You may be seeing photographers share photos with delicious blur – they very well may have been taken with one of the many Lensbaby lenses. Whether you’ve never heard of these before, just getting started with yours, or looking for more tips on using a Lensbaby, this post is for you!
I never leave my house without one of these. It’s true – my camera bag is my purse, and even if I leave my camera at home, I will usually find a Lensbaby nestled next to my iPad and my wallet. Lensbaby lenses let your creativity soar. The images you make with them are so unique that it is difficult to reproduce them by yourself. Eventually, you will learn to pre-visualize your scene in “Lensbaby,” knowing where you want the focus to fall, and what part of the frame will disintegrate into blur.
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What is a Lensbaby?
Lensbaby makes a line of tilt-focus lenses that create very unique images with an area of sharp focus, surrounded by fading blur. Lensbaby lenses are different from traditional tilt-shift lenses in that there is no shifting mechanism – you cannot slide the lens up, down, or sideways while it is mounted on your camera. However, you can tilt the lens (like a tilt-shift lens) which allows the photographer to shift the area of focus in the image they make.
Lensbaby lenses do not communicate with your camera in any way. This means that you will have to manually set the aperture of the lens and manually focus your lens.
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Understanding the equipment
Lensbaby lenses have two parts, lens body and optic.
Lensbaby used to manufacture several different lens bodies, but at this point they are focused on making and selling their best, the Composer Pro. The Composer Pro has a part that attaches to your camera (they make mounts that suit all major brands), a part that attaches to the lens optic, and a tilting mechanism between them (which is really a ball joint).
Lensbaby makes many different optics, but the most popular ones are Sweet 35 (35mm), Double Glass (50mm), and Edge 80 (80mm).
Both Sweet 35 and Double Glass optics give you a circular area of focus (the so-called “sweet spot”), while the Edge 80 gives you the slice of focus.
The biggest plus of the Sweet 35 and Edge 80 optics is that you can control the aperture by simply twisting a ring on the optic. Double Glass optic has aperture discs that you can exchange using a little magnetic tool.
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You need just one Composer Pro lens body; all the optics are interchangeable.
Is Lensbaby for you?
Just because you love looking at images with lots of blur, it does not necessarily mean that you will love making them. Enter the Lensbaby Spark, to which I frequently refer to as the “Gateway Lensbaby.” The Spark is a one-piece Lensbaby that has an optic already attached to an accordion-type tilting mechanism. It is a 50mm lens with a fixed f/5.6 aperture. At $90, it is most certainly a bargain.
The Spark is how I started out. I had mine for exactly 3 days before I realized that I loved the images I was making and I was ready to jump all in. I then bought a Composer Pro with Sweet 35 optic. Thus, my love affair with Lensbaby began.
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Practicing Manual Focus
As I mentioned above, Lensbaby lenses do not communicate with your camera, and you will need to focus them manually. While this sounds daunting at first, learning manual focus will improve your photography, period. It is a great skill to have, and it is most certainly something that improves with practice.
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Here are some simple tips to make manual focusing easier:
- Remember which eye you focus with and adjust your diopters to that eye. Lots of people have different vision in both eyes – this difference may be subtle, and you may or may not be aware of it. However, this slight variation will make a big difference when focusing manually, so take notice of which eye you prefer to focus with.
- Consider a new eye cup. Some time ago, I got a Hoodman HoodEYE cup, which is bigger than the standard eye cup that is included with cameras. It does a great job preventing stray light from entering the viewfinder and, because it is not symmetrical, it reminds me to use my left eye to focus.
- Many photographers prefer to use Liveview and zoom in when focusing with the Lensbaby lenses. While this is not my preferred method, I have certainly used it more than once. When previewing your scene on the LCD in Liveview, the brightness of this image is determined by your camera (this is called “Exposure simulation”). If your LCD image appears too dark when you are using Liveview, you will have to disable exposure simulation under your menu options to get a nice, bright image.
