Lensbaby Velvet 28mm f/2.5

Nikon Z (DX/FX)

Review

The Lensbaby Velvet 28mm f/2.5 for Nikon Z mount is an intriguing choice for photographers seeking a unique aesthetic in their images. This lens stands out for its distinctive rendering capabilities, primarily focusing on creating images with a dreamy, soft effect that evokes a vintage feel.

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of the Velvet 28mm feels solid, with a nice blend of metal and high-quality plastic that gives it a premium feel without being overly heavy. The manual focus ring is smooth and precise, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments to achieve the desired bokeh and softness. The lens is relatively compact, making it easy to carry around for street photography or travel.

Optical Performance

At f/2.5, the lens offers a beautifully soft rendering that can be adjusted depending on the aperture setting. Wide open, you get a pleasing softness that can create stunning portraits or artistic images. As you stop down, the sharpness improves while still maintaining a level of character that keeps your photos looking unique. This lens is particularly well-suited for capturing details in flowers, landscapes, and other subjects where a dreamy render is appreciated.

However, it's worth noting that the lens does exhibit some chromatic aberration and vignetting at wider apertures, which can be corrected in post-processing but may require additional work if you prefer a cleaner image straight out of the camera. Flare control is decent, but shooting directly into the light can yield some unwanted artifacts.

Focus and Usability

Being a manual focus lens, the Velvet 28mm requires practice to master. While some photographers enjoy the hands-on approach of manual focusing, others may find it challenging, especially in fast-paced shooting scenarios. The depth of field can also be quite shallow when wide open, making it easy to miss the focal point if you're not careful.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Unique dreamy effect and smooth bokeh.
• Solid build quality with an aesthetic appeal.
• Lightweight and compact design.
• Great for artistic and portrait photography.

Cons

• Manual focus may not suit all users.
• Can exhibit chromatic aberration and vignetting at wider apertures.
• Performance suffers somewhat in extreme lighting conditions.

Verdict

The Lensbaby Velvet 28mm f/2.5 for Nikon Z mount is an excellent choice for photographers looking to branch out from traditional optics and experiment with their imagery. With its unique rendering characteristics and solid build, it can be a fantastic addition to your lens collection. However, be prepared for the challenges of manual focus and the potential for optical imperfections, which may require some compromise. If you're a creative soul who values artistic expression over clinical precision, this lens might just inspire new ways of seeing the world.