Lensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6 Overview
Quick Look: Lensbaby Velvet 56
Reminiscent of classic 20th century lenses, the Nikon F mount Velvet 56mm f/1.6 SE Lens from Lensbaby produces a uniquely soft, glowing image quality that is well-suited to making expressive and ethereal portraits. The overall softness can be controlled by stopping down the lens while still retaining the smooth tonality of a soft focus lens. Compatible with full-frame image sensors, this slightly longer-than-normal focal length pairs with the fast f/1.6 maximum aperture to excel in difficult lighting and achieve a shallow depth of field with controllable sharpness. Additionally, for increased creative versatility, the lens also offers a 1:2 maximum magnification and a minimum working distance of 5" for macro shooting. Housed within a silver metal barrel, this lens also features smooth, dampened manual focus control to further benefit creative flexibility. Consistent with Lensbaby's aim of purveying selective focus capabilities and a unique velvety image quality, the Velvet 56mm f/1.6 is a versatile tool that marries classical looks with contemporary control. This edition comes in a special wooden gift box.
Portrait-length 56mm focal length is compatible with full-frame format sensors as well as format sensors, where it will provide an mm equivalent focal length.
Fast f/1.6 maximum aperture offers extensive control over selective focus and shallow depth of field, and also benefits working in difficult lighting conditions.
The unique singlet-doublet-singlet lens design renders imagery with a soft, smooth, and glowing image quality reminiscent of mid-20th century portrait lenses.
Softness can be controlled by stopping-down the lens: when stopped-down to f/16, the image exhibits a smooth quality with greater central sharpness.
A 1:2 maximum magnification ratio and 5" minimum working distance enable working with close-up subjects.
Silver edition lens features a clear anodized coating, silver-colored metal barrel, and engraved aperture and focus markings.
Manual focus design with a smooth, dampened focusing movement is complemented by engraved focus distance indicators.
Manual exposure control requires stop-down metering and manual setting of the aperture.
In the Box
- Lensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6 SE Lens for Nikon F (Silver)
- Wooden Gift Box
- Front and Rear Lens Caps
- Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty
Lensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6 Specs
| Focal Length |
56mm |
| Maximum Aperture |
f/1.6 |
| Minimum Aperture |
f/16 |
| Lens Mount |
Nikon F |
| Lens Format Coverage |
Full-Frame |
| Angle of View |
42.2° |
| Minimum Focus Distance |
5.1" / 130 mm |
| Optical Design |
4 Elements in 3 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades |
9 |
| Focus Type |
Manual Focus |
| Image Stabilization |
No |
| Filter Size |
62 mm (Front) |
Packaging Info
| Package Weight |
2.655 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) |
7.5 x 6.2 x 4.8" |
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