The Lensbaby Double Glass II stands out as a compelling evolution in creative optics, directly addressing the desires of photographers who seek to infuse their work with unique character and artistic flair beyond the clinical precision of conventional lenses.

This updated optic maintains the signature selective focus and dreamy bokeh that Lensbaby is known for, while introducing notable improvements in build quality, versatility, and ease of use, making it a powerful tool for those looking to expand their visual storytelling capabilities.

It offers a refreshing departure from the pursuit of absolute sharpness, instead emphasizing the aesthetic qualities of light, blur, and color to craft images that evoke emotion and stand apart.

Feature / Product	Lensbaby Double Glass II	Lensbaby Composer Pro II	Lensbaby Velvet 56	Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic	Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens	Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens	Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Lens
Type	Creative Optic Fixed Focal Length	Creative Lens System Tilt-Shift Mount	Creative Lens Soft Focus/Macro	Creative Optic Selective Focus	Standard Prime Lens	Standard Prime Lens	Standard Prime Lens
Focal Length	50mm	Varies with Optic	56mm	35mm	50mm	50mm	50mm
Aperture Range	f/2.5 – f/22	Varies with Optic	f/1.6 – f/16	f/2.5 – f/22	f/1.8 – f/16	f/1.8 – f/22	f/1.8 – f/22
Focus Type	Manual Focus	Manual Focus	Manual Focus	Manual Focus	Autofocus/Manual	Autofocus/Manual	Autofocus/Manual
Mount	Lensbaby Optic Swap System	Specific Camera Mount e.g., Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Fuji X, Micro 4/3, L-mount	Specific Camera Mount e.g., Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Fuji X, Micro 4/3	Lensbaby Optic Swap System	Nikon Z	Canon RF	Sony E
Special Features	Manual drop-in magnetic apertures, high contrast sweet spot	Tilts and swivels for selective focus	Dreamy glow, macro capabilities	Creates a sharp sweet spot of focus surrounded by blur	Excellent sharpness, fast autofocus	Compact, affordable, good sharpness	Compact, affordable, good sharpness

Table of Contents

The Philosophy Behind Lensbaby: Why “Flaws” Are Features

If you’re a photographer, you’ve probably heard the mantra: “sharpness above all else.” But what if I told you that the most compelling images aren’t always the sharpest? Enter Lensbaby. This isn’t just a lens. it’s an approach to photography that dares you to embrace the unconventional. The Lensbaby Double Glass II isn’t designed to compete with your clinical, tack-sharp prime lenses. Instead, it’s built to evoke emotion, to tell a story with blur and light, and to let your subjects emerge from a dreamlike haze.

Ditching the Pixel-Peeping Mentality

One of the biggest shifts you’ll make when using a Lensbaby is moving away from the obsessive pursuit of corner-to-corner sharpness. With the Double Glass II, the magic happens in the transition from sharp to soft. This isn’t about technical perfection. it’s about artistic expression.

Embracing Imperfection: The subtle aberrations, the swirling bokeh, the ethereal glow—these aren’t defects. they’re the brushstrokes of a unique photographic style.
Focus on Feeling: Instead of counting pixels, you’re encouraged to focus on the feeling the image conveys. Does it draw the viewer in? Does it create a mood?
Beyond the Technical: While understanding aperture and focus is crucial, the creative application of these elements takes precedence over their scientific precision. It’s photography as art, not science.

The Appeal of Selective Focus

The defining characteristic of the Double Glass II, inherited from its predecessor, is its ability to create a “sweet spot” of focus surrounded by a variable degree of blur. This selective focus is not merely depth of field. it’s a dynamic, painterly effect that can be manipulated in real-time.

Guiding the Viewer’s Eye: By isolating a specific area of your frame in sharp focus, you immediately direct the viewer’s attention to your subject. This is incredibly powerful for storytelling.
Creating Depth and Separation: The dramatic fall-off into blur helps to separate your subject from a busy background, giving your images a three-dimensional quality.
Narrative Through Nuisance: You can use the surrounding blur to hint at elements outside the main focus, adding context or intrigue without distracting from the primary subject.

Build Quality and Ergonomics: A Tangible Upgrade

The original Double Glass optic was beloved for its effects, but its plastic construction and fiddly aperture discs left something to be desired. The Double Glass II, however, marks a significant leap forward in material quality and user experience. Lensbaby has clearly listened to user feedback, delivering a robust and refined optic that feels substantial in hand.