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Practice, practice, practice
This part is obvious, right? Very few photographers, even if quite experienced, make amazing Lensbaby images straight out of the box. When I got my Sweet 35 optic, I loved it right away. However, my Edge 80 took some time getting used to: to be exact, a month of shooting exclusively with the Edge 80! Ultimately, it was worth it, and the Edge 80 is my favorite optic of the two. You will make some great images by accident in the beginning, but the real skill that comes with practice is making a Lensbaby image that truly matches your vision.
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My final – and perhaps most valuable- tip is this: don’t practice on uncooperative models. Just don’t do it! You will hate your Lensbaby, your children, or both! Start off with inanimate subjects or (willing) adult models.
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For a more in-depth discussion of Lensbaby lenses and how to use these one-of-a-kind lenses and optics in different photography genres, join me at Click Away. I will be leading a small group session, as well as hands-on practice sessions, and a Lensbaby photowalk in Salt Lake City.
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sponsored giveaway!
We have a fun giveaway for you today brought by Lensbaby. The prize will be a Lensbaby Spark, retail value $90! The Lensbaby Spark creates images with a sharp spot of focus surrounded by beautiful blur. Bend, squeeze and stretch the lens to focus your shot. Express your creativity and capture the magic of everyday moments with the Lensbaby Spark. Available in Canon EF and Nikon F mounts.
***Disclaimer: Nina’s thoughts are her own and were not influenced by this article being sponsored. Her love for Lensbaby lenses began in January 2013.
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I really enjoyed all the tips and wonderful imagery in this article, Nina! I use a LB Composer w/ Double Glass Optic thus, that is my fav at the moment 🙂 I’m one of the folks that likes to use Live View – tripod mounted, to help with focusing. To remedy the sometime too dark screen, I’ll often focus at an incorrect exposure level (that would give me an overexposed image) then change to the proper exposure before taking the shot. I think that the charm of a good LB image is very endearing!
thanks Anna! for the dark screen, try disabling liveview exposure compensation, it works really well and you don’t have to keep playing with your exposure. since i don’t use liveview for really anything else, keep this option on permanently. thank you for taking time to comment!
Nina, I was so excited to see this post from you. I have been wanting to know how to get started with a lensbaby, from shopping to shooting. I hope to get one someday and feel like I have a little direction now!! Awesome post!
thanks, Kim! i hope you get one soon (or win one?)
I’ve come across mentions of Lensbaby from time to time, but assumed that it was to advanced for me to experiment with. I got so much out of this post, including the manual focusing tips. I am ready to take the leap into Lensbaby too, and I am excited about the possibilities!
I am so glad this was helpful, Caroline! when i first got interested in the lensbaby lenses, i was so confused by different options, and it took me a while to get the manual focusing down. i hope you take the leap soon!
I’ve been dying to get a Lensbaby!! Maybe it’s time I did
yup, it’s time. i love being an enabler!
Wonderful tips! I look forward to experimenting more with Lensbabies as I love the look of the photos. I bought the Lensbaby Scout which came with a fisheye optic but I would love to try out one of the other lensbaby’s where you actually bend it. The scout does not bend so everything is always centered.
i’m glad you enjoyed the article, Sabrina! the scout and fisheye are on my list!
Great, now I need a lensbaby. My husband will not be impressed. Haha! Love this blog post! 🙂
everyone NEEDS a fun lens. glad you enjoyed the post!
My fav is currently my 50mm 1.8. I love it but honestly I love all of my lenses for different reasons. I certainly can’t use my 50mm for everything (especially because I’m using a crop sensor and so it acts more like an 80mm).
I love the 50mm 1.8. I tried it out once and it is wonderful!
Now I want a lensbaby even more!! Great article 🙂
thanks, Amy! get the lensbaby, they are so fun!
Oh! I forgot to mention my favorite lens is the 50mm 1.4f
Great article, especially since I’m heavily considering buying one!
Love Lensbaby!
I could not live without my 16-35, but I love my Composer Pro and Sweet 35 duo. The Edge 80 is on my list!
edge is a great addition to the line-up of lenses!
