Video Chat with a Photography Expert - Live

Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 Lens for Nikon F

BH #LELBV85N • MFR #LBV85N
Print
Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 Lens for Nikon F
Key Features
  • F-Mount Lens/FX Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/16
  • Soft Glowing Effect at Wide Apertures
  • Inspired by Classic Portrait Lenses
A unique short telephoto with distinct classic appeal, the Nikon F-mount Velvet 85mm f/1.8 from Lensbaby produces a mid-20th century-inspired image quality that is well-suited to portraiture. Characterized by a smooth, glowing aesthetic, this lens's softness can be controlled by stopping down in order to produce a range of effects from soft and dreamy to sharper and crunchier at smaller apertures. A 12-blade diaphragm also contributes to the lens's aesthetic, and helps to produce a smooth bokeh quality to suit shallow depth of field imagery. Additionally, the manual focus design affords a working distance of 9.5" with a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:2 to benefit working with close-up subjects.
More Details
In Stock
No Store Display
Free Expedited Shipping
Protect Your Gear
Add a protection plan from $59.99
Lens Mount
Ask an Expert
800-606-6969

Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 Overview

Learn from B&H Experts

From Manufacturer

A unique short telephoto with distinct classic appeal, the Nikon F-mount Velvet 85mm f/1.8 from Lensbaby produces a mid-20th century-inspired image quality that is well-suited to portraiture. Characterized by a smooth, glowing aesthetic, this lens's softness can be controlled by stopping down in order to produce a range of effects from soft and dreamy to sharper and crunchier at smaller apertures. A 12-blade diaphragm also contributes to the lens's aesthetic, and helps to produce a smooth bokeh quality to suit shallow depth of field imagery. Additionally, the manual focus design affords a working distance of 9.5" with a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:2 to benefit working with close-up subjects.

Short telephoto portrait-length lens is designed for FX-format Nikon F-mount DSLRs, however it can also be used with DX models where it provides a 127.5mm equivalent focal length.
Bright f/1.8 maximum aperture affords greater control over depth of field for working with shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques, and also benefits working in low-light conditions.
Inspired by classic portrait lenses from the mid-20th century, this lens is designed to produce an ethereal glowing quality with soft, smooth tonality that is well-suited to portraiture.
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 working distance of 9.5" along with a 1:2 reproduction ratio suits working with close-up subjects.
Manual focus design with a smooth, dampened focusing movement is complemented by engraved focus distance indicators.
A 12-blade diaphragm contributes to a smooth bokeh quality that is ideal for selective focus imagery.
UPC: 850366006792

Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 Specs

Focal Length
85mm
Aperture
Maximum: f/1.8
Minimum: f/16
Lens Mount
Nikon F
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Minimum Focus Distance
9.5" / 24.13 cm
Magnification
1:2 Macro Reproduction Ratio
0.5x Magnification
Aperture/Iris Blades
12
Focus Type
Manual Focus
Filter Size
67 mm (Front)
Dimensions
3 x 3.5" / 76 x 89 mm (Diameter x Length)
Weight
1.2 lb / 530.1 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.465 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
5.75 x 4.25 x 3.95"

Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 Reviews

Superb

By Chuck Nakell
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-08-17

Worked exactly like I hoped it would.

Great concept, weak execution

By Chris
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2024-12-22

With patience and dedication works GREAT, but ergonomics need improvement. The f/stop ring is critical for achieving the desired results. The ring is difficult to control, as the grip is practically non existent and shallow to the body. Also the focus mechanism is a little wobly. Maybe part of the charm of more work and time consumed must mean better pictures?

See any errors on this page?

Where is this lens manufactured?

Where is this lens manufactured?
Asked by: Robert
This lens is manufactured in China.
Answered by: Zach L
Date published: 2024-11-28

What is the difference between the black and ...

What is the difference between the black and silver model?
Asked by: Bonita
There are no differences other than the color.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2021-05-06

Where is this lens manufactured??

Where is this lens manufactured??
Asked by: Robert
This was made in China.
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2021-04-25

Will live view work with this lens? I use a Nikon ...

Will live view work with this lens? I use a Nikon D850.
Asked by: Reid
Yes.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-11-16

Will this lens work on: a) Nikon D700 and b) ...

Will this lens work on: a) Nikon D700 and b) Nikon (FM2/FE2/FM3A/F3 Thanks!
Asked by: Victor
Yes, will work on both cameras.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2021-09-01

Does this lens come with a lens hood?

Does this lens come with a lens hood?
Asked by: Kenneth
Just received mine today. It comes with a screw-on lens hood.
Answered by: harry
Date published: 2022-06-21

Will this lens fit a nikon Z fs, do i need an ...

Will this lens fit a nikon Z fs, do i need an extra adaptor?
Asked by: Courtney
The Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 Lens for Nikon Z (Black) fits direct on to a Nikon Zfc Mirrorless Camera.
Answered by: Rob K
Date published: 2023-02-06

This lens will work on the Nikon Z5?

This lens will work on the Nikon Z5?
Asked by: Shanelle
Yes, the Lensbaby Velvet 85 mm 1.8 is compatible with the Nikon Z5.
Answered by: louisa
Date published: 2023-02-06
  • y_2026, m_10, d_6, h_17CST
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvqa, vn_bulk_3.0.48
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasquestionsanswers, tq_14
  • loc_en_US, sid_1338159, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=HAS_STAFF_ANSWERS, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_bhphotovideo
Whatever You Need, We've Got It