Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8

Fujifilm X

Review

The Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 for Fujifilm X mount is a unique offering that stands out with its ability to create stunning, ethereal images. This lens is known for its soft-focus effects combined with excellent sharpness in the right conditions, making it particularly appealing for portrait photographers looking to add a dreamy aesthetic to their work.

Build Quality and Design

The Velvet 85mm features a solid metal construction that feels robust in hand. It has a classic design reminiscent of vintage lenses, complete with a smooth focusing ring that provides a satisfying tactile feedback as you adjust focus. Weighing in at around 500 grams, it's not overly heavy, making it reasonably portable for studio and on-location shoots.

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, the Velvet 85mm does not disappoint. It produces sharp images at f/1.8, though the lens excels in creating a beautiful soft glow around highlights, giving photos a painterly quality. In addition, the lens's ability to create creamy bokeh sets it apart from traditional standard lenses, perfect for isolating subjects against a blurred background. However, at wider apertures, some may find the center sharpness diminishes slightly compared to other lenses in this category.

Versatility

Although primarily designed for portraits, the Velvet 85mm is versatile enough for other types of photography, including still life and landscapes. The unique optical design provides a distinct look that can enhance various subjects. Nonetheless, it’s less suited for fast-paced photography due to its manual focus operation, which may not be ideal for capturing quick moments.

Usability

Many users appreciate the manual focus mechanism, which encourages a more deliberate approach to shooting. The depth of field scale on the lens can assist in achieving precise focus, but some may find the lack of autofocus limiting in certain situations, especially in dynamic environments.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Beautiful soft-focus and dreamy aesthetic
• Excellent bokeh quality
• Solid build with a vintage look and feel
• Sharp images at optimal apertures

Cons

• Manual focus only, can be slow for action shots
• Slightly reduced sharpness at wide open apertures
• Not the most versatile lens for all shooting conditions

Verdict

Overall, the Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 for Fujifilm X mount is a superb choice for photographers seeking to create artistic, dreamy images. Its ability to offer excellent bokeh and unique soft-focus effects makes it an attractive option for those focused on portrait and artistic photography. However, the manual focus may be a drawback for those who require speed and precision in their shots. If you're willing to embrace its unique characteristics, the Velvet 85mm can truly elevate your creative toolkit.