I just got the composer pro II kit with the 35 sweet spot and can’t wait to get started. I’m a wedding photographer and can’t wait to deliver some unique shots for my brides ( with lots of practice first, of course).
Lovely tutorial, Nina!
thanks, Stephanie
This blog post made it much easier for me to understand what “lensbaby fever” is all about. I love your image shares. The image with the woman lying down is a gorgeous capture.
thank you so much, Carole! i really love that image, too!
I’ve been intrigued by all these lensbaby posts! I might just grab one (or, perhaps WIN one?!?!)
good luck! if you don’t win, consider getting one, they are so fun!
Great opportunity! Love your tips Nina and I love lensbaby!
thanks Kathleen, i am glad you enjoyed the article!
I’m patiently waiting for the Lensbaby for cell phones from their kickstarter project. I thought that might be a fun way to dip my toe in the Lensbaby water :0)
i think it’s coming out really soon! Caroline Jensen got a “try-out” copy and she loved it!
Thank you for this great article on the Lensbaby and explaining so well about it.
i am glad this made things clear! when i first started out, i found the lensbaby system really confusing!
PS: my current and all time favorite lens is the 70-200mm
Nina, thanks for the awesome tips. I’ve recently received a new to me composer and I can’t wait to start creating some awesome images.
I am glad you enjoyed the article, Ariel! just be patient with it, the learning curve is steep, but when you get it, it is so worth it!
I forgot to mention my favorite lens. It’s the Sigma 30mm! 🙂
Lensbaby just make he images look so magical! I’m dying to try one!
My favorite lens right now is my Sigma 30 1.4!
My current favorite lens is my Sigma 35 1.4… Cause it’s my only lens! 😉
lol – yes, i have that one too and it is awesome!
I love my 50mm 1.4
My favorite lens is the 50 mm 1.4!!
My current favorite lens is my Sigma 18-250mm. I like the versatility and the fact that I can do macros with it too.
So obsessed with getting a Lensbaby!
My favorite lens is my 50mm 1.4!
Great tutorial Nina!
i’m glad you enjoyed it, Carol!
would love this. My favorite lens is my 28mm 1.8
I love playing with my Lensbaby Spark! I definitely need more practice – love your idea of exclusively using it for a month. I would never have considered doing that with a lensbaby!!
yes, the spark is a tough little lens. it can be hard to get the hang of focus/tilt while wielding a dslr; it just takes practice. i actually find the composer pro and either edge or sweet 35 easier to shoot.
My 50 mm 1.8 is my fave, but mostly because it is all I have right now. 🙂
My current favorite is the 85 mm 1.8.
My favorate lens is.the 50mm f1.4
love my 50 1.4
My favorite is my sigma 30 1.4! (SO sharp!)
been meaning to try a lens baby out- this post is super helpful!
i am so glad this was helpful, Rebeccah!
The Spark is such a fun and inexpensive way to get started with Lensbaby! Some of my favorite images I’ve taken over the last few months have been with my Spark. Like you Nina, it’s not often I leave home without it. It’s so light it doesn’t way me down or get in the way. It definitely is a gateway lens too. I better warn my husband early that the Composer Pro, Edge 80 and Sweet 35 are going to comprise my entire Christmas list!
oh, that would be an awesome X-mas gift, Deidra! maybe an early X-mas gift? please share your images when you get these!
I am currently in love with my Prime 50mm lens, love the low aperture I can get and the great crisp images it produces.
Thanks for this chance! I have always thought I would like to try one of these!
Oh and my current fav lens is my 70-200 f/2.8 for outdoor and my sigma 35mm f/1.4 for indoors!
I’m planning to buy a spark this week or next! Super excited! Right now my favorite lens is my 50.
have fun with your new spark! it’s addictive!
Great tutorial
thanks Sammy!
awesome!
Great article! I would love a Lens baby lens! They are so creative and fun!
thanks Melissa! good luck in the drawing!
my fav. lens so far is my canon 50mm 1.4
Wonderful article, Nina! I keep going back and forth about the LensBaby. It’s not my style, but I really like the images I see with it, but it’s not my style, etc. What am I talking about? I don’t have a style yet. I should just get one and try it out. 🙂
Hi Kathleen, and i am glad you enjoyed the article. i think styles change. i definitely go through phases. even though i love my lensbabies, depending on my mood i shoot them less or more.