All-Metal Construction

Gone are the days of lightweight plastic. The Double Glass II boasts an all-metal body, which immediately conveys a sense of durability and premium craftsmanship. This isn’t just about feel. it contributes to the lens’s longevity and stability during use. Campaigner Review

Durability: Metal construction means it’s more resistant to bumps and scratches that might occur during creative shoots.
Weight and Balance: The added weight of the metal provides a more balanced feel on most camera bodies, making it more comfortable to hold and manipulate. This is especially noticeable when paired with the Lensbaby Composer Pro II, where precise tilting benefits from a solid base.

Integrated Drop-In Apertures

This is perhaps the most significant functional improvement. The original Double Glass required photographers to manually drop tiny magnetic aperture discs into the front of the lens. While iconic, it was often a frustrating process, especially in challenging conditions or when working quickly. The Double Glass II solves this with a clever, integrated magnetic aperture system.

Seamless Switching: You simply drop the magnetic aperture disc into a designated slot at the front of the lens, and it snaps securely into place.
Ease of Use: No more fumbling with tweezers or losing discs in the grass. This makes changing apertures incredibly fast and hassle-free, allowing for greater creative flow.
Tactile Feedback: The magnetic attachment provides satisfying tactile feedback, confirming the disc is correctly seated. This small detail significantly enhances the user experience.

Tactile Focus Ring

The manual focus ring on the Double Glass II is smooth and well-damped, offering just the right amount of resistance for precise adjustments. This is crucial for a lens that relies entirely on manual focus for its creative effects.

Precise Control: The smooth movement allows for subtle, incremental focus shifts, which are vital for nailing that sweet spot.
Pleasant Experience: A good manual focus ring makes the photographic process more enjoyable, allowing you to connect more directly with your gear.
No Auto-Focus: Remember, this is a fully manual lens. If you’re used to the lightning-fast autofocus of lenses like the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens or the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens, there’s a learning curve. But the reward is worth the effort for unique results.

Performance and Image Quality: The Sweet Spot and Beyond

The core appeal of the Double Glass II lies in its unique optical rendering. It’s not about clinical sharpness across the frame, but rather the intentional manipulation of focus and blur to create evocative images. Understanding its performance means appreciating its artistic output, not just its technical specifications.

The Signature “Sweet Spot” Effect

At its heart, the Double Glass II is a selective focus optic. This means it renders a sharp, circular “sweet spot” of focus surrounded by a gradual, often swirling blur. The size and intensity of this sweet spot can be controlled.

Aperture Influence: Larger apertures f/2.5 yield a smaller, more pronounced sweet spot with intense blur. As you stop down e.g., to f/8 or f/16, the sweet spot expands, and the surrounding blur becomes less dramatic, approaching a more conventional depth of field.
Tilt Angle with Composer Pro II: When mounted in a Lensbaby Composer Pro II, the ability to tilt the optic allows you to move the sweet spot around the frame, placing your sharp area precisely where you want it, rather than just in the center. This adds a crucial layer of control.
Subject Separation: The sweet spot is incredibly effective for isolating subjects, making them pop against a beautifully blurred background.

Bokeh Characteristics

The blur, or bokeh, produced by the Double Glass II is a key part of its aesthetic. It’s often described as creamy, dreamy, or even swirling, especially at wider apertures.

Smooth Transitions: The out-of-focus areas melt away smoothly, creating a pleasing softness that enhances the overall artistic feel.
Swirling Potential: Depending on the background elements, lighting, and distance, the bokeh can exhibit a noticeable swirling effect, particularly towards the edges of the frame. This characteristic is a hallmark of many creative lenses and adds a dynamic quality to the blur.
Light Orb Formation: Specular highlights like distant lights or reflections often render as soft, pleasing orbs, which can add to the dreamlike quality of the image.

Contrast and Color Rendition

Despite its creative nature, the Double Glass II delivers good contrast and pleasing color rendition. Images aren’t muddy or flat. they maintain a vibrant, yet natural, look within the sharp areas.

Punchy Contrast: The sharp sweet spot often exhibits good micro-contrast, making details within it stand out.
Natural Colors: Colors are rendered accurately and vibrantly, without any noticeable color casts, allowing the artistic effects to speak for themselves.
Flare Control: While creative flare can be part of the Lensbaby experience, the Double Glass II generally handles direct light sources well, minimizing excessive veiling flare unless intentionally sought after.

