LensBaby or Macro?

redleash

For 2010, I'm interested in doings some more "artistic" types of flower shots like these:

All shot with Nikkor 50mm 1.8:







I am torn between getting a LensBaby Composer and a true Macro 1:1 lens. If the latter, I'm wondering about a good Macro other than the Nikkor 105, which I should have bought 2 years ago but didn't. :cry
I'm leaning towards a Macro so that I can do true closeup work, still doing some soft-focus stuff like these with my 50. But the LensBaby looks like pure fun!

I realize I should probably make up my mind about my subjects and style before buying gear, but that hasn't stopped me yet! :rofl

If anybody has any comments or suggestions, please let me know. Has anyone used the LensBaby Composer?

Thanks,
Lauren

ziggy53

I prefer to do the "artistic rendition" of a subject in software, where I appreciate the greater control software allows. I do understand the allure of an optical control in that it's more WYSIWYG and you can compose the final effect into the composition of the scene, but I still think that with the advent of digital software that is the more appropriate mechanism for control.

There are a lot of good macro lenses and I wound up with an older Tamron 90mm, f2.8 SP 1:1 Macro that works extremely well and was very reasonable in cost.

BTW your third image, with the pink tones, is exquisite and I can't imagine producing it any other way than what you did. Whatever you are doing, keep doing it.

redleash

Thanks, Ziggy! I really appreciate your comment about #3. I'm ordering it on metallic paper to see how it looks.

Lauren

catspaw

The lensbaby does come with a macro kit (part of which is free http://www.smugmug.com/ClubSmug/ ) and stacked with the other macros you can get for them, you can get pretty close -- I've no clue what ratio though. enough to have tons of fun though

Just saying!

redleash

Thanks, Leah--I'd forgotten about the macro option w/ Lensbaby. Yeah SmugMug! I may opt for that just because it looks so much fun!!!

thebigsky

I'm a big fan of the Lensbaby, I have to disagree with Ziggy with regards to making such adjustments in software where there is frankly too much control and a certain sterility to the end result and often too many hours in front of your monitor trying to achieve it.

I much prefer the slightly unpredictable results of the Lensbaby, love 'em to bits.

Charlie