My current favorite is my 28mm, would absolutely LOVE to add a lens baby to my collection!
I love my 24-105 lens. A lensbaby would be divine!
great timing! I just ordered a lensbaby actually for fun.. definitely saving this article! it arrives saturday I think 🙂
This was the best possible post for me to read. I’ve been wanting to give a lensbaby a try and you just have me that extra push I needed. Thanks!
my current favourite lens is my 50mm 1.4
The Lensbaby never ceases to amaze me. It seems like the effects you can achieve with this lens are endless.
I love my 24-70 but really want the 35 mm!!!
My current favorite is my Canon 35 mm f/2.0
Great post! I always love seeing Lensbaby images and now I really wish I had one. 🙂
Love the 35mm 1.8
I love my Tokina 100mm
Great tips! I would love to try out a lens baby!
My current favorite lens is the Canon 50mm 1.4. I use it almost all the time.
My current favorite lens is my canon 50mm 1.4!
I have been eyeballing lensbaby lens for a while now & would love to add one to my collection!
My 50mm 1.4.
I love my 24-70 lens!!!!!
My current favorite is my 50mm 1.4
My fave is my 35mm f/2
My 50mm!
Such a great post!! My current favorite lens is my 50mm 1.8, but that’s because it’s the only non-kit lens I own! :giggle
Loving my 100mm macro right now 🙂
I love blurred images. Can’t wait to get my hands on one. This is definitely on my must get list.
Thanks for this post! My current favorite is my 50mm 1.8
Thank you, Nina! I have wanted a Lensbaby for a long time and now I know exactly what I want to buy! Soooo helpful.
this would be awesome!
Canon 85mm 1.8!
My current favorite lens is the 24-70!
Canon 50 1.4!
My favorite lens in my 50mm 1.8.
My current favorite lens is my Sigma 30mm 1.4
My favorite lens is Sigma 35mm b/c of the speed and sharpness. Love!
My current favorite is my tamron 28-74 but only because I only have 2 lenses right now. My dream favorite is an ultra wide angle.
I use my 50mm f1.4 the most but would love a lensbaby.
my 85mm! I love it!
My favorite lens right now is probably my Nikon 35 2.8; I have a crop sensor so the 35 is the perfect length!
I like them all, I love macro in general, but I don’t know too much about it. I am still learning and would love to experiment with it all.
Use my 50 1.4 most of the time, but hoping to branch out!
50 1.8
Would love the Sweet 35!
This post may have pushed me over the edge to purchase…
Canon 85mm 1.8
Was just checking into Lensbaby. Timely and helpful info! Thanks!!
And my current fave lens is the 50 1.4!
Having a Lensbaby on my camera would be the best thing ever!
I always wondered how so many photographers got that perfect blur!
My favorite lens is my 50 for the crisp eyes and blurry bokeh.
My {current} favorite lens right now is my 50mm.
I Love lens baby images and my favourite lens right now is my 50mm free lensed. The lens baby would be much safer lol
50 1.4 nikon
Oh what a fun giveaway!
I love the 70-200mm currently. 🙂
Great post and I wish I had one to play with! *finger crossed for the giveaway*
My current favorite lens is my 50mm 1.4. So versatile.
I just got a lensbaby and this info is so helpful!
I would LOVE to try one of these out!!
Current use 24-70 f2.8 & 70-200 f2.8. Love them but would love the chance to get really creative with a lensbaby!!!
I love my canon 24L and sigma 35!
in love with canon 100 f2.8, but I think I’ll like a lensbaby even more!
I would LOVE to win one of these!!
I love my canon 100/2.8 macro!
I guess I’ll have to try one out!!
well. i still am in love with my 50 prime, not that i use it as much as i used to but its still my fav!
My Canon 16-35L is my favorite right now.