Versatility and Creative Applications: Beyond Portraits

While often associated with portrait photography, the Lensbaby Double Glass II is a remarkably versatile optic that can be employed across a wide range of genres.

Its unique rendering offers a fresh perspective, inviting experimentation and pushing creative boundaries.

Portraits with Artistic Flair

This is arguably where the Double Glass II shines brightest. The ability to isolate the subject’s eyes or a specific feature in sharp focus while the rest of the image melts into a beautiful blur is incredibly powerful for creating evocative and intimate portraits.

Dreamy Backgrounds: Transform busy backgrounds into soft, painterly washes of color, ensuring the focus remains squarely on your subject.
Emotional Depth: The selective focus can heighten the emotional impact of a portrait, drawing the viewer into the subject’s gaze.
Unique Aesthetic: Stand out from the crowd of perfectly sharp portraits. The Lensbaby look is instantly recognizable and adds a signature touch to your work.

Still Life and Macro Photography

The Double Glass II, especially when combined with close-up filters or extension tubes, can be a fantastic tool for still life and close-up photography. The selective focus allows you to highlight intricate details on small subjects, while the surrounding blur provides an artistic context. Apple Macbook Air 15 Inch Review

Focus on Detail: Emphasize textures, patterns, or specific elements in your still life arrangements.
Abstract Compositions: Experiment with extreme close-ups, allowing the blur to create abstract shapes and colors, turning mundane objects into art.
Product Photography Artistic: For products where a dreamy, artistic feel is desired, the Double Glass II can create captivating imagery that stands out.

Landscape and Street Photography with a Twist

Intimate Street Scenes: Isolate a street performer, a person in a crowd, or a specific object, making them the central narrative element.
Abstract Cityscapes: Play with lights and reflections, allowing the blur to create ethereal cityscapes, especially at night.

Beyond the Obvious: Exploring Artistic Expression

The true power of the Double Glass II lies in its ability to inspire experimentation. Don’t be afraid to break traditional rules and see what happens.

Light Play: Experiment with backlighting, rim lighting, and harsh sunlight. The lens handles these situations beautifully, often creating interesting flares and glowing effects.
Movement and Motion: Use the selective focus to highlight a sharp subject against a blurred, moving background, emphasizing motion and energy.
Multi-Exposure: Combine the Double Glass II’s unique rendering with in-camera multi-exposure techniques for truly abstract and painterly results.

Manual Focus Mastery: A Skill Worth Cultivating

Unlike your everyday autofocus lenses, the Lensbaby Double Glass II is a fully manual lens. This means you’re in complete control of the focus, which, while initially challenging for some, is precisely where the magic happens. Mastering manual focus with this optic is key to unlocking its full creative potential.

The Importance of “Wiggling”

Lensbaby users often talk about “wiggling” the lens. When using the Double Glass II on a Lensbaby Composer Pro II which allows you to tilt the optic, you don’t just focus traditionally. You tilt the lens to move the sweet spot of focus across your frame, and then fine-tune the focus for sharpness. This dynamic interplay is what makes the Lensbaby experience so unique.

Finding the Sweet Spot: Tilt the lens until the sweet spot lands on your desired subject.
Refining Focus: Once the sweet spot is positioned, adjust the focus ring until your subject is critically sharp within that spot.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Like any skill, this takes practice. Start with stationary subjects in good light, then gradually move to more challenging scenarios.

Live View and Focus Peaking are Your Best Friends

Modern mirrorless cameras and DSLRs with good live view capabilities offer invaluable tools for manual focus. Focus peaking and magnification are essential for precise focusing with the Double Glass II.

Focus Peaking: This feature highlights the in-focus areas of your image with a contrasting color e.g., red, blue, green. It’s a quick and intuitive way to see what’s sharp.
Magnification: Zooming in on your live view image allows you to achieve pixel-perfect focus. Use it to confirm the sharpness of your subject within the sweet spot.
No Auto-Focus Assist: Don’t expect any electronic focus confirmation dots or auto-focus assistance. You’re on your own here, and that’s part of the fun.

Workflow Adjustments for Manual Lenses

Integrating a manual lens like the Double Glass II into your workflow requires a slight shift from typical auto-focus habits.

