Lensbaby Composer Special Effects SLR Lens - for Sony Alpha Mount
The Lensbaby Composer Special Effects SLR Lens is part of the Lensbaby series of SLR lenses, and offers the same spectacular special-effect results. However, the Composer introduces a completely new design. Based on a ball and socket configuration, this version allows for smoother selective focus control.
The Composer will retain its position after being bent, which makes it easy to use even with one hand. Users also no longer have to squeeze the lens to focus. They can simply tilt the lens to a desired angle and then focus with a traditional barrel focusing ring.
A Lensbaby lens is a hybrid between a bellows camera and a tilt-shift camera. It allows for selective focusing with SLR cameras. It will bring one area of a photo into sharp focus, surrounded by gradually increasing blur. Effects like blurring, glowing highlights, and subtle, prismatic color distortions can all be achieved without software manipulations. The lens can be bent off-center in any direction for different results.
The Composer features the Optic Swap System. Lensbaby has developed a line of different "optics" that can be interchanged with the Muse and Composer versions. This provides artists with an almost unlimited variety of looks and styles to capture their unique visions.
The Composer 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 Optic for that vintage look, or the Pinhole/Zone Plate for softer, dreamier focus images that are equally sharp from edge to edge.
- 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 for almost all digital and film SLR camera bodies.
- The lens aperture can be changed by inserting different size aperture discs.
- The Composer features a unique manual focus design which requires more rotation to move the optic as you approach infinity. This makes it easier to focus on objects at intermediate and distant depths than regular manual focus lenses.
| f/Stop Range | 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16 & 22 |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.5' (46cm) |
| Filter Size | 37mm |
| Lens Elements/Groups | Double Glass Optic |
| Length | 2.5" (6.3cm) |
| Width | 2.5" (6.3cm) |
| Weight | 5.5 oz (156g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 7 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (4)
- Easily interchangeable (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Special effects (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 7 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-7
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Lensbaby Composer Special Effects SLR Lens - for Sony Alpha Mount:
The product is "Easy to use" and produces great images. Found it great for indoor use with minimal lighting. A gift that met all expectations.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
Cons
- Difficult to focus
- Pricey poor value
Best Uses
- Special Effects
Comments about Lensbaby Composer Special Effects SLR Lens - for Sony Alpha Mount:
Provides a nice effect. Good colors. Fairly easy to adjust the area of blur by angling the lens. Can be difficult to focus. AF indicator does not work using this lens, of course. Pricey for what you get, especially since you have to change aperture rings manually.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Lensbaby Composer Special Effects SLR Lens - for Sony Alpha Mount:
lots of fun to use. excellent results with little or no "shift".
image quality suffers with extreme tilting as too much is burred and too little is in focus. Still, a great addition for the price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- No autofocus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Lensbaby Composer Special Effects SLR Lens - for Sony Alpha Mount:
This thing is the coolest invention I've played with in a long time. It turns me into a 7 year old playing with a camera for the first time. The motion on the composer is smooth and precise so you can take the same shot multiple ways quickly and easily. The only fault I can come up with is how time consuming changing Optics and Aperture rings can be. But that is part of the excitement when playing. That's what you do with this thing, you play, while showing a friend when I first got it she hijacked my camera and ran about the backyard shooting anything and everything. Also the lack of image quality is made up tenfold by the artistic possibilities. In short, very cool.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fun
- Lightweight
- Sharp Focus
- Strong Construction
- Unique photos
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Lensbaby Composer Special Effects SLR Lens - for Sony Alpha Mount:
Wow! I love the unique photos from my Lensbaby Composer. It works great on my Sony A700.
I am challenged by getting the focus correct. It is manual focus and when I get it right it is very sharp.
I like that it can be tightened or loosened for movement.
I have been using my Lensbaby Composer outside on sunny days. I find that if I use Auto ISO then the photos are overexposed. Also Auto WB doesn't do well.
I am learning more about how to do all manual. And I love it.
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Special Effects
Comments about Lensbaby Composer Special Effects SLR Lens - for Sony Alpha Mount:
The Sony mount Lensbaby is great fun. I have taken some very interesting photos with it so far. I'm looking forward to trying it on holiday lights.
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Special Effects
Comments about Lensbaby Composer Special Effects SLR Lens - for Sony Alpha Mount:
I had the original Lensbaby when it came out and sold it quickly, it was a pain to use and hampered my creative process.
This new Lensbaby, the Composer is much easier to use. I don't know what else to say, either you like this sort of effect or you don't.
It is built solid enough and it easy to 'focus'. The included double glass optic was sharper than I expected, in fact, it is almost too sharp! I will be ordering the single glass optic to 'dumb it down' a bit.
Displaying reviews 1-7
Lenses & Lens Attachments
- Price: $39.95
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- Price: $8.90
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- Price: $12.95
Cases & Wraps
- Price: $13.29
Care & Cleaning
- Price: $4.99
Books & Tutorials
- Price: $25.95
What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Lens Caps
- Case with Aperture Discs
- Storage Bag
- 1-Year Warranty
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