I love the effect and mood that the Lensbaby creates! It is still on my wish list 🙂
I am in love with my 35 2.0 and 85 1.8!
I love my helios 44-2 and would love to win a spark!
I love my 50mm. 🙂
My 35!
I can not live without my 50 mm lens!
I would love to win one!! My favourite lens would have to be my 50 as it rarely comes off my camera!
I’m loving my new 50mm 1.8 but Lensbaby lenses look amazing!
I love my 50mm. Thanks for the giveaway!
My current favorite lens is my 85 1.4
I have been dying to get a Lensbaby! My favourite (and only) lens is my Sigma 35 1.4 🙂
My favorite lens is my 70-200, but I would so love a Lens Baby to further push myself creatively.
Love my Zeiss 50mm, but miss my lensbaby 2.0 since I sold it a few years ago. Would love to try a lensbaby again.
I don’t have too many lenses so my favorite is the nifty 50. I can see why you say not to practice with a Lensbaby on a moving subject as it is hard enough to get my 2 year-old in focus sometimes with this lens. I would love to try one though as I love me some good bokeh!
I love my 50mm 1.4 but have enough love to spread to a lens baby as well 🙂
My favorite lens is my 50mm
I would love to try this!
Oops hit enter before being finished. My favorite lens changes a lot, but my 40mm is almost always on my camera.
I Love my 70-200!
16-35mm!!!
I would love to win an Edge 80! Lensbaby lenses really push creativity and help you look outside the box (or frame).
I love my 100mm Macro! So beautiful! Thanks!
My current fav lens is my Canon 85 mm 1.8.
My favorite lens is my 50mm 1.8. I love the detail shots I can create with it!
50mm 1.8
These are great!
My Canon 85 1.8 🙂
Loving my 100 macro! Thanks, Nina!
I love my Canon 2.8 24-70 and 50mm! But I NEED a creative lens just for ME!
Nicole Hanner
Hanner Studios
http://hannerstudios.com
50mm f1.2
Great article! Can’t wait to get one’
Oh and my current favorites are the 50mm for portraits and 24-70 for my creative work
Right now my favorite lens is the Nikon 24-70 2.8. Great post!
How lovely! Another thing to add to my wishlist! I’ve been wanting to try a Lensbaby! Thanks.
My current favorite lens is the Canon 100mm macro
50 mm 1.4
oh please I would so love to win this! I am ready to dive into the Lensbaby world for sure!!!! Thank you!
My favorite lens right now is my 85mm 1.8!
Oh I have always swooned over Lens Babies & this would be A-mazing! My fav lens/bff this far is my 85 mm, but also adore my 50. Thanks for the super sweet chance!
Current favorite is Canon 24-70 2.8L – for it’s verisitility, however I’m currently longing for a more “creative” lens. 🙂
My favorite lens is my kit lens. I really want a nice one but not in the budget.
That last shot is just stunning Nina! Gorgeous work and great tips! <3
thanks Lucy! that building is in Chinatown 🙂 can’t wait to see you next week!
loving my 50mm!
I just love the look that lensbabies give to photos. They seem like a lot of fun 🙂
80mm f/1.4
My favorite lens is my 85mm!
I LOVE my 50mm 1.8!
Love seeing the differences. Thanks for the great article! Hoping to add a lensbaby to my gear soon! My current favorite lens is the 135L.
my Macro Lens!!!! As a high school photo teacher, I bring it in for the kids to use and it forces them to GET CLOSE which results in awesomeness!
My current favorite lens is my 50mm 1.4.
Oh, I would love a lensbaby! I have been trying out a tilt-shift, but I would absolutely love a lensbaby!
My favorite for now is my nifty fifty until I get to try some new ones. 🙂
My favorite lens right now is my 100 Macro. Love it!
I have yet to try a lensbaby and can’t wait until I can!! 🙂
I have yet to try a lensbaby and can’t wait until I can!! Current favorite lens is probably my 50mm 1.8 🙂
My current favorite lens in my Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro. Double duty and amazing for newborn photography. It clearly captures tiny details like new baby fuzz and captures sweet portraits with beautiful bokeh.
