Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

Gordon · **lensbaby 2.0 -** 02-08-2006, 09:56 AM

For the lensbaby owners: what apertures do you find yourself using ? I still need to play with it more (I think it will be my main lens in Australia next week) but I'm trying to get to grips with the usage. I find if I shoot 'wide open' without any aperture ring that I have a real hard time getting anything in focus at all- probably not too surprising for an 50mm f2.0 lens that I'm wiggling with my fingers.

Also with the macro kit: I'm trying to remember, should you stack with the strongest, or weakest diopter nearest the lens ? I have the +10 and +4, should I stack them as

camera: Lens: +10: +4 or

camera:Lens: +4 : +10 ?

Or maybe I should just play with it more and work it out myself. Something to do on the plane!

PeteQ · 02-08-2006, 11:21 AM

Well, I have the orignal and I mainly use the f5.6 and f8 rings for the same reasons you have found. The f4 and f2.8 were just kicking my butt trying to get anything worth keeping. I'm sure it's just a learning curve. I need to use it more as it is fun to play with!

LoungeLizard · 02-08-2006, 11:28 AM

Gordon, want to ask this in the new Lensbaby section? They're a sponsor and will answer questions there!

Gordon · 02-08-2006, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoungeLizard

Gordon, want to ask this in the new Lensbaby section? They're a sponsor and will answer questions there!

Oh - hadn't realised there was actually a section for it. Can someone move it over ?

roxannejomitchell · 02-08-2006, 11:57 AM

there's a lensbaby section??!? sweet!

i, too, tend to use the f/8 aperture. because at f/2 ain't nothin in focus....

brad · 02-08-2006, 01:11 PM

Moving it now.

Edit: LOL - Someone beat me to it.

Lensbaby · 02-08-2006, 02:01 PM

Hello again,

The f/2.0 aperture is definitely the most challenging to use. We are starting to ship Lensbabies with the f/4.0 disk installed because it does have greater depth of focus and a larger sweet spot, which makes focusing easier. I usually shoot at f/2.8 with my Lensbaby 2.0 and get most of my shots in focus where I want. That said, here are some tips to get good results:
1) make sure your diopter is set properly! If you need to, adjust your diopter prior to mounting the Lensbaby on your camera. If your diopter is off, most of your photos will be out of focus.
2) I really recommend that people hold the Lensbaby with thumbs behind the body and with the middle two fingers of the right hand and the middle and index finger of the left hand on the focusing collar, evenly spaced. The four finger approach gives the most stability while focusing, and (important) at the moment you release the shutter
3) try starting with the Lensbaby fully extended and slowly compress until your subject comes into focus. You often don't have to compress very much. I find that smooth, fluid motions work better than fast, jerky ones.
4) Practice. The more you practice, the more intuitive and easy focusing gets. Try track focusing on moving subjects!
5) Try shooting on burst mode for key shots
6) Enjoy the learning process

In regards to the macro lenses, think stacking the +4 on top of the +10 is going to give sharper results. The toad I posted in the other thread was the reverse and I think that's why it's a bit more diffused. I think I am going to do some sample shots to find out for sure. I'll check back with you later to tell you what I found.