Reminiscent of classic 20th century lenses, the Canon EF mount Velvet 56mm f/1.6 Limited Edition Lens from Lensbaby produces a uniquely soft, glowing image quality that is well-suited to making expressive and ethereal portraits. The overall softness can be controlled by stopping down the lens while still retaining the smooth tonality of a soft focus lens. Compatible with full-frame image sensors, this slightly longer-than-normal focal length pairs with the fast f/1.6 maximum aperture to excel in difficult lighting and achieve a shallow depth of field with controllable sharpness. Additionally, for increased creative versatility, the lens also offers a 1:2 maximum magnification and a minimum working distance of 5" for macro shooting. Housed within a silver metal barrel with copper-anodized accents, this lens also features smooth, dampened manual focus control to further benefit creative flexibility. Consistent with Lensbaby's aim of purveying selective focus capabilities and a unique velvety image quality, the Velvet 56mm f/1.6 is a versatile tool that marries classical looks with contemporary control. Additionally, this Limited Edition comes packaged in a hand-crafted wooden box made in the USA.
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Lensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6 Limited Edition Lens for Canon EF (Silver with Copper Accents)
Key Features
- EF Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Aperture Range: f/1.6 to f/16
- Singlet-Doublet-Singlet Optical Design
- Soft Glowing Effect at Wide Apertures
Reminiscent of classic 20th century lenses, the Canon EF mount Velvet 56mm f/1.6 Limited Edition Lens from Lensbaby produces a uniquely soft, glowing image quality that is well-suited to making expressive and ethereal portraits. The overall softness can be controlled by stopping down the lens while still retaining the smooth tonality of a soft focus lens. Compatible with full-frame image sensors, this slightly longer-than-normal focal length pairs with the fast f/1.6 maximum aperture to excel in difficult lighting and achieve a shallow depth of field with controllable sharpness. Additionally, for increased creative versatility, the lens also offers a 1:2 maximum magnification and a minimum working distance of 5" for macro shooting. Housed within a silver metal barrel with copper-anodized accents, this lens also features smooth, dampened manual focus control to further benefit creative flexibility. Consistent with Lensbaby's aim of purveying selective focus capabilities and a unique velvety image quality, the Velvet 56mm f/1.6 is a versatile tool that marries classical looks with contemporary control. Additionally, this Limited Edition comes packaged in a hand-crafted wooden box made in the USA.
More DetailsLensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6 Overview
Limited Edition lens features a clear anodized coating, silver-colored metal barrel with copper-anodized accents, and engraved aperture and focus markings. This edition also comes packaged in a hand-crafted wooden box that is made in the USA.
Portrait-length 56mm focal length is compatible with full-frame format sensors as well as APS-C format sensors, where it will provide an 89.6mm equivalent focal length.
Fast f/1.6 maximum aperture offers extensive control over selective focus and shallow depth of field, and also benefits working in difficult lighting conditions.
The unique singlet-doublet-singlet lens design renders imagery with a soft, smooth, and glowing image quality reminiscent of mid-20th century portrait lenses.
Softness can be controlled by stopping-down the lens: when stopped-down to f/16, the image exhibits a smooth quality with greater central sharpness.
A 1:2 maximum magnification ratio and 5" minimum working distance enable working with close-up subjects.
Manual focus design with a smooth, dampened focusing movement is complemented by engraved focus distance indicators.
Manual exposure control requires stop-down metering and manual setting of the aperture.
Lensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6Specs
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Packaging Info
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Lensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6 Reviews
See any errors on this page? Let us know
question
Can I use this lens on sony alfa 7sII?
Not sure if Lynn's baby makes a version that goes directly to Sony M Mount. This version is for Canon EF mount, so you would need an adapter for your Sony.
Date published: 2018-08-26
question
Will this lens fit my Canon 5D Mark 11?
Yes, the Canon EF mount Velvet 56 will work with your 5D MarkII
Date published: 2018-08-26
question
I understand this lens is totally manual. How does one obtain aperture settings?
This is a manual lens. You select the f stop on the ring closest to the camera body on the lens and the focus on the larger ring. The camera needs to be set on Manual or Aperture priority mode (M or Av on Canon). As the camera has no control on the aperture, the viewer will get darker as you increase the f stop (decrease the size of the aperture). I would suggest to focus at the lowest f stop (brightest) and then increase the f stop to the desired effect. The shutter speed and ISO will need to be adjusted to allow proper exposure (would be automatic on Aperture mode and Manual on the M mode). Do not use Shutter speed priority (Tv mode on Canon) as the camera will not be able to control the Aperture.
Date published: 2019-05-01
question
Will this lense fit a Canon EOS Rebel SL1?
Should work. I have used on my EOS 5D Mk ll. This lens has specialized use. I would try it out thoroughly before buying. The effects of this lens can be simulated during post processing of images.
Date published: 2018-08-26
question
What is the difference between the silver and the black Lensbaby Velvet 56?
Other than the color, the silver finish has etched markings on the lens barrel.
Date published: 2018-08-26
question
Because this is a full frame lens will it work with a Canon 40D?
Yes
Date published: 2018-08-26
question
I'd like to use the lens on a full and cropped sensor Canon. I assume the equivalent focal length on my 7D would be about 85? Thanks.
yes...I am using this lens on a 7D. I think the rule is that a 7d cropped sensor it would increase the focal length by 1.6...so yes...it would be around 85..maybe I letter more.
Date published: 2018-08-26
question
Since this doesn't have the typical hood mount, does this lens perform well without one? Or is there a recommended lens hood that still allows use of filters safely?
The lens element is set rather far back on this lens so I don't think a UV/Protection filter is needed really. I find a 0.9 neutral density filter is handy when you want to open this lens up outside in daylight and it works wonderfully.
Date published: 2018-08-26