LensbabySpark for Nikon

I bought this product because there is absolutely no way I can afford a real tilt/shift lens, especially for the little amount I would actually use it. Let's face it, it's not something I plan to do a lot.So, I looked at the Lensbaby Spark as a way to let me shoot the occasional tilt/shift shot without breaking the bank.To start off, I will say that it works for the most part, though the results in no way compare to using a real tilt/shift lens. This is one product where you'll likely have to combine optics with digital touch ups to get the best results.My main complaint is the method of focusing itself. It consists of pushing a spring loaded bellows in at whatever angle gives you the desired result. Then you have to hold it there while you attempt to take a photo.It's a terrible system. Not only is it imprecise, but it all bu makes it impossible to use it for time lapse shots. Something more like a friction system that allows the lens to stay in place where you set it would be far better. It appears there are other models in the Lensbaby line that do this, but I can't see spending any more money with them for what really isn't a quality product I'm likely to use often.Instead, what I did was build a bracket for my tripod that holds the lens in place wherever I set it. That allows me to shoot video or time lapse photos without having to manually hold thing in place.So, it does work, but it's simply a pain to use.

I have this paired with the Edge 80 optic. Fits and works well on both my APS-C frame camera (T3i) and full-frame (5D Mark II).This has seriously become my favorite setup to just walk around with, supplanting the 40mm f/2.8 STM (which is an excellent walk-around lens, btw). I'm not a fan of the school of "this a great camera because it forces you to slow down and really compose" thought. However, the Spark will force you to make conscious decisions and really play with focus and composition.I really like using the Spark + Edge 80 + T3i for covering events, as the selective focus helps me to really isolate my subjects when there's a whole lot of other stuff going on.I don't see the Spark being useful for video - but I have a Control Freak for that.Not a big fan of the glass optic it came with - I will probably get the Sweet 35 at some point, to get wider shots than can be afforded by the Edge 80. But in any case - the Spark is serious fun that can turn out some great images very spontaneously.

My photography covers too wide a range of styles for the Lensbaby effect to be used more than rarely: still, I like what the company's products can do and was interested in learning how they would blend in to what I envision about selective focus. Frankly, however, I always thought most Lensbaby models were overpriced for what they could be expected to do, so I was delighted to see a truly economical version hit the market recently in the Spark. Doing the combined framing and squeezing for the "sweet spot" of focus is definitely something that will aggravate you until you just put in the practice time, and I'm sure that fewer shots are lost on more advanced models, since the focus can be set and locked in position. Still, if you have good manual dexterity and patience, you can create some interesting work with the Spark. And for this price, you don't have to feel you paid too much for what is essentially a novelty effect. Well made and sturdy.

This is a really neat lens, allowing you to take some really cool pictures. It's easy to install and use.BUT...be patient, it takes awhile to figure out how to make it take te pictures you see on the website. It's really best for spots or movement, not still shots. The movement makes the blurry part show up more.THis is a great lens to have in your bag, and good as a starter.I bought this as a gift, and I have the Lensbaby Composer for my Nikon. The Composer is a bit easier to use and has a lot more nice features (at over twice the price), but still takes time to learn to use it.

Definitely a learning curve since I'm used to only shooting with wide f/ ranges. But I like it when I do get the focus correct! *Image attached to this review is property of Ashley Cox Photos and may not be reproduced or used without explicit written consent from Ashley Cox Photos- All rights reserved for Ashley Cox Photos*

If your expectation is to get some weird Lomo style from this cheap lens, you will be very happy. It's a fun, unpredictable lens to goof off with and it produces some really cool lo-fi results.

If you have nothing of interest to shoot, this lens will make the mundane interesting. If you have a nice photo in mind, your probably not going to want to use this lens. It's fun to play with, but I'm not sure it's worth $80... But for that matter, I'm not sure spending $2,000 for a lens is worth it either.

I have only used my new Spark a few times outside, but I can see that it will be a good tool to create some interesting looking images. It is limited due to the fixed aperture 5.6, but for the price it's a fun lens to use.

Add spark to your pics if you do not want it thru software, like lensbaby says the possibilities are infinite. It takes time and effort to adjust this lense, its complete manual and super sharp @ sweet spot.

Great Lens to Play

Love the first set of photos I have taken with this. It is very light and made of plastic so will be very easy to keep in the bottom of the bag. Not actually sure how often I will use as for me was more of a fun gadget item rather than a lens I would set out to use all day. Will make lovely portrait/still live photos except that's not what I do. I do see the potential for night lights in cityscapes so glad I bought it. I do think the price is over egged but haven't seen anybody else doing similar products so guess that's what happens when you have a bit of a niche product. Shame that the version which holds the lens angle in place is no longer available as trying to do the focusing which requires both hands and then trying to press the shoot button is skill in itself. Using a tripod makes only a slight difference to ease of use but overall fun lens with fun results.

A fun lens that produces an interesting effect. The concertina means of focusing is a little odd, but easily learned. The only drawback that I have found, is a lack of sharpness in the focused object. I can only imagine that this is due to the quality of the lens. Despite this it's worth the money.

My friend asked me to purchase this on his behalf for his daughters birthday. She is really happy with this Lensbaby and is using it on her photographic course. Would by again from this supplier.