Lensbaby Optic Swap System brings back Soft Focus

GaryPageau
Lensbaby Soft Focus II

Lensbaby launched a new and improved Soft Focus II, priced at $179. This long-awaited successor to the sought-after original Soft Focus optic adds a 12-blade manually adjustable internal aperture to its unique and versatile drop-in magnetic aperture system.

The 12-blade internal aperture controls the strength of the soft-focus effect while Imagon-style multi-hole apertures maintain the ability to change the balance between the soft glow and the underlying detail. Three included multi-hole apertures plus a sunburst drop-in aperture open up creative possibilities far beyond lenses with just one aperture system.

“At darker apertures, this magical optic produces images with a vintage-lens feel and just a hint of glow,” says Craig Strong, founder. “Then, with a turn of the aperture dial, a subtle creative effect grows into an explosion of dreamy glow around the highlights and shadows of my images. I love having the ability to quickly shift the look of my images to match my subject matter.”

Product Specifications

Soft Focus II Product 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

 

Written by 

Gary Pageau is principal of InfoCircle LLC, continuing his marketing communications career. InfoCircle LLC is a marketing and communications consulting firm, specializing in business-to-business markets. For nearly 25 years, he was with PMA International, serving most recently as Publisher, Content Development and Strategic Initiatives. His primary responsibilities included overseeing the Association’s editorial department, marketing research unit, education and corporate relations department.