Lensbaby 3G Review

Introduction

Specifications

Lens Construction: Coated optical glass doublet (same optic as Lensbaby 2.0)

Focal Length: Approx, 50 mm

Minimum focus distance: Approximately 12” (30.48cm)

Filter Size: 37mm

Lens Hood: none

Included accessories: Lens cap, rear cap, aperture discs, disc removal tool and lens pouch.

Size and weight: 3” (7.62cm) high x 3.25” (8.89cm) wide, 5.7oz (161.6g)

Apertures: f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22

Price From: $269.95 USD

Manufacturers web site: www.lensbabies.com

Positives

• Focus lock.
• Barrel focusing ring.
• Control over focus.

Drawbacks

• A little too much plastic, in my opinion.
• Aperture discs don't have f/ values on them.
• Changing of aperture discs, this is especially cumbersome when doing macro shots, you have to reposition the whole setup if you can't reach the discs.

Easy fix of the f/ values, I simply used a Paint marker to write the values.

Verdict

I really like the updates lensbabies did to the 3G, but there is also more updates I'd like to see. I think the most important update would be to have a Diaphragm on the lens, changing the aperture discs can be allot of work, especially if you are doing macro shots.


I'm also not to fussed about where the release and lock buttons are on the Lensbaby. To me it makes more sense if there was another Trigger Button where my thumb is in the picture.

When I use the Lens handheld I feel that the lock and release buttons are in the wrong place(in landscape mode). I think that the focusing rails also are in awkward positions. In my opinion the whole lens should be twisted slightly clockwise(if you are behind the lens) so the bottom focusing rail would be centered in the middle of the lens. The lensbaby seems to be made to use in portrait mode, as both the lock/release button and the focusing rails are easier to reach when you hold your camera in portrait mode. Making the base of the lens rotatable is another update I'd like to see in the next version of the Lensbaby.

Mouse over the picture to see the other shot.

I also feel that the tube should be a little bit softer. All in all the Lensbaby 3G is a major improvement of the 2.0 version, it is allot more useful for people doing macro, studio, product, or any type of shots you need the lens to be in the same position over and over.

Alternatives

Lensbaby 2.0 From $149.95 USD

The Original Lensbaby From $96.00 USD

Sample Pictures