Lensbaby question + new Lensbaby 2.0

wholenewlight

This question is for Lensbaby owners (or those who have used a Lensbaby).

I get the concept (I think). It's a simple, single element lens. You focus it by moving the element in out using the bellows. For the "selective focus" effect, you "tip or bend" the lens or angle the front focus plate. So far, so good?

Here's my question. When you get the desired focus and effect that you want, will the lens "stay" in that position that you have set? In other words, you use your fingers to manipulate this "flexible" lens - and you get just the "right" look to your scene - do you have to hold the lens in that position for repeat shots (bracket exposure, change in composition, etc) or will it maintain your set position?

My question relates to speed and the necessary dexterity to use this lens/tool in practice.

FYI:
I also just noticed that there is a new version of the Lensbaby lens - Lensbaby 2.0

Links:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0503/05032201lensbaby_2.0.asp

http://www.lensbabies.com/pages/lensbaby2.php

Thanks in advance for answers :thumb

mercphoto

wholenewlight wrote:

Here's my question. When you get the desired focus and effect that you want, will the lens "stay" in that position that you have set?

Unfortunately it will not. Sigh... But it is a neat toy to have and play with.

wholenewlight

mercphoto wrote:

Unfortunately it will not. Sigh... But it is a neat toy to have and play with.

So the bellows compress and extend but spring back to their original position?

With practice, is it pretty fast and easy to use?

Thanks

mercphoto

wholenewlight wrote:

So the bellows compress and extend but spring back to their original position?

With practice, is it pretty fast and easy to use?

My gut instinct is to say yes, but I need more practice myself. My first few attempts were better than I had expected them to be though.