If you haven't heard about this new lens, well, hey, it's there! The Double Glass 2 is an optic you can slip into the Composer Pro 2, so it can tilt with a nice sharpness in the focal zone. Moreover, you can snap a magnetic disk (that comes with the lens) on top to shape your bokeh! What did she say? Yes, you read well. This lens has the ability, with its magnetic disks, to shape the bokeh and add a spectacular effect on the highlights or a subtle texturized effect on an image that does not have strong highlights. You will stand out among your photography circle for sure!
Here are three reasons why I love this new addition to my collection of Lensbaby lenses!
1. Its versatility
As it is 50mm, I can shoot my kids, my dog, my flowers, well, name it! While a lot of people use manual lenses to create static portraits or to shoot flowers, it is also perfect for everyday life... as long as you master the manual focusing on moving subjects! It’s perfect for adding a little oomph to your photographs! This 50 mm lens also does a really amazing job at the reverse freelensing technique!
"This lens has the ability, with its magnetic disks, to shape the bokeh and add a spectacular effect on the highlights or a subtle texturized effect on an image that does not have strong highlights."
2) Its playfulness
I really like to use the different shapes of the disk to add a playful addition to my composition. I try not to overdo it as I don't want the bokeh to compete with my subject. When the balance is right, the stars or the diamonds in the bokeh add a je-ne-sais-quoi!
3) Its ability to tilt
Tilting is what I love the most about the Lensbaby lenses I own. It produces inimitable images and allows me to use intentional blur to tell a unique story. This lens does really great at tilting and maintaining a sharp zone of focus. Bonus point, the more you tilt, the more the "shaped bokeh" will be strong. Look at my Christmas tree image. You'll see the effect right away!
Now, where to start?
As we all do, we try our new gear in any available light. But to see the real potential of this lens, it really helps to find some great light in which you'll shoot your subject backlit. Use the widest aperture to get the most out of the lens effect while maintaining your focus zone in the center of the lens. It is the easiest way to start with a manual lens, whatever lens it is. Once you master how to focus, go wild and tilt your optic!
Try every disk on the same backlit subject to visualize the difference they produce. Keep in head that this effect can be strong and can derail your storytelling. Make sure the disk you use contributes to the narrative, and voilà!
You can also ask your children to pick a disk. You’ll see, suddenly, your kids will be willing to help you test your new lens! Oh! I forgot. The flare from this lens is incredible! Have fun!
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Annick Paradis
Annick is a visual storyteller who likes infusing everyday life with something unique. Most of the time, she will use intentional blur to tell fleeting, vivid, and timeless stories. She is the author of the photography e-courseFleeting to Timeless: Composing Stories that Last a lifetime and loves mentoring other photographers. She is based in Canada in the beautiful Québec city.