Interchangeable Optics Allow a Range of Unusual Focus and Depth-of-Field Effects

Demonstrating another way that high-quality DSLR video has brought the worlds of cinematography and still photography closer together, specialty SLR lens manufacturer Lensbaby is advancing into the world of PL-mount motion-picture cameras. The new Lensbaby Movie Maker's Kit includes PL-mount versions of two of Lensbaby's signature lenses, which were originally designed to help still shooters get more unique effects in camera, along with a Canon-mount lens for DSLR video shooters and a range of interchangeable optics and other accessories in a Pelican case.
The Muse PL with the Double Glass optic yields a circular area of sharp focus with blurry surrounding areas. The image is brought into focus by physically stretching or compressing the lens body, and the focus area can be moved around the image by bending the lens. The focal length is around 50mm, with different optics featuring curved fields of focus, encouraging unusual depth-of-field effects.

The Composer Pro also has a round area of selective focus, but it has a focus ring for precise adjustments. The lens can be tilted one way or another to position the selective-focus area at different positions in your composition. This version of the Composer Pro comes with the Sweet 35 Optic, which has a wide, 35mm focal length and boasts an adjustable iris. Aperture stops range from f/2.5 to f/22. A second Composer Pro, this one with Double Glass, is included with a Canon mount.

Also included are two aperture kits for use with Double Glass, Single Glass, and Plastic Optics, a Fisheye Optic and Soft Focus Optic (both with aperture kits), a Plastic Optic, a Pinhole/Zone Plate, a 0.42x wide converter, a Wide Angle/Telephoto Kit, a Macro Kit, a Step-Up/Shade, and the Creative Aperture Kit 2.

The full package is $2900.

For more information, including demonstration videos: www.lensbaby.com.