Macro Lens - Lensbaby?

<p>I shoot with a Canon 40D. I'm interested in a macro lens and was wondering if people have any opinion on the LensBaby composer and the macro kit. I've never used the lensbaby. I would want to shoot flowers, nature, maybe people.</p>

<p>Thanks,<br>

Jenna</p>

<p>Get a real macro lens. The LensBaby is more of a novelty set up. You might like the look initially, but (IMHO) it gets old fast. Take a look at the website for samples. You may like it, but it is not the macro work that I want to be doing.</p>

<p>The LensBaby plus the macro kit can do quite good work, though there's no way to turn off the LensBaby look. If you're ok with every shot having blurry corners, go for it. You'll probably want to add a real macro or extension tubes/close-up lenses to your kit eventually, though.</p>

<p>Here's a couple shots of mine with the LensBaby and macro kit. This was a LensBaby II on a 5D.</p>

<p>http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v490/alanpix/IMH_0136M.jpg<br>

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v490/alanpix/IMH_0081M.jpg</p>

<p>Lens baby uses an 2 elements achromat, meaning off axis (off center) images are not corrected and center image are slightly corrected. The macro kit that go with it, is a non-corrected plano convex single element len (aka: a high-end coke bottle bottom). Not knocking down on a lens baby, it can be useful and fun at time. But if there is such thing as an anti-macro, the lens baby comes close to it :-) </p>

<p>I carry both the Lensbaby Composer and a Canon 25mm extension tube in my walk around bag; they are both very compact and play well together. Yeah, the look does get old, but it's fun and only cost a few ounces in the backpack. A true macro lens would definitely serve you better in the long run, but an extension tube and a standard 50 or 85mm lens is an inexpensive way to get your feet wet.</p>

<p>I vote for a full macro, OR extension tubes and/or a diopiter adjustment lens for something like a 70-200mm zoom, or a 85 or 105mm, or whatever lens that you have.</p>

<p>Sure, nothing beats a dedicated macro lens, but what lenses do you have now? Maybe a 50mm f/1.8? Reverse adapters, extension tubes, and close up lenses are a great, economical way to start macro photography. </p>

<p>Thanks everyone! I see now that lensbaby might be more a novelty. I'll look at proper macro lenses.</p>

<p>John, I like your idea. I don't have a 50mm. I currently have the Canon 24-70mm, 10-22mm, and the 200mmf/2.8.</p>

<p>A few months ago I bought EF 100 mm f/2.8 L macro IS. Not the cheapest, but what a lens. I think it's a good investment. Won't leave home without it.</p>

<p>I use the Canon 50 2.5 macro. Can be used as a super sharp walk around lens and a macro. If you don't have a 50mm this fills both<br>

needs. It does not go to 1:1 macro without an extension tube. Love it for the low cost and sharp pictures.</p>