Lensbaby unveiled Soft Focus II lens for SLR and MIL cameras

Lensbaby has added a 50mm fixed focal length Soft Focus II lens to the Optic Swap System. It is a new, improved version of one of the first products of the system. In particular, it differs from the original version by an adjustable 12-blade aperture.

Aperture is manually adjustable from f/2.5-f/22. When shot at its brightest aperture settings, the lens creates an impressionistic image with subtle sharp detail beneath. The central area becomes much sharper as the aperture decreases, while the corners remain quite soft, at least on full-frame cameras. The angle of view of the lens on full-frame cameras is 45°.

The lens design includes only two elements in one group. They have an anti-reflective coating. Focusing is done manually. The minimum focusing distance is 38 cm. Stopped down to f/8 or darker, the Soft Focus II produces beautifully detailed, traditionally sharp images with a large central area of focus and out-of-focus edges on full-frame sensors and 35mm film.

Price and availability

The Lensbaby Soft Focus II optical unit costs $179. It is available now and can be purchased on the Bhphotovideo.com and Adorama.com websites.

To use it, you need the Lensbaby Composer block. The new Composer II is now available to buy on Bhphotovideo.com and Adorama.com for Pentax K, Micro Four Thirds, Fujifilm X, Sony A, Sony E, Nikon F, Nikon Z, Canon EF, Canon RF, and L mounts. Full Soft Focus II variant available for Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sony E for $279.99.

Lensbaby Soft Focus II specifications

• Focal Length: 50mm
• Primary Effect: Soft Focus
• Optic Swap Compatible: Yes
• Aperture Range: f/2.5 – 22 internal aperture + drop-in magnetic aperture disk compatible
• Minimum Focus Distance: 380mm (15.0in) In Composer lens bodies
• Maximum Focus Distance: Infinity
• 46mm filter threads
• Format Compatibility: 35mm Full Frame; APS-C; and 4/3rds Sensors
• Camera Compatibility: SLR and MIL cameras
• Focus Type: Manual
• Diagonal Angle of View: Full Frame: 45; APS-C (1.5x): 31°; 4/3rds: 23.5°
• Angle of Tilt: Tilt is not recommended for the Soft Focus II optic
• Diaphragm Blades: 12
• Elements/Groups: 2 elements / 1 group
• Coating: Broadband multi-coated anti-reflective

Earlier this year, Kipon has announced the new Ibelux 40mm F0.85 Mark III lens (approx. $1,780 on Bhphotovideo) for creative photography. Out-of-focus areas (bokeh) are expected to be soft, while in-focus areas are expected to be very sharp.