Lensbaby Velvet 28mm f/2.5

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Overview

The Lensbaby Velvet 28mm f/2.5 is a unique lens that captures the imagination of photographers looking for a poetic touch in their images. This lens is designed specifically for Nikon F mounts, making it a great option for photographers using Nikon DSLRs. The Velvet series aims to offer a soft focus effect while still maintaining detail in the areas you want to highlight, resulting in dreamy images that stand out from the crowd.

One of the defining features of the Velvet 28mm f/2.5 is its ability to create a beautiful bokeh. The lens produces a gentle, velvety background that can add depth to portraits and landscapes alike. At f/2.5, the aperture is wide enough to allow for creative depth-of-field control, letting you isolate your subject effectively.

The build quality is another highlight of this lens. It has a solid, metal construction that feels durable and reliable. The focus ring is smooth and nicely damped for precise manual focusing, making it an enjoyable experience when you're adjusting for that perfect shot.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The lens is not particularly sharp at wider apertures, which can be a concern for those who prioritize crispness in their images. While this can add to the dreamy effect, it might not be suitable for all scenarios. Additionally, distortion is noticeable, which might require post-processing to correct for more architectural photography.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Unique soft focus effect that creates dreamy images
Beautiful bokeh for portrait and macro photography
Solid metal build quality
Smooth manual focus for precision

Cons

Lack of sharpness at wide open apertures
Noticeable distortion, particularly in architectural shots

Verdict

The Lensbaby Velvet 28mm f/2.5 is an intriguing option for photographers seeking to infuse their work with a creative and artistic touch. Its ability to create ethereal images and lovely bokeh is a significant draw. However, the softness and distortion could be potential drawbacks depending on your shooting style. This lens is best for those who enjoy experimenting with their photography and are willing to embrace its quirks to achieve a beautiful, painterly effect. If you’re a fan of creative lenses, the Velvet may just be the perfect addition to your kit.

Technical Specifications

28mm

min focal length

28mm

max focal length

f2.5

max f (min zoom)

f2.5

max f (max zoom)

67mm

Filter diameter

5cm

min focus distance

f22

min. aperture

594g

Weight

Elements

Groups

89mm

Length

72mm

Diameter

Which cameras does the Lensbaby Velvet 28mm f/2.5 fit?

The Lensbaby Velvet 28mm f/2.5 is a full-frame lens for Nikon F-Mount cameras. On full-frame bodies it uses the whole sensor; on APS-C Nikon F-Mount cameras its field of view equals 42 mm in full-frame terms.

Nikon F-Mount cameras

Full frame:: Nikon D6, Nikon D780, Nikon D850, Nikon D5, Nikon D810A, Nikon D4S, Nikon D810, Nikon D750, Nikon Df, Nikon D610, Nikon D4, Nikon D800, Nikon D800E, Nikon D600, Nikon D3S, Nikon D3X, Nikon D700
APS-C:: Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500, Nikon D500, Nikon D3400, Nikon D5600, Nikon D5500, Nikon D7200, Nikon D3300, Nikon D7100, Nikon D5300, Nikon D3200, Nikon D5200, Nikon D5100, Nikon D7000, Nikon D3100, Nikon D300S, Nikon D5000, Nikon D3000, Nikon D90, Nikon D60

With the Nikon FTZ II / FTZ the lens can also be used on Nikon Z (DX/FX) cameras.