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Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 Lens for Canon EF

BH #LELBV85C • MFR #LBV85C
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Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 Lens for Canon EF
Key Features
  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame 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 Canon EF-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.
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Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 Overview

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From Manufacturer

A unique short telephoto with distinct classic appeal, the Canon EF-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 full-frame Canon EF-mount DSLRs, however it can also be used with APS-C models where it provides a 136mm 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: 850366006785

Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 Specs

Focal Length
85mm
Aperture
Maximum: f/1.8
Minimum: f/16
Lens Mount
Canon EF
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
1.53 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
6.1 x 4.3 x 3.9"

Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 Reviews

Superb

By Chuck
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?

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

I have a Canon 5D Mk4. Will this lens operate in ...

I have a Canon 5D Mk4. Will this lens operate in Aperture Priority mode or only in Manual?
Asked by: Kenneth
Mine works in aperture priority mode.
Answered by: Thomas R.
Date published: 2025-08-23

Will this lens work on a Canon 5D Mk 4 in ...

Will this lens work on a Canon 5D Mk 4 in Aperture Priority mode or only in Manual?
Asked by: Kenneth
Only in Manuel!
Answered by: Cheryl
Date published: 2020-11-19

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

I have zero experience with the Lensbaby line... ...

I have zero experience with the Lensbaby line... input please on if you'd think it would work well for portraits?
Asked by: Ashli
It is a matter of opinion but I find the Lensbaby lenses are best used as a more experimental lens. It is manual focus. For shooting portraits professionally, I would recommend an auto focus Canon 85mm as a main lens and consider a Lensbaby as a secondary experimental lens.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2023-02-06

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

My in camera vibration reduction is not working ...

My in camera vibration reduction is not working with my old Lensbaby Velvet 56. I am using the FTZ adaptor. Will the Velvet 85 work so I can turn on my VR in my Nikon Z7ii camera?
Asked by: Nancy
Non-CPU lenses require manual input of lens data (Focal length & Max Aperture) to enable VR stabilization on the Z7 II camera. You also check the camera menu under Photo Shooting Menu; Vibration--you can set the VR to Normal, Sport, or Off.
Answered by: Boyd H
Date published: 2024-11-09
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