Velvet 56 Is The Portraits Lens You Always Wanted

Lensbaby is stepping up their game and their latest announcement from just a few minutes ago moves the company from the “toy lenses” market into the big guys game. Their newest Velvet 56 lens is aimed at portrait makers and is an object of desire.

This gorgeous, 9-bladed, lens just feels good, it is constructed from metal and has some details engraved into it. It comes in the most wonderful box along with instructions and some art. If you really life to feel exclusive you can get a silver edition for an extra $100.

The Lensbaby Velvet 56 has a max f/1.6 aperture and as other Lensbaby lenses it has a spectacular bokeh beautifully shaped with 9 aperture blades, making it an interesting creative choice for portraits. The lens also features macro capabilities at 1:2.

This is a short intro video explaining about the lens:

and one that explains how to use it:

Here are the specs for this new lens:

• f/1.6-16
• 1:2 Macro
• 56mm
• 62mm filter
• Focuses from 5” from front element to infinity
• Metal lens hood included with Velvet 56 lenses for mirrorless cameras only
• Dimensions (DSLR) 86mm at infinity to 112mm at Macro, 71.96mm diameter
• Dimensions (mirrorless without hood) 94mm Infinity to 120mm at Macro
• Weight ~400 grams

Velvet 56 will set you back $499.95 (or $599.95 for the silver edition). The first wave for Canon, Nikon, Sony A and Pentax should start shipping at 4/13/15 and a second wave for Micro 4/3rds, Sony E, Samsung NX and Fuji X will start shipping mid may.

If you happen to be at St. Louis Union Station at St. Louis, Missouri’s ShutterFest it will be on display for the today and tomorrow.

[Velvet 56]