Anyone ever use a "Lens Baby": I've seen these "Lens Baby" lenses advertised. Anyone ever use one? Post same examples?

greymule Loc: Colorado

I've seen these "Lens Baby" lenses advertised. Anyone ever use one? Post same examples?

djw60 Loc: Vermont

I haven't used one, but just Googled it and they look pretty cool. It will be interesting to see if anyone on here has used them and would post some pics. :-)

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

I have one of the first ones. It is fun to play with but takes to much time to use on a shoot. I still have not got a picture that I thought was good enough to save. May be the photographer. - Dave

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Yes, they're fun -- I have a couple (Mk. 1 and Mk 2)-- but as Dave says, they are harder to use than you might think.

Cheers,

R.

deanna_hg Loc: So. Alabama

I'm wanting one and have been told the Composer is the first to start with. I know a photographer that has several he uses and post photos at times on FB. David Akoubin in the Atlanta area.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

deanna_hg wrote:

I'm wanting one and have been told the Composer is the first to start with. I know a photographer that has several he uses and post photos at times on FB. David Akoubin in the Atlanta area.

The Composer certainly looks a lot easier to use. But I've not rushed out to buy one because Lensbabies rarely suit the kind of subjects I shoot. I suspect it's very much a question of personality.

Cheers,

R.

photoguy

I have used all of them at a DEMO day our shop offered> wonderful lens and Its on my buy list. Just so many options they offer.

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

Don't waste your money. We did the same effect years ago with a cardboard tube and sticky take around the front. Try it, you make a sort of long lens hood with the tube then slide it over your lens and then put strips of tape around the edge and practice to get what you want as an effect. You can duplicate most of what the lens baby can do and for pennies.

BGenie Loc: Sacramento, CA

I Googled photos taken by lens babys... I am not impressed. You can get the same effect in Photoshop and save $200.
There are also 'center-hole clear' filters that can do this effect for under $30.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

BGenie wrote:

I Googled photos taken by lens babys... I am not impressed. You can get the same effect in Photoshop and save $200.
There are also 'center-hole clear' filters that can do this effect for under $30.

No you can't. Really. Try one and you'll see why.

Even when you can get reasonably close in Photoshop, which you can sometimes do, it's a lot of post processing, compared with just shooting.

Cheers,

R.

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

Simply get a clear plastic cup and drill or cut a hole in the centre of the bottom and hold that over your lens and move it about a little and you'll get very close results, again for pennies.

There are lots of creative ways to get the same effect as a lens baby, or similar, because every time you move a lens baby you are getting something different anyway, so there is no consistancy, which is what you want anyway really.

So, a plastic cup will do it, Lens Babies are a gimmick for those who never thought about being creative with the plastic wrap or cups or tape that is lying all around them. Just be creative and you'll be amazed at what you will come up with for interesting images.

In fact that should be a challenge to throw out there for all who are ready to try something new with what ever is lying around and post your images to see what you creatively come up with. Put the money you save from not buying a lens baby towards some new lens you've wanted to purchase instead.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

There are many ways to be creative, but few if any are quite the same as a LensBaby. I'm not decrying cling film, plastic cups, etc. I'm just asking if those who say you can get the SAME effect, cheaper, have ever actually tried a LensBaby.

Cheers,

R.

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

I have otherwise I could not make such a comment and yes you can get the same effect as a lens baby with a little practice and once you have worked that out it is simple to repeat it when ever you wish. The question is, have you tried experimenting with sticky tape or a clear plastic cup etc and compared the effects?

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

Lucian wrote:

Don't waste your money. We did the same effect years ago with a cardboard tube and sticky take around the front. Try it, you make a sort of long lens hood with the tube then slide it over your lens and then put strips of tape around the edge and practice to get what you want as an effect. You can duplicate most of what the lens baby can do and for pennies.

This is not accurate. You cannot mimic the effect of a Lensbaby lens wih tape and a cardboard tube anymore than you can re-create the effect of a tilting lens by tilting your camera. So save your pennies and toss your toilet paper inserts.

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

Roger Hicks wrote:

There are many ways to be creative, but few if any are quite the same as a LensBaby. I'm not decrying cling film, plastic cups, etc. I'm just asking if those who say you can get the SAME effect, cheaper, have ever actually tried a LensBaby.

Cheers,

R.

Friend gave me a Lensbaby - one of the first models. I've used it. It does take time and can be frustrating but no more so than trying to use a field camera when you have little experience. I carry it with me but have honestly not used it much and have nothing to post.