I was excited to beta test Lensbaby's newest optic, the Soft Focus II! I am always impressed by the company's innovation, and this optic doesn't disappoint.
Soft Focus ll with small hole disk 1/640 f2.8 ISO 100
I tested it with my Composer Pro II and Spark 2 and was very happy with the results. With an aperture range from f2.5 to f22, you can create as much or little focus as you like. Using the drop-in magnetic disks, you can transform lights into different shapes. My favorite is the star disk, but the others also create fun images.
Soft Focus II with star disk 1/500 f4 ISO 100
Soft Focus II with large circle disk 1/80 f2.5 ISO 3200
I started using it with the disks and then found that I liked the images created with just the Soft Focus II optic alone. When shooting wide open there is luminous glow. Stopping down to f4 or higher apertures, the photos have more details and less glow. The glow is similar to the Velvet series, but this optic has more depth to the glow in my opinion.
Soft Focus II 1/400 f4 ISO 100
Soft Focus II 1/1000 f2.8 ISO 100
Soft Focus II 1/500 f2.8 ISO 100
Soft Focus II 1/60 f4 ISO 100 with a +4 macro filter
Soft Focus II 1/160 f 2.8 ISO 1oo with a +4 macro filter
This is a very versatile optic and a great addition to my optics suite. If you have disks from the creative bokeh optic set, as I do, you have even more shapes to use. I take photos along my walks, so I love the variety of options - I can photograph landscapes, focus on details, capture lights and images of my toys.
Soft Focus II 1/40 f4 ISO 100 with a +8 macro converter
If you are curious about Lensbaby lenses, take a look at their website, and if you are inclined to take the plunge, use my Lensbaby Ambassador code (wVipperman) for a 5% discount. I love hearing from you, so comment below, post on my Facebook page, follow me on Instagram, or send me an email at carol(at)carolvipperman.com. If you have any questions about photography, I would be pleased to answer them.
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