hear! It turned out to be too late to return/replace the lens, so I'll keep it for now. I think you're right that it shouldn't be used for "general walk-around" like I have done so far, but instead when one has specific/suitable subjects in mind. Also, my partner suggested that it's probably important to have something interesting in the point of focus, something that is strong enough in itself to not let the eye wander away looking for more. After have looked at some other people's Sweet 50 photos that I like I think he's right.
Some "normal" snow photos, with A7II and CV Nokton 50/1.5 VM:
BTW -- I'm sure you know that you can change apertures in the Lensbabies. I don't know what aperture you used, but I'd suggest starting with the smallest available to minimize the bizarre effects (although I thought you used them effectively!). I find f/8 to be an okay starting point, and it is the smallest I have on hand. I would like to try f/11 and f/16 as well. I think Lensbabies has potential for special looks, suitable for some portraits and still life, and even dreamy outdoor scenes. I got the original version as a gift and then bought the version 2.0 (double element) and Muse (plastic element) to try out. I've gotten a few good shots and had some fun, so will keep them. At the moment, I like the added clarity of the 2.0 lens.
HelenaN wrote:
That's good to hear! It turned out to be too late to return/replace the lens, so I'll keep it for now. I think you're right that it shouldn't be used for "general walk-around" like I have done so far, but instead when one has specific/suitable subjects in mind. Also, my partner suggested that it's probably important to have something interesting in the point of focus, something that is strong enough in itself to not let the eye wander away looking for more. After have looked at some other people's Sweet 50 photos that I like I think he's right.
Some "normal" snow photos, with A7II and CV Nokton 50/1.5 VM:
BTW -- I'm sure you know that you can change apertures in the Lensbabies. I don't know what aperture you used, but I'd suggest starting with the smallest available to minimize the bizarre effects (although I thought you used them effectively!). I find f/8 to be an okay starting point, and it is the smallest I have on hand. I would like to try f/11 and f/16 as well. I think Lensbabies has potential for special looks, suitable for some portraits and still life, and even dreamy outdoor scenes. I got the original version as a gift and then bought the version 2.0 (double element) and Muse (plastic element) to try out. I've gotten a few good shots and had some fun, so will keep them. At the moment, I like the added clarity of the 2.0 lens.
Keep having fun!
(PS -- Sorry, I see you have the Sweet 50, with built-in aperture blades (not the disc I was referring to). Try using something like ISO 400 and smaller aperture settings and see how you like it.)
BTW -- I'm sure you know that you can change apertures in the Lensbabies. I don't know what aperture you used, but I'd suggest starting with the smallest available to minimize the bizarre effects (although I thought you used them effectively!). I find f/8 to be an okay starting point, and it is the smallest I have on hand. I would like to try f/11 and f/16 as well. I think Lensbabies has potential for special looks, suitable for some portraits and still life, and even dreamy outdoor scenes. I got the original version as a gift and then bought the version 2.0 (double element) and Muse (plastic element) to try out. I've gotten a few good shots and had some fun, so will keep them. At the moment, I like the added clarity of the 2.0 lens.
Keep having fun!
(PS -- Sorry, I see you have the Sweet 50, with built-in aperture blades (not the disc I was referring to). Try using something like ISO 400 and smaller aperture settings and see how you like it.) ...Show more →
Thank you very much for the compliment and helpful information! Beautiful winter day today, so I went for a walk and brought the Lensbaby (also the Nokton 50/1.5 just in case). I have only had time for a quick look but think I got some shots that I like a little better than the last time. People say that the lens has a strong learning curve so perhaps I have been too impatient when expecting good results right away. I did try f/16 and with this lens there is still a clear "lensbaby look", but less extreme. I'll take your advice and try different apertures more often. Anyway, you're right that it's fun and after all that's the most important part about hobbies! I remember seeing some nice Lensbaby shots from you before. Hope you'll post more later.
