Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8

Nikon Z (DX/FX)

Review

The Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 for Nikon Z is a unique and captivating lens that caters specifically to those who seek creativity and character in their photography. Known for its dreamy and soft focus effects, this lens can be a magnificent addition for portrait and macro photographers alike. Let’s delve into the specifics.

Build and Design

The Velvet 85mm f/1.8 sports a beautiful, vintage-inspired design with a solid metal construction that feels robust yet lightweight, making it easy to handle for long shooting sessions. It has a pleasing aesthetic, with a classic look that will appeal to those fond of traditional photography styles. The focus ring is smooth and precise, which is essential for achieving the best results with its selective focus capabilities.

Optics and Performance

Optically, this lens is a delight. It produces a beautiful bokeh, thanks to its 12 blades which create a rounded aperture and contribute to that signature dreamy effect. The f/1.8 maximum aperture allows for stunning low-light performance and delightful subject isolation, making it a great choice for portrait photography. Moreover, the lens provides sharpness that holds up well across the frame, especially when stopped down even slightly.

However, it's worth noting that the Velvet 85mm has its limitations. While it excels in producing a creamy, ethereal quality in images, some might find the soft focus effects too pronounced for standard portraits or sharp imagery, particularly at its widest aperture.

Versatility

This lens is versatile and will appeal to various photography styles. Whether you are looking for an ethereal portrait, a stylized macro photograph of flowers, or a dreamy landscape, the Velvet 85mm can deliver. The lens also features a close focusing distance, which opens up possibilities for detailed close-up shots, enhancing its creative potential.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Beautiful bokeh with a dreamy, soft focus effect.
• Solid metal construction, lightweight and easy to handle.
• Good low-light performance due to f/1.8 aperture.
• Close focusing capabilities allow for creative macro shots.
• Aesthetic vintage design adds character.

Cons

• Soft focus effects may be too pronounced for some photographers.
• Less suitable for applications requiring high sharpness at wide apertures.
• Autofocus is not available, which can be a drawback for fast-paced situations.

Verdict

Overall, the Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 for Nikon Z is a fantastic choice for creatives aiming to add a touch of magic to their photographic repertoire. While it has its limitations in terms of sharpness at wider apertures and the absence of autofocus, it more than makes up for these through its unique optical qualities and ability to evoke emotions in images. Ideal for portrait and macro photographers, this lens can truly transform the ordinary into extraordinary with its stunning rendering. If you're looking to explore a more artistic approach to your photography, the Velvet 85mm could be your next favorite lens.