Lensbaby launches Velvet 85mm f/1.8, a lens designed for soft portraits
Jun 27, 2017
Dunja Đuđić
Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, concerts, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.
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Lensbaby has announced Velvet 85mm f/1.8, a lens inspired by classic portrait lenses from the mid-20th century. With smooth and soft glow, it’s especially aimed at portrait photography. But, it’s good noting there’s the ability to reduce the softness by stopping the lens down. With 1:2 magnification and 9.5″ working distance, this lens can also be used for close-up shots.
Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 features a 12-blade diaphragm which produces soft and creamy bokeh. Together with the wide aperture and the glowing quality, it’s clear that the primary use of this lens is for portraits. The lens is intended for full frame cameras, but just like other lenses of this kind – they can also be used with APS-C models. You can check out some sample images here and see the lens in action.
Take a look at the full specs:
| Performance | |
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Aperture | Maximum: f/1.8 Minimum: f/16 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F, Canon EF, Sony E, Sony A, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds |
| Format Compatibility | 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 9.5″ (24.13 cm) |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:2 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 12 |
| Features | |
| Autofocus | No |
| Physical | |
| Filter Thread | Front: 67 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.99 x 3.50″ (76 x 89 mm) |
| Weight | 1.17 lb (530.1 g) |
The lens is available for preorders, and you can get it with six different mounts: Nikon F, Canon EF, Sony E, Sony A, Fujifilm X, and Micro Four Thirds. Each type costs $499.95, and it’s expected to start shipping on July 10, 2017.
Dunja Đuđić
Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, concerts, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.
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8 responses to “Lensbaby launches Velvet 85mm f/1.8, a lens designed for soft portraits”
If i had a mirrorless set up I’d go for several of the lensbaby lenses. But my current bodys are a nightmare to manual focus.
Mouhcine Bondy
Sometimes you want soft ?
They launched this years ago…
I would give it a shot
pun intended? :P
Pun appreciated
Love, love,love!!!??