Slower Pace: Embrace a more deliberate, thoughtful shooting style. This isn’t a lens for rapid-fire action photography though creative motion blur can be achieved.
Tripod Considerations: For critical focus, especially in lower light or with intricate compositions, a tripod can be invaluable.
Test Shots and Review: Take a few test shots and review them on your camera’s LCD zooming in! to ensure you’ve nailed the focus. Don’t rely solely on the small screen for confirmation.

The Optic Swap System: Expand Your Creative Arsenal

The Double Glass II is part of the extensive Lensbaby Optic Swap System, a modular approach that allows photographers to change the optical element within a single lens housing like the Lensbaby Composer Pro II. This system offers incredible versatility and cost-effectiveness for exploring different creative effects.

How the Optic Swap System Works

Think of it like having one camera body that can accept multiple, entirely different types of lenses, but instead of buying a whole new lens, you just buy a new optical core.

The Housing: You start with a Lensbaby lens housing, most commonly the Lensbaby Composer Pro II. This housing provides the camera mount e.g., Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Fuji X, Micro 4/3, L-mount and often the tilt/swivel mechanism.
The Optic: The Double Glass II is an “optic” – the glass element that determines the focal length and creative effect. It simply drops into the front of the housing and is secured.
Interchangeability: Once you own a Composer Pro II housing, you can purchase other Lensbaby optics like the Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic, Lensbaby Velvet 56 though Velvet 56 is often a standalone lens, some versions can be swapped, or the Edge 80, and swap them out as needed.

Benefits of a Modular System

This modularity is a significant advantage for photographers looking to diversify their creative tools without breaking the bank or carrying a full bag of specialized lenses.

Cost-Effective Expansion: Instead of buying entirely new lenses, you’re investing in individual optics, which are generally more affordable than full lenses.
Compact Kit: A single Composer Pro II housing can be paired with multiple optics, making for a surprisingly compact creative kit.
Tailored Effects: Each optic offers a distinct creative effect, allowing you to choose the perfect tool for the desired artistic outcome. For instance, while the Double Glass II excels at its sweet spot, the Sweet 35 might offer a different type of selective focus with a wider field of view.

Compatibility with Existing Systems

If you already own a Lensbaby Composer Pro or Composer Pro II, the Double Glass II optic is designed to be fully compatible. This means you can simply purchase the optic itself and integrate it into your existing creative workflow.

Future-Proofing: Lensbaby consistently designs their optics to be compatible with their current and previous generation housings, ensuring your investment remains valuable.
Broad Mount Support: The Composer Pro II housing is available for a wide range of camera mounts, from older DSLRs to modern mirrorless systems, making the Double Glass II accessible to almost any photographer.

Comparison with Other Creative Lenses: Finding Your Flavor of “Blur”

The photographic world is rich with options for achieving creative effects beyond clinical sharpness. Razer Blade 14 2023 Review

While the Lensbaby Double Glass II carves its own niche, understanding how it stacks up against other popular creative lenses can help you determine if it’s the right fit for your artistic vision.

Versus Other Lensbaby Optics e.g., Sweet 35, Velvet 56, Edge 80

Lensbaby itself offers a diverse range of optics, each with its own signature effect.

Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic: Also a selective focus optic, the Sweet 35 offers a wider field of view 35mm vs. 50mm and a slightly different quality of blur. Its sweet spot is often described as slightly more abrupt in its transition. The Double Glass II, with its 50mm focal length, is generally preferred for portraits and tighter compositions where a more compressed background is desired.
Lensbaby Velvet 56: This lens is known for its dreamy, velvety glow at wider apertures and its excellent macro capabilities. Unlike the Double Glass II’s distinct sweet spot, the Velvet 56 creates a softer, more diffused overall image, which sharpens up when stopped down. If you want an ethereal, painterly look across the entire frame, Velvet 56 is a strong contender. If you prefer a sharp subject against a swirly blur, Double Glass II is your pick.
Lensbaby Edge 80: The Edge series optics create a slice of sharp focus across the frame, with both the foreground and background blurring out. This effect is distinct from the radial blur of the Double Glass II and is ideal for creating diorama-like effects or emphasizing a horizontal/vertical element.

Versus Traditional “Fast” 50mm Lenses e.g., Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM, Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S, Sony FE 50mm f/1.8

Most photographers own or aspire to own a “nifty fifty” – a fast, affordable 50mm prime lens.

These lenses are designed for sharpness and versatility.

