Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8

Sony E

Review

The Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 is a unique offering for photographers looking to add a different flavor to their portrait and close-up photography. Designed specifically for the Sony E mount, this lens brings a blend of sharpness and creative bokeh that is hard to resist.

One of the standout features of the Velvet 85 is its ability to produce a beautiful, dreamy glow around highlights, making it perfect for romantic portraits or artistic shots. This distinct characteristic is achieved through its optical design, which provides a soft, velvety quality at wider apertures while still maintaining impressive sharpness at narrower settings. Photographers will appreciate how this lens can beautifully render skin tones and create a three-dimensional effect.

The lens is constructed with a solid build quality, giving it a professional feel that matches well with the Sony E camera bodies. The focus ring is smooth and provides a satisfying tactile feedback, which is critical for achieving precise focus, especially with its relatively fast f/1.8 maximum aperture. The lens also features 12 elements in 8 groups, including two high-quality glass elements to minimize chromatic aberration, which is often a concern with wide-aperture lenses.

However, there are a couple of drawbacks to consider. While the bokeh is often praised, some users may find it to be a little busy for their taste, especially in images with complex backgrounds. Additionally, the lens can experience noticeable vignetting at its widest aperture, which, while can be creatively used, might not appeal to everyone. Focusing may also be tricky for those unaccustomed to manual focus; this lens lacks autofocus, which might deter some users who prefer the convenience of modern tech.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Beautiful, dreamy bokeh with a unique glow effect.
• Solid build quality and smooth manual focus ring.
• Excellent sharpness at narrower apertures.
• Good optical performance with minimal chromatic aberration.

Cons

• Busy bokeh may not suit everyone’s style.
• Noticeable vignetting at f/1.8.
• No autofocus; purely manual focus can be a drawback for some.

Verdict

The Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 for Sony E mount is a fantastic choice for photographers who want to explore creative portraiture and close-up photography. Its unique rendering and solid build make it a valuable addition to any lens collection. However, those who prefer fast-paced shooting or demand perfect sharpness at all apertures might want to consider other options. Ultimately, for those willing to embrace its quirks, the Velvet 85mm offers an alluring and artistic photographic experience.