Lensbaby Soft Focus II | ISO | 100 | 1/320 | Nikon Z5
Childhood memories tend to have a hazy glow about them when looked back on—a first camping trip, warm summer evenings playing with your friends, the first time you saw the ocean. Now, imagine if you could capture these firsts with your kids, family, and loved ones with that nostalgic feeling already built into the photograph.
Lensbaby has created a new optic, the Soft Focus II, that does exactly that. The SFII has a focal length of about 50mm and an aperture range of 2.5-22. The wider the aperture, the more gentle focus effect you will get. Conversely, if you stop it down, there won’t be any blur or glow at all. This optic is a manual focus, so you control what you feature in your shot.
"And this optic is great if you’re shooting a scene with a lot of light and a lot of contrast, and you purposefully shoot the image out of focus with your aperture wide open. It gives the image a painterly feel."
And this optic is great if you’re shooting a scene with a lot of light and a lot of contrast, and you purposefully shoot the image out of focus with your aperture wide open. It gives the image a painterly feel. You can throw this optic in your Spark, Spark 2.0, or Composer Pro II, and you’re ready to shoot.
Lensbaby Soft Focus II | ISO | 100 | 1/400 | Nikon Z5
Lensbaby Soft Focus II | ISO | 100 | 1/1000 | Nikon Z5
I took this optic and my Composer Pro II to a recent beach outing with my son and his friends, and the outcome was perfect. The images themselves feel timeless, nostalgic, and hazy in the best possible way. The edges have a little bit of blur, which enhances the wistful feel. The sky was overcast, and this optic + that light = chef’s kiss—they complimented each other so well.
Lensbaby Soft Focus II | ISO | 100 | 1/500 | Nikon Z5
One of the other moms was smiling as the kids played and remarked that these kids were making memories that they would have for a lifetime, and I was so thankful I had this lens to capture them with.
Lensbaby Soft Focus II | ISO | 100 | 1/640 | Nikon Z5
The Soft Focus II is my go-to optic now when I want to capture moments that will be remembered fondly and with a wistful smile one day down the road. I also love it when I’m feeling particularly artistic and want to create some one-of-a-kind photos with a hint of blue and a lot of magic.
Lensbaby Soft Focus II | ISO | 100 | 1/1000 | Nikon Z5
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Sarah Menard
Sarah Menard is obsessed with Nordic noir, cold brew coffee and The Great British Bake-Off. She is amilitary wife and currently lives in a tiny beach town in Maryland but is hoping to make it back to the PNW one day. She is a mom to one homeschooled 7-year-old boy and two dogs. Her camera is her therapist.
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