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens, Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens, Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Lens: These lenses excel at corner-to-corner sharpness, fast and accurate autofocus, and minimal optical aberrations. They produce smooth but generally unexciting bokeh.
The Lensbaby Difference: The Double Glass II deliberately introduces optical “imperfections” to create its artistic blur and sweet spot. It sacrifices conventional sharpness and autofocus for expressive, unique rendering. It’s not a replacement for a standard 50mm but a complementary tool for when you want something truly different. You’ll likely use both in your kit for different purposes.

Versus Vintage or Specialty Lenses

The market for vintage lenses and other specialty creative optics is booming, with photographers seeking unique character.

Vintage Lenses e.g., Helios 44-2: Many vintage lenses are prized for their swirling bokeh and unique optical characteristics. The Helios 44-2, in particular, is famous for its strong swirl. The Double Glass II offers a similar effect but with modern build quality, integrated apertures, and the flexibility of the Lensbaby Composer Pro II system.
Tilt-Shift Lenses: True tilt-shift lenses offer precise control over perspective and depth of field, often used for architectural photography or miniature effects. While the Composer Pro II offers a tilt mechanism, the Double Glass II creates a radial blur, whereas a tilt-shift lens creates a plane of focus that can be manipulated linearly.
Prism Effects/Filters: Some photographers achieve similar creative effects using prisms or specialty filters. While these can be fun, they often require holding the accessory in front of a standard lens, which can be cumbersome. The Double Glass II offers an integrated, consistent solution.

Ultimately, the choice of a creative lens depends on the specific artistic effect you’re trying to achieve. The Double Glass II excels at providing a sharp sweet spot surrounded by a dreamy, often swirly, blur. If that’s the look you’re after, it’s an excellent choice.

Is the Lensbaby Double Glass II for You? Factors to Consider

Deciding whether to invest in a creative optic like the Lensbaby Double Glass II comes down to your photographic style, your existing gear, and your desire to experiment.

It’s not a lens for every photographer, but for the right individual, it can be a transformative tool.

Who Will Love This Lens?

Artistic Photographers: If you’re driven by creating images that evoke emotion and possess a unique, painterly quality, the Double Glass II is right up your alley.
Portrait and Still Life Enthusiasts: The selective focus and beautiful bokeh are particularly well-suited for isolating subjects and crafting intimate compositions.
Experimenters: If you enjoy pushing creative boundaries, embracing manual control, and seeing where your vision takes you, this lens will be a joy.
Lensbaby System Owners: If you already own a Lensbaby Composer Pro II or similar housing, acquiring the Double Glass II optic is a natural and cost-effective expansion of your creative toolkit.
Photographers Seeking a “Signature Look”: In a world saturated with technically perfect images, the Double Glass II can help you develop a distinct style that sets your work apart.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

Action and Sports Photographers: The manual focus and creative blur are ill-suited for fast-moving subjects where critical, rapid autofocus is paramount.
Documentary or Photojournalists: While creative effects can have their place, the Double Glass II’s inherent softness and selective focus might not meet the demands for absolute clarity and objective depiction.
Those Prioritizing Clinical Sharpness: If your primary goal is corner-to-corner sharpness and minimal aberrations, a traditional prime lens like a Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Lens will be a better fit. The Double Glass II intentionally deviates from this.
Beginners Uncomfortable with Manual Focus: While a great learning tool, starting with a fully manual lens can be frustrating if you’re still mastering basic photographic principles.
Anyone on a Very Tight Budget: While a good value for a creative lens, it’s an additional investment. Consider if it truly aligns with your current photographic needs.

Factors to Weigh Before Purchase:

Your Camera System: Ensure you have the appropriate Lensbaby Composer Pro II housing or another compatible housing for your camera mount.
Your Patience for Manual Focus: Are you willing to slow down and meticulously focus? This is non-negotiable with the Double Glass II.
Your Creative Vision: Do you genuinely desire the dreamy, sweet-spot effect, or are you just curious? Consider if this lens fits your long-term artistic goals.
Your Existing Lens Kit: Does this lens fill a creative gap, or will it be redundant? It often complements, rather than replaces, standard prime lenses.

Ultimately, the Lensbaby Double Glass II is a specialized tool.

