Fun with the Lensbaby Composer Pro II with Sweet 35 Optic

I have been using the Lensbaby Velvet 56 on my Fujifilm X-Pro2 regularly for about a year (see previous blog posts with the Velvet 56 here and here). I recently had the opportunity to try the Lensbaby Composer Pro II for a few weeks and it was F U N!

As I wrote in my latest book The Art of Seeing Photographically, using a special effect lens is a great exercise in creativity. It offers an extra challenge for the visual artist. It’s a new way of seeing and forces the photographer to let go of the notion of sharpness. There will always be an element of surprise in the photographs it produces and that may just be the biggest appeal of such a lens. Seeing the resulting photographs on the computer screen after a photo shoot is always a bit like opening a present. The anticipation is somewhat reminiscent of shooting film.

So the question is: Should you get one? If, like me, you prefer in-camera fun and creativity versus spending time in front of the computer, then maybe you should add it to your wish list. There are quite a few different models to choose from. Renting before you buy may be wise. The Composer Pro II with Sweet 35 will give you a sharp focus surrounded with a dreamy blur. The added function of the tilt is also fun on this lens.

Here are a few pics shot with the Lensbaby composer Pro II with Sweet 35 Optic. Except for the occasional exposure adjustment and a slight vignette on a couple of them, they are as is. Colors are Classic Chrome, B&W are Acros in camera jpegs shot with the Fujifilm X-Pro2.

#SeeInANewWay! Lensbaby.com

The last one was shot through the window of a moving car (passenger seat) at Point Reyes, California.

Tags: #XPro2, FujifilmX_US, Lensbaby Composer Pro II, SeeInANewWay, Sweet 35 optic, The Art of seeing photographically, XPhotographer

• August 24, 2017
• Fuji XPro2, FujifilmX_US, Lensbaby Composer Pro II Sweet 35 optic
• 7 Comments