Lensbabies…

… Or how I learned to stop worrying and love the blur.

A distorted photo of a pier
Totland Pier (2008) – Lensbaby Composer, probably Double Optic with the distortion caused by the Wide Angle Adapter

What are lensbabies ? Essentially they allow you to create certain effects in camera. They come as lenses or as optics for a lense, having a modular approach. I have only explored the optics for the lensbaby composer series, the other lenses being currently outside of my price range. The Lensbaby Website can explain better than I can.

A dog and hand
Our dog looking adorably up – Lensbaby Composer, Sweet 35 Optic

They create distortion and imperfect images, which I fine very appealing. Different optics give different effects, some more subtle than others. You can also use certain lensbaby optics with extension tubes, to create interesting macro effects.

A close up of a daisy flower
A raggedy daisy flower – Lensbaby Composer, Sweet 35 Optic, 12mm + 20mm Extension Tubes

If you can afford the initial purchase, lensbabies can give you a lot of pleasure as a photographer, as long and you’re not in pursuit of the “perfect” image.

Sweeping trees
Trees from a dog walk – Lensbaby Composer, Sweet 35 Optic

Messing around with the Edge 35 Optic

Berberis Darwinii with orange flowers

I’ve had the Lensbaby Edge 35 Optic for about a week now. It’s a bit of a beast, in that I have to really work to learn how to use it. I’m used to slapping a new optic into my Lensbaby Composer and being ready to go with a shallow learning curve. Not so with the Edge 35.

Pinky purple heather flowers

What is interesting is that the optic works very well as a prime lense. When the composer is straight ahead, it’s like shooting with a nice, crisp 35mm lense.

White blossom

It’s a bit difficult to get a good slice with extension tubes, but I intend to keep experimenting!

A feather in orange