Lensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6

Canon EF

Review

The Lensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6 is a unique addition to the world of portrait and macro photography, especially for Canon EF mount users. This lens is designed to produce beautiful, dreamy images with a soft focus that many photographers find appealing. It’s particularly well-suited for those looking to create a sense of warmth and nostalgia in their photos.

One of the standout features of the Velvet 56mm is its ability to create a remarkable bokeh, which enhances the aesthetic quality of portraits and close-up shots. The lens has a distinctive “velvet” effect, which adds a subtle glow to the images, making skin tones appear smoother and more flattering. The maximum aperture of f/1.6 allows for very shallow depth of field, giving photographers the ability to isolate subjects beautifully.

In terms of build quality, the Velvet 56mm feels solid and sturdy, thanks to its all-metal construction. The lens has a classic look that many photography enthusiasts appreciate. The focus and aperture rings operate smoothly, allowing for precise adjustments. It’s compatible with Canon’s EF mounts, making it versatile for many Canon DSLRs.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The lens can exhibit a degree of chromatic aberration, particularly at wider apertures, which may require some correction in post-processing. Additionally, the autofocus is absent; this lens is manual focus only, which could be a limiting factor for some photographers, especially in dynamic shooting environments. It also tends to be a bit heavy compared to other prime lenses, which might impact portability for some users.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Unique, dreamy “velvet” effect with smooth bokeh.
• Solid all-metal build quality.
• Maximum aperture of f/1.6 for shallow depth of field.
• Excellent for portrait and macro photography.

Cons

• Manual focus could be challenging for some users.
• Prone to chromatic aberration at wider apertures.
• Heavier than typical prime lenses, affecting portability.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Lensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6 is an exceptional lens for photographers seeking to create soft, romantic images with a distinctive character. While its manual focus and some optical drawbacks might not suit everyone, those who appreciate its unique rendering and build quality will likely find it a valuable part of their photography toolkit. If you are looking to experiment with your creativity and prioritize artistic expression in your work, this lens is definitely worth considering for your Canon EF mount setup.