It doesn’t aim to be your everyday lens but rather a creative companion for those moments when you want to inject a profound sense of artistry and emotion into your photography. Lexmark Mb3442I Review

If you’re looking to tell stories with light and blur, and you’re willing to embrace the process of manual control, this optic can be an incredibly rewarding addition to your gear bag.

Final Verdict: A Worthwhile Evolution for Creative Photographers

The Lensbaby Double Glass II is more than just an updated optic.

It’s a testament to Lensbaby’s commitment to artistic photography and a significant refinement of a beloved classic.

It successfully addresses the ergonomic shortcomings of its predecessor while retaining the signature optical character that makes Lensbaby lenses so unique.

For creative photographers looking to infuse their work with a distinct, dreamlike quality and the captivating effect of selective focus, the Double Glass II is a highly recommended addition to their toolkit.

Key Strengths:

Enhanced Build Quality: The all-metal construction is a substantial upgrade, making the lens feel durable and premium. This isn’t a trivial point. it improves the tactile experience significantly.
Integrated Aperture System: The magnetic drop-in apertures are a must for usability. No more fumbling with tiny discs. changing apertures is now quick and seamless, allowing for faster creative flow. This alone makes the upgrade worthwhile for many.
Signature Optical Effect: It delivers the classic Double Glass “sweet spot” of sharp focus surrounded by a creamy, often swirling blur, ideal for evocative portraits, still life, and abstract compositions. The 50mm focal length is a versatile choice for a wide range of subjects.
Versatility within the Optic Swap System: Being part of the Lensbaby Optic Swap System means it integrates seamlessly if you already own a Composer Pro II housing, offering a cost-effective way to expand your creative options.
Inspires Creativity: This lens forces you to slow down, think differently about composition and focus, and embrace the unexpected. It’s a fantastic tool for artistic growth.

Considerations:

Manual Focus Only: There is no autofocus. This requires patience and practice, but the rewards in precise creative control are immense. Live view with focus peaking is highly recommended.
Specialized Tool: It’s not an everyday lens. While versatile, its unique rendering means it complements, rather than replaces, your conventional lenses. Don’t expect razor-sharp corner-to-corner images. that’s not its purpose.
Requires Composer Pro II for Tilt: To fully utilize its selective focus capabilities and move the sweet spot around the frame, it’s best paired with a Lensbaby Composer Pro II housing. While it can be used with a Fixed Body like the Spark or Muse, the tilt functionality enhances its creative power.

In essence, the Lensbaby Double Glass II is for the photographer who sees beyond technical perfection and aims for emotional resonance.

It’s for those who appreciate the art of photography and are willing to put in the manual effort to achieve truly unique results.

If you’re looking to break free from the pursuit of clinical sharpness and instead inject your images with character, mood, and a touch of artistic magic, the Double Glass II is an excellent investment and a fantastic addition to any creative photographer’s kit. It doesn’t just capture scenes. it crafts them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lensbaby Double Glass II?

The Lensbaby Double Glass II is a manual focus creative optic lens element that is part of Lensbaby’s Optic Swap System.

It’s designed to create a sharp “sweet spot” of focus surrounded by a variable, dreamy blur, often with a subtle swirl. Cherry Stream Keyboard Review

What is the focal length of the Lensbaby Double Glass II?

The Lensbaby Double Glass II has a fixed focal length of 50mm.

What is the maximum aperture of the Lensbaby Double Glass II?

The maximum aperture of the Lensbaby Double Glass II is f/2.5.

Does the Lensbaby Double Glass II have autofocus?

No, the Lensbaby Double Glass II is a fully manual focus lens. You must adjust the focus ring manually.

How does the Lensbaby Double Glass II differ from the original Double Glass optic?

The Double Glass II features an improved all-metal construction for better durability and feel, and it incorporates a new, integrated magnetic drop-in aperture system, making aperture changes much easier and faster compared to the original’s fiddly magnetic discs.

What camera mounts is the Lensbaby Double Glass II available for?

The Double Glass II itself is an optic, not a full lens.

It is compatible with Lensbaby lens housings like the Lensbaby Composer Pro II, which are available for various camera mounts including Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Fuji X, Micro 4/3, L-mount, and others.

Is the Double Glass II good for portraits?

Yes, the Lensbaby Double Glass II is exceptionally good for portraits.

Its selective focus allows you to beautifully isolate your subject’s eyes or face, creating a dreamy and artistic background blur.

Can I use the Double Glass II for landscape photography?

How do I change apertures on the Double Glass II?

