Pete Askew
Admin
The Edge-80 is the longest focal length optic from Lensbaby to date (Lensbaby Edge 80 Optic | 80mm f/2.8 Tilt Optic for Selective Focus Photography). It is part of their Optic Swap system and so can be used in all of the latest housings from the Muse to the Composer Pro. It can also be used in conjunction with the Close-Up Adapters (effectively extension tubes). Unlike many of the optics, the 'distortion' created by using the Edge-80 is in a single plane and this, in the same way as a tilt/shift lens or a technical camera, is achieved by tilting the lens axis in relation to the film / sensor plane.
The Edge-80 Optic
Mounted on a Composer Housing
This is a shot taken in my garden this afternoon with the lens on-axis and parallel to the sensor plane (in this case a Nikon D3).
And this is an extreme version of the effect that can be achieved.
Looking at the examples on the Lensbaby site and considering the focal length (80 mm) I get the impression that the optic was designed with portraiture in mind but of course it can be used for may other types of image.
For example: http://www.realphotographersforum.com/landscape-architecture/7227-other-bank.html
Like all Lensbabies, it takes some practice to get the effect you want and there is some play in the focus mechanism. However, this optic does have a proper aperture comprised of 12 blades and renders smooth out of focus elements.
The Edge-80 when tilted does throw the meter off and so some compensation is necessary. This is not really a problem when shooting digitally but it would call for some experience of the optic if you were shooting onto film. All-in-all though it is an excellent addition to the range and, used in moderation, gives some interesting effects.
The Edge-80 Optic

Mounted on a Composer Housing

This is a shot taken in my garden this afternoon with the lens on-axis and parallel to the sensor plane (in this case a Nikon D3).

And this is an extreme version of the effect that can be achieved.

Looking at the examples on the Lensbaby site and considering the focal length (80 mm) I get the impression that the optic was designed with portraiture in mind but of course it can be used for may other types of image.
For example: http://www.realphotographersforum.com/landscape-architecture/7227-other-bank.html
Like all Lensbabies, it takes some practice to get the effect you want and there is some play in the focus mechanism. However, this optic does have a proper aperture comprised of 12 blades and renders smooth out of focus elements.

The Edge-80 when tilted does throw the meter off and so some compensation is necessary. This is not really a problem when shooting digitally but it would call for some experience of the optic if you were shooting onto film. All-in-all though it is an excellent addition to the range and, used in moderation, gives some interesting effects.