Lensbaby SF Optic Angel - D700
I was doing some testing around the house today using the new Lensbaby Soft Focus Optic. Trying to learn how it is going to react to different lighting. I was using the f/4.8 overall-f/9.5 center multi-hole aperture ring for all the images in this posting. Here’s what I found out…
On the first image you can see the nice diffused highlights coming off the angel, a little more pronounced as you get closer to the edge of the frame. This was NOT in bright sunlight, shot in a fairly flat light.
On the second image of the wreath and candles you can see another interesting diffused highlight pattern on the candles. Again, NOT in bright light, just an even flat light.
Lensbaby SF Optic Wreath - D700
The image of the Santa’s was shot in total shade with a little diffused window-light coming in from the right. Has a nice softness with enough detail to the whole frame. Again, NOT in bright light…starting to see what I learned?
Lensbaby SF Optic, Santas - D700
OK I did shoot one in a little brighter light, not a lot brighter, just a little. It’s a multiple exposure done in camera. Five exposures, changing the focus point on each exposure. Gives you a nice softened effect with interesting highlights.
Lensbaby SF Optic, Ornaments - D700
Well that’s about all I have to say, just thought I’d share some of what I discovered using the Lensbaby Soft Focus Optic. Now I just have to get out of the house and put some of the info to use…
Hi Sam,
I appreciate your careful evaluation of the Soft Focus Optic. All the shots you posted are very interesting to look at. I think the specular highlights are working in these examples.
If you wish to eliminate the ‘star burst pattern’ that can sometimes appear, you can shoot with your regular aperture disks to get a creamy smooth bokeh. You can also drop in a regular f/2.8 or f/4 aperture disk on top of the special soft focus aperture disks to partly or completely block the outer rings of smaller holes.
I hope you enjoy and post some more beauties!
Sam
Hello Sam, good to here from you again…
I was limiting my test to just using the special soft focus aperture disk to try and get a handle on how they react with different light. Will be spending some more time with the regular rings soon…
Thanks for the tips and additional info, always good to here from the folks that make such a fun lens…