Invite comments both positive and negative comments as I am trying to figure out how to compose with blur, to see how much is good and how much is too much.
I have no experience with the spark, old or new version. I do own an old Composer Pro, a Velvet 56, and the newer Trio 28.
keep in mind that this is just one person's view but I honestly sort of regret the Velvet 56 and the Trio. The original Composer is a different experience. it makes you look at your photography process in an entirely different way from more traditional lenses. And, while it can sometime be frustrating trying to choose an aperture ring and trying to get sharpness where you want it, it has, for me at least, produced some quite beautiful images, and kind of made me re-think my approach to a subject which is usually an nteresting experience.
I find the other two lenses much less interesting. The Velvet 56 has produced the occasional image that I like but, for the most part, it just kind of seems to me like a less sharp standard lens. It doesn't produce many images that I don't feel I could produce by opening up aperture on a more traditional lens or, by applying judicious blurring in post processing. The trio has disappointed me too but it's newer and I'd like to test it more before I comment too much.
As I mentioned before, this is just my experience and it may say more about me, as a photographer, than it does about the lenses but would just like to let you know. My, quite probably premature, opinion is that Lensbaby had an original good idea with their early lenses but maybe have tried to expand into more widely used lens types areas where they have less to offer compared to the traditional lens companies. And, the. more they upgrade their lenses the more they move away from the things that were the strong points for their early, hands on lenses.
I am not familiar with using Lensbaby but I have a local photography friend who uses them exclusively and her work is amazing. She does not use them with the traditional blur you have above but you can definitely see a difference in the way her photos turn out as opposed to the traditional lens. I wish I could explain it better, but simply put they look way more artistic to me- like a painting as opposed to a photo. But I would rather get that look post processing than with a lens so I've never been attracted to buying one. As for the shot above, and like Joanne, this is personal preference, I prefer the subject to be in focus while if desired the edges are blurry. The typical Lensbaby lens tends to make if all slightly out of focus to me. So on this shot, I would have put the flower in the lower left more centered and let the blurring remain on the edges- but as I said, I don't really know anything about using these lenses and maybe you can't do that (??). So there you go- my less than 2 cents worth!
And without the commentary- nice shot! I like those colors against a white background.
@gardencat I've owned a trio but sold it. I didn't really find it all that great. I do own a composer pro and have a few different elements 50mm,60 twist and an 80mm. I bought them all used too. I like that I have more latitude with my compositions using LB's. I want to try LB with my infrared but can't find an adapter, I need one from a Canon (which is the lens mount) to a Sony A. I haven't given up hope in finding one but it will be a lucky day when I do.
@olivetreeann I need to work on finding the 'sweet spot' as Lensbaby calls it. This lens is one of their first so I am having a tough time with the focus. But the creativity that this lens is just making my muse happy, she has been talking a lot today. I really appreciate your input, thank you so much.
Interesting discussion about the Lensbaby. I might as well throw in my 2 cents. I have an old Lensbaby 2.0 which I bought second hand. It operates the same way as the Spark. It can be frustrating to use but has some interesting results. I reach for it occasionally when I am looking for, dare I say it, a spark in my photography. The results are not repeatable and most of the images end up in the dust bin but every now and then I hit the “sweet spot” and get one I really like. That said, I agree with @olivetreeann. Most of the time I prefer to use a regular lens and get the out of focus element in post where I can control it to my liking. Nik Analog Efex does a great job. My recent Loosestrife post is an example of that. However, in photography, as in any art form, whatever sparks (sorry) your imagination and creativity is a valid tool. I like what you have done here Joy. I’d like to see more.
@cdcook48 Thanks, this lens is unpredictable at best - I wonder if using a tripod might give me a tiny bit more control. Coordinating the focus and my own balance can be dicey but the dance of this type of composition can lead to some really interesting results. Not getting a sharp crisp focus isn't everyone's cup of tea but it seems to resonate with my muse.
@joysabin Yes, Louisa often talks about the sweet spot. Once you know how to get it on your lens, it makes it that much easier to accomplish the look you want. I'm sure you'll get it because you're practicing with it all the time.
I like this approach to pictures. Some people prefer to get it edited on a computer, others use lenses on the camera. I prefer to play with lenses, but the end result is the most important thing.
July 10th, 2022
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keep in mind that this is just one person's view but I honestly sort of regret the Velvet 56 and the Trio. The original Composer is a different experience. it makes you look at your photography process in an entirely different way from more traditional lenses. And, while it can sometime be frustrating trying to choose an aperture ring and trying to get sharpness where you want it, it has, for me at least, produced some quite beautiful images, and kind of made me re-think my approach to a subject which is usually an nteresting experience.
I find the other two lenses much less interesting. The Velvet 56 has produced the occasional image that I like but, for the most part, it just kind of seems to me like a less sharp standard lens. It doesn't produce many images that I don't feel I could produce by opening up aperture on a more traditional lens or, by applying judicious blurring in post processing. The trio has disappointed me too but it's newer and I'd like to test it more before I comment too much.
As I mentioned before, this is just my experience and it may say more about me, as a photographer, than it does about the lenses but would just like to let you know. My, quite probably premature, opinion is that Lensbaby had an original good idea with their early lenses but maybe have tried to expand into more widely used lens types areas where they have less to offer compared to the traditional lens companies. And, the. more they upgrade their lenses the more they move away from the things that were the strong points for their early, hands on lenses.
And without the commentary- nice shot! I like those colors against a white background.