I can NOT WAIT FOR CLICKAWAY! I am signed up for your small group but am wait listed for the trip (hope I get in!). Fabulous things ahead!
i can’t wait for the clickaway either! i am looking forward to meeting you!!! i thought my trip was wide open and my small groups are full. if you PM me on CM, i will figure it out!
Composer pro!! Love my spark too.. It was my first 🙂
My 50mm 🙂
I am dying to try a lens baby! My current fav lens is 70-200.
I love my 24-70mm lens. So tack sharp 🙂
I am currently loving my 35mm!
My favorite right now is my 35mm.
My current favourite lens is my Nikkor 50mm 1.4! I would love to try a Lensbaby Spark!!
This article was so helpful!!! I have always wondered how a lens baby worked and this post was so informative!! I look forward to working with one soon!!
My current favorite would be the 35… 🙂
My favorite lens is my 85mm Nikon
Actually for awhile my favorite lens was my Tamron 55-70mm…. I recently purchased the composer I believe…. It’s like rediscovering photography all over again for me. I have had such a massive 3 years of “life”. When I bought this lens and really took it to work it was a therapy in its self. I plan to purchase another and at some point some accessories. If you are into doing Art photography, this lens is the cats meow. If you are a people photographer this lens is the slice of cheese your looking for in a wow statement to your clients. What I like most of all is the quality of the pictures. I have a thing against photoshop and if I don’t have to take it is there then Im happy…. All I do is lightroom and some tweak. I can go on and on about how amazing this lens is, so just go buy one and you’ll know its awesomeness. If someone tells you no don’t do it…. slap them….. I wish I would of haha.
I take pictures every night….. Yesterday we “taught” (natural) him how to fish.
Current favorite is 24-70L. Would love to have a Lensbaby!
Current fave (but I do not own) is 85 1.4G.
How fun! Thank you for a chance!
P.S. Lately I’ve been using my 18-55
I love the special look Lensbabies can give. My current favorite lens is a Nikon 35mm f/1.8.
I love my 70-200 lens!
Lately it’s been my 35mm; it’s great for the rescue cat photos I take. I am also newly discovering my Composer Pro with Double Glass. Looking forward to ‘attempting’ to photograph cats with it!
My fav lens is my 100mm! Would love to try a lensbaby!!
I love my legacy Minolta 50mm f/1.7. It was under $50 and is super sharp.
My favorite lens would be my 35mm 1.8. I can’t wait to try a lensbaby. I am sure it will quickly become a favorite!
My current favorite- and only- lens is my 35mm!
Love my 50mm f/1.2, but am craving something more creative.
LOVE my 35 and 85mm 1.4!!!
Great article. Trying to learn to use my sweet 35. Would love to try out the spark!
Oh and I love my sigma 35!
Great article and explanation! I have always wondered what the difference was with the various optics. You have cleared it up. Thank you! My favorite (non-Lensbaby) lens is my 35mm. My favorite Lensbaby, at least in appearance anyway, is the Edge 80, followed by the Sweet 35. Either one of those would be fantastic to have!
i’m so glad this was helpful, Amanda! i agree, edge 80 is the way to go!
My current favorite lens is my Tamron 28-75mm! I’d love to win a Lensbsby Spark. They make me swoon!
My current favorite is my Sigma 35mm 1.4
I would so love to try one of these! my fav currently is my 35mm
my 85mm 1.8 lens 🙂
I love my 50 1.4 and 100 2.8 macro. Those are both my faves, I can’t choose just one! 😉
Favorite lens: 70-200mm
Beautiful photos!
I love the image taken with the Lensbaby Spark!
Thanks for the tips in this article!
I have seen pictures with them and wanted to get for a very long time now. I just never have the money.
I have a D7200 and trying to figure out which lens would work good on it. I read that their Sweet 35 is actually a 56mm on a crop sensor. Is this true for all of their lenses, that the focal length is like a regular lens for Nikon?
Would the Spark be like a 50mm Nikon lens?
I want professional lenses and then have a few fun lenses (like Lensbaby).