The Double Glass II uses magnetic drop-in aperture discs that are inserted into a slot at the front of the optic.

They snap securely into place, making changes quick and easy. Dell Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablet Review

What is the “sweet spot” effect?

The “sweet spot” effect is the signature of the Double Glass II, where a circular area of the image is sharp, while the rest of the frame gradually falls into a soft, dreamlike blur.

Can the sweet spot be moved around the frame?

Yes, when the Double Glass II is mounted in a tiltable housing like the Lensbaby Composer Pro II, you can tilt the housing to move the sweet spot of focus to different areas of your composition.

Is the Double Glass II good for video?

Yes, its manual focus and unique creative effects can add a distinct cinematic look to video, especially for creative or artistic short films and podcast videos.

Is the Double Glass II difficult to use for beginners?

It can have a learning curve for beginners due to its manual focus and unique rendering.

However, it’s also a great tool for learning about focus, depth of field, and artistic composition.

Does the Double Glass II create swirling bokeh?

Yes, depending on the background elements, lighting, and distance, the Double Glass II can produce a noticeable swirling bokeh effect, especially at wider apertures.

What is the minimum focusing distance of the Double Glass II?

The minimum focusing distance of the Lensbaby Double Glass II is 13 inches 33 cm.

Does the Double Glass II come with a lens hood?

No, the Double Glass II optic typically does not come with a dedicated lens hood.

Can I use filters with the Double Glass II?

Yes, the Double Glass II has a 46mm filter thread, allowing you to attach standard photographic filters.

Is the Double Glass II sharp?

The Double Glass II is sharp within its designated “sweet spot” of focus. Hisense 65 Inch U6 Series Uled Tv 65U6K Review

It is not designed for corner-to-corner sharpness across the entire frame like conventional lenses.

How does the Double Glass II compare to the Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic?

The Double Glass II is a 50mm optic, while the Sweet 35 is a 35mm optic.

Both create a sweet spot of focus, but the 50mm of the Double Glass II offers a tighter field of view and often a more pronounced background compression.

How does the Double Glass II compare to the Lensbaby Velvet 56?

The Double Glass II creates a sharp sweet spot with surrounding blur.

The Velvet 56 creates a softer, velvety glow across the entire frame at wide apertures, which sharpens as you stop down, and also offers macro capabilities. They offer different types of creative softness.

What is the Optic Swap System?

The Optic Swap System is Lensbaby’s modular design where you use a single lens housing like the Composer Pro II and can interchange various optical elements optics to achieve different creative effects.

Do I need a Lensbaby housing to use the Double Glass II?

Yes, the Double Glass II is an optic that requires a Lensbaby housing, such as the Lensbaby Composer Pro II, to attach to your camera.

Is the Double Glass II weatherproof?

Lensbaby optics are generally not weather-sealed.

It’s advisable to protect them from rain, dust, and extreme conditions.

What types of photography is the Double Glass II best suited for?

It’s excellent for portraits, still life, close-up details, fine art photography, and any genre where you want to add an artistic, dreamy, or ethereal quality to your images. Msi Stealth 14 Studio Review

Does Lensbaby offer other 50mm optics?

Yes, Lensbaby offers other 50mm optics like the Optic Swap Composer Pro II and various other creative optics.

The Double Glass II is one of their most popular 50mm options for a distinct look.

Can I use the Double Glass II on both full-frame and crop sensor cameras?

Yes, the Double Glass II optic is compatible with Lensbaby housings that fit both full-frame and crop sensor camera bodies, but the effective focal length will be narrower on crop sensors e.g., 75mm equivalent on APS-C.

Does the Double Glass II have image stabilization?

No, the Lensbaby Double Glass II does not have built-in image stabilization.

You would rely on your camera’s in-body image stabilization IBIS if it has one.

Is the Lensbaby Double Glass II worth the investment?

Yes, for photographers seeking a unique artistic aesthetic and willing to embrace manual control, the improved build and ease of use of the Double Glass II make it a worthwhile investment to expand creative possibilities.

Where can I find examples of photos taken with the Lensbaby Double Glass II?

You can find numerous examples on photo-sharing platforms like Flickr, Instagram, and on the official Lensbaby website’s galleries and user submissions.

How durable is the Double Glass II?

With its new all-metal construction, the Double Glass II is significantly more durable and robust than its plastic-bodied predecessor.

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