Lensbaby Composer W/Tilt Transformer for Micro 4/3

Comments about Lensbaby Composer W/Tilt Transformer for Micro 4/3:

I love the creative effect of lensbaby products and I have used the Composer with my Canon 5D2 for over a year and have been very happy with the results. I received this one as a gift this week for my Panasonic G3 uFT camera and I do have some negative comments for this lens. Also, I have not tried the tilt-transformer.

First of all, this product requires you to screw another small 'focus lens' into the end of the lensbaby optic. Without it, the standard optics will not focus on the very close uFT sensor. This is a big negative since it requires yet another thing to have to do when changing optics; another piece to loose, drop or damage; and another optic that needs to be cleaned. I wish they would have simply designed a new set of optics that works exclusively with uFT cameras. This additional appendage is probably the reason the uFT lensbaby is not comatible with the Sweet 35 or the Fisheye optics.

The second negative is the effective focal length. Since the focal multiplier is 2x for uFT lenses, and most lensbaby optics are 50mm, the optics will have a focal length of 100mm on uFT cameras. So in effect, you have a 100mm telephoto lensbaby instead of normal field of view. This is great for portraits, but terrible for landscapes and indoor shots. I have found that most of my subjects are just too close now on my Panasonic G3.

I hope that the engineers at Lensbaby come up with 'normal' optics (25mm) and also figure out a way to get rid of the extra focal lens required for uFT cameras.

A third negative (at least on my copy) is that the tilt lock is way too sensitive and does not have enough control. It is either completely tight, or turn it one click and it is flopping around, way too loose.

In spite of these negatives, this product is still fun to use and works very well for portraits, but it is not a replacement for the standard Canon/Nikon lensbaby lenses. Just be aware of these things before you buy since they are not spelled out anywhere in the literature.

Comments about Lensbaby Composer W/Tilt Transformer for Micro 4/3:

I'm enjoying this lens quite a lot. It seems to be well-made, focuses and tilts quite smoothly, and it provides lots of control over the plane of focus. I would love for it to have a wider field of view, but that's about the only con I can find. Provides an interesting look.

Comments about Lensbaby Composer W/Tilt Transformer for Micro 4/3:

The tilt transformer with composer has become my go to lens for my Olympus EPl-1. It attaches easily. The double glass optic is clear and creates smooth bokeh. The composer is front focus and can be used with many of the optics in the swap system. I've been a long time Lensbaby user and heartily recommend this product. My only con, it is not compatible with the Sweet 35 optic.

Comments about Lensbaby Composer W/Tilt Transformer for Micro 4/3:

This lens/transformer has great value for me as alternative to much expensive TS lenses. It is easy to use and handy enough for its purpose.
It would be better to have built in iris but I can understand in that case it could not keep this size, wight and price.
Great tool for video on my new GH2. I am very happy I can use it as adapter/transformer for my old Nikon 50 1.8 lens.

Comments about Lensbaby Composer W/Tilt Transformer for Micro 4/3:

I am still getting to grips with this Lensbaby, and having fun. I have always liked to take photos with out of focus blur of the objects that are not the main subject - with the Lensbaby this is a breeze , and very effective. Glad I bought the composer model as it is very easy to move (and it doesn't spring back loke the others), also focusing is by a large focus ring so again is easier than the other models that have to be squeezed. Only downside is the feel of its construction - stiff to use and doesn't have a well engineered feel. Saying that it still works well.

Comments about Lensbaby Composer W/Tilt Transformer for Micro 4/3:

Received this about a week ago for my Olympus Pen and have had a great time using this lens. So far I haven't attached any other lens to the transformer. The only thing I have to get used to is the lack of view finder(can buy one separately)with the camera I have this attached to -so it can be tricky getting a sharp sweetspot or focusing on the exact area intended, especially being a quick shooter with not much time to fuss with live view and set up a shot...and with an infant on my back at times! Overall I really enjoy this lens so far and look forward to shooting more with it. I've wanted a lensbaby since they came out and am thrilled to finally own one!