What I’ve learned while limiting myself to one lens for the month...

For the month of September, I challenged myself to use only one lens, the Velvet 28, for 30 days in a row. I’m surprised at how much I enjoyed the challenge and by how much I learned.

Let me start with some technical details

The Velvet 28 is a prime wide angle lens that is perfect for shooting outdoor, landscape and close-ups. If you stop the lens down to f/2.8 or below you will see the soft and dreamy effect that makes the Velvet product line so popular with Lensbaby users. You can use this lens also for macro photography - the lens has a manual focus design with a working  2” working distance.

Velvet 28 – These were taken at F/4 and I love how the late morning light creates washed out looking colors

My personal test setup

To get the most out of my 30 day challenge, I took the lens where ever I went. From my own home to the beach to the botanical garden, I’ve tried to a wide range of scenarios and was really pleased with the outcome. I also focused on trying out all kind of different lighting situations between dusk and dawn. Given the current danger of a Covid infection I unfortunately couldn’t try any street photography this time around, but I think this prompted me to try a new variety of places. For more information about how the lens does out on the street I recommend reading my last blog post!

Velvet 28 – Taken early in the morning at F/4

Velvet 28 – Look how the light sparkles closest to the lens turned into beautiful bokeh.

Conclusion

It’s not a secret that I’m a huge fan of Lensbaby products. However, the Lensbaby Velvet product line was never high up on my list of favorites. I always thought I had no use for the soft look it creates, but my perspective changed completely after committing to shooting with the lens for an entire month. I actually enjoyed using this lens more than I thought I would. The manual focus is fast and accurate. I realized I spend more time thinking about the composition before I take a picture when I use a manual lens, and this often results in photos that look much more interesting. I like how sparkly or shiny materials in the foreground of the picture turn into beautiful bokeh when I shoot at f/4 or wider open. I still don’t have a real use for the glowy look at f/2.8 or wider, but the lens has so much more to offer than just that. I wish the aperture ring would lock a little firmer than it does at your chosen f/stop, because I sometimes ran into the problem that the ring had changed to a different f-stop. However, I stand by my opinion that this lens is perfect for photographers who like to shoot wide, while also offering the versatility to capture closer details.

Results in pictures

Velvet 28 – Portraits with slow shutter and double exposure.

Velvet 28 – Portraits with slow shutter and double exposure.

Velvet 28 – Here some indoor pictures taken at F/8

Velvet 28 – Here some indoor pictures taken at F/8

Velvet 28 – Photographed at the end of the day. F/8

Have you tried the Velvet 28 before? Did you have the same experiences as me?

I would love to hear what you guys have to say about this product! I hope you will join me on my next monthly challenge… I’m planning on doing a headshot challenge next month! Check out my Instagram ( @californialover ) to stay updated on my progress throughout the month of October.

Lensbaby Gear:

OMNI Creative Filter

OMNI ~ Crystal Expansion Pack

OMNI ~ Flare Wands

Edge 35

Burnside 35

Velvet 85

Velvet 56

Velvet 28

Twist 60

Sol 45