Lensbaby - yay or nay?

[Dr MAD]

Here we go again!! O/H is asking for ideas for xmas and I have been thinking of the lensbaby system for a while. Anyone with any experience good or bad? Which system,Composer or Muse?

Thanks in advance

Dan

PS Been away for a while... some awesome pics being posted

[Gemm]

Nay.

[beano500]

My only experience has been in viewing results from a Lensbaby.

No!

Passing fad (I hope).

I don't really see what all the fuss is about - and anyway, you could have more fun with a Photoshop tutorial or two if you want to mash up an image!

[bramley]

Nay.

[Dr MAD]

Thanks peeps. Guess that's a resounding no then! Is it just that you prefer to alter images in Photoshop? What is it about the Lensbaby that you don't like.

I've seen lots of sample images that have a real old school look and feel about them and are a bit quirky - http://lensbaby.com/gallery-photo.php If the effect can be achieved in camera then I'd rather do that than mess around in Photoshop - after all I'm a (very amateur) photographer not a graphic designer.

[The_Jackal]

These days, that effect is easier and cheaper to do in Photoshop.
Only you would know you did it the hard way.

[DamianBlades]

Looks blooming horrible in that sample gallery. is it just me or is there a strong chromatic aberrations in most of the pictures?

Either as said easy done in Pshop

[Gemm]

DamianBlades said:

Looks blooming horrible in that sample gallery. is it just me or is there a strong chromatic aberrations in most of the pictures?

Either as said easy done in Pshop

But but but but... why does anybody want to change a perfectly fine picture like this (left) to the right?

Edited by Gemm on Sunday 29th November 16:19

[Simpo Two]

Well, there's technical perfection on one hand, and there's artistry on the other. Wherever a photograph lands between them is up to the beholder.

For myself I think it better to get the best possible shot first, then fk it up later if you want!

[_dobbo_]

I'm going to go against the grain here - I think a lensbaby when used well gives a fantastic effect.

Like most photography techniques though, done badly it looks awful. And the overwhelming majority are done badly - HDR anyone?

[beano500]

_dobbo_ said:

I think a lensbaby when used well gives a fantastic effect.

I can almost hear that in an Austin Powers way "yeah Lensbaby".

Of course your argument is indefeatable - "...when used well..." covers it!

[tim-b]

The_Jackal said:

These days, that effect is easier and cheaper to do in Photoshop.
Only you would know you did it the hard way.

I guess it depends on what you want to get out of photography - just a bunch of good images, or a good time...

I've been playing with a 50's plastic 120 camera (fixed aperture, focus, shutter speed etc!). Obviously the IQ is nowhere near my 5D, it's expensive and inconvenient but it's a bloody good laugh! And having authentic 4x4 prints is cool.

I think the Lensbaby stuff is in the same area, aiming at the fun end of the market rather than the pro end. So to the OP; yay, it looks like fun!

[Dr MAD]

Maybe it's just me but I'm loving the look achieved by some with the new Lensbabies. A quick search on Flickr shows some lovely images. Maybe I'll take the plunge and if it doesn't work out then it may well appear on eBay in the New Year!

Thanks all for your comments

Dan