Lensbaby Control Freak Special Effects SLR Lens - for Canon EF Mount
The Lensbaby Control Freak SLR Lens is a direct replacement for the 3G version, but now also incorporates the Optic Swap System. This special effects lens works on the same principal as the other Lensbaby versions, but also allows you to lock the lens into place once you have found your "sweet spot" of sharp focus and then to do fine focus adjustments. It is the ideal tool for photographers who require precise focusing, complete control, longer exposures, and repeatability.
When working with dynamic subject matter you can focus the Lensbaby Control Freak just like the other Original or Muse Lensbabies - by compressing and bending. For slower moving or static subject matter, you can lock the lens in place simply by pressing a button on the focusing collar. You can then fine focus using a traditional barrel focusing ring and fine tune the tilt to place the sweet spot exactly where you need it.
The Lensbaby is a hybrid between a bellows camera and a tilt-shift camera. The SLR lens can be compressed, extended, and/or bent off-center in any direction for different effect. It will add a unique perspective on the world that is a radical departure from the precision of digital or even film photography. It allows for selective focusing with SLR cameras. Effects like blurring, glowing highlights, and subtle, prismatic color distortions can all be achieved without software manipulations.
The Control Freak comes supplied with the Double Glass Optic, which provides the sharpest focus in its range. It offers a tack sharp sweet spot, with minimal diffusion at all aperture settings. Also available optionally are the Plastic optic for an ultra-soft and ethereal look, the Single Glass for that vintage look, or the Pinhole/Zone Plate for softer, dreamier focus images that are equally sharp from edge to edge.
- Optic Swap System
- Lensbabies has developed a line of different "optics" that can be interchanged with the Control Freak, Muse, and Composer versions. This provides artists with an almost unlimited variety of looks and styles to capture their unique visions.
- Selective Focus Control
- The lens tubing is the part of the Lensbaby that allows you to control the effect that it gives. It can be compressed or extended by pulling or pushing the focusing collar at the end of the Lensbaby. This in turn controls what is in focus, with fully compressed focusing on infinity and full extended focusing about 1 foot ahead. To focus on subjects that are between these distances, you have to partly compress the Lensbaby.
- No electronic communication is possible between the camera and the lens. All operation is strictly manual. Automatic light metering is possible by shooting in aperture priority mode with almost all digital and film SLR camera bodies.
- The lens aperture can be changed by inserting different size aperture discs. The shielded magnetic aperture disc system makes it easier and faster to change apertures.
| f/Stop Range | 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, & 8 |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 12" (30cm) |
| Filter Size | 37mm |
| Lens Elements/Groups | Double Glass Optic |
| Length | 2.5" (6.3cm) [adjustable] |
| Width | 2.25" (5.7cm) |
| Weight | 3.7 oz (105g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
83%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (5)
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro photography (5)
- Landscape/scenery (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (6)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
Comments about Lensbaby Control Freak Special Effects SLR Lens - for Canon EF Mount:
Haven't had a ton of time to play with this yet, but what I've done has been a blast. I see no practical use for my commercial clients, but it sure is a fun toy. I've been wanting one for a while, and finally decided to pull the trigger. Should've done it sooner. On a related note, it came without one of the aperture insets. I called Lensbaby directly, and they apologized and sent me one right away. They actually sent the replacement to me in a thank you card with a nice hand written note, instead of a standard envelope and form letter. Now that's customer service! To me, you judge a company by what happens when there's a problem, not when you buy their product. I hope nothing does go wrong with my Control Freak, but its nice to know there's a company like Lensbaby standing behind it if something does.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Does what it claims
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Lens Creep
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Video
Comments about Lensbaby Control Freak Special Effects SLR Lens - for Canon EF Mount:
Lens Baby does what it says....however, they have come out with three different versions instead of one that does it all. Makes no sense. So I now own two different models as well as some inserts.
So I feel like I am getting milked. The Freak and the basic model are not good for shooting video because the springs move around too much...and I don't want to fork over MORE money for the Composer at this point. After all, this is a novelty lens similar to the types of special effects filters I used to employ in the film days.
That said, I love my lens and especially when I have time to experiment. Just make sure you go over all of the goods and bads about each lens model before deciding which one you want.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
Comments about Lensbaby Control Freak Special Effects SLR Lens - for Canon EF Mount:
This lens takes some getting used to, but I expected there would be a learning curve. Very well built with a solid feel and it has a lot of fine tuning adjustments. I specialize in Landscapes, nature and macro, and I've already produced some fine images with the "Freak".
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Lensbaby Control Freak Special Effects SLR Lens - for Canon EF Mount:
I love this lens because I hate creating effects in post-production. And its actually fun to use, not difficult like some reviews suggest. I would recommend this Lensbaby to filmmakers and creative photographers. So far I have no negatives as this lens is pretty new to me. I can't wait to get the macro attachments and the soft focus lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Lensbaby Control Freak Special Effects SLR Lens - for Canon EF Mount:
I've had the lensbaby about three weeks and taken a few shots with it, but I find the build quality pretty poor, and would probably have opted for one of their lower priced models without the three adjustable legs that this one has. You pay about $100 extra and I think it makes the unit less easy to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Flexibilityrepeatability
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Stress relief
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Lensbaby Control Freak Special Effects SLR Lens - for Canon EF Mount:
Got this because it locks where You want, essential for long exposures. It works great, much easier to get what You want (or did,nt know you wanted) than the Muse model. Filters are cheap and plentifull in 37mm which adds to the creative aspect. No regrets. You will be surprised with the pictures every time its used. Great for b & w film too!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-6
Lenses & Lens Attachments
- Price: $99.95
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $24.95
Cases & Wraps
- Price: $19.95
Care & Cleaning
- Price: $4.99
Books & Tutorials
- Price: $25.95
What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Lens Caps
- Case with Aperture Discs
- Storage Case
- 1-Year Warranty
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