A unique short telephoto with distinct classic appeal, the black Pentax K-mount Velvet 85mm f/1.8 from Lensbaby produces a mid-20th century-inspired image quality that is well-suited to portraiture. Characterized by a smooth, glowing aesthetic, this lens's softness can be controlled by stopping down in order to produce a range of effects from soft and dreamy to sharper and crunchier at smaller apertures. A 12-blade diaphragm also contributes to the lens's aesthetic, and helps to produce a smooth bokeh quality to suit shallow depth of field imagery. Additionally, the manual focus design affords a working distance of 9.5" with a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:2 to benefit working with close-up subjects.

K-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format    Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/16    Soft Glowing Effect at Wide Apertures    Inspired by Classic Portrait Lenses    1:2 Magnification, 9.5" Working Distance    Manual Focus Design    12-Blade Diaphragm

Short telephoto portrait-length lens is designed for full-frame Pentax K-mount DSLRs, however it can also be used with APS-C models where it provides a 127.5mm equivalent focal length.

Bright f/1.8 maximum aperture affords greater control over depth of field for working with shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques, and also benefits working in low-light conditions.

Inspired by classic portrait lenses from the mid-20th century, this lens is designed to produce an ethereal glowing quality with soft, smooth tonality that is well-suited to portraiture.

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 working distance of 9.5" along with a 1:2 reproduction ratio suits working with close-up subjects.

Manual focus design with a smooth, dampened focusing movement is complemented by engraved focus distance indicators.

A 12-blade diaphragm contributes to a smooth bokeh quality that is ideal for selective focus imagery.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Will this lens work on a Canon 5D Mk 4 in Aperture Priority mode or only in Manual?

A: Being that this lens lacks any type of electronic contacts, it can only be used in manual mode along with your 5D Mark IV, including manual focus.

Q: 2. Where are lensbaby lenses made or assembled? Thanks, in advance for your reply.

A: The Lensbaby lenses are made in China.

Q: 3. Can I use a Canon EF to RF Adapter with the Lensbaby EF on my R series camera? I'd like to use the drop-in filters.

A: Yes, you can use a Canon EF to RF lens mount adapter to mount the Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 Lens for Canon EF (Silver) on an RF camera.

Q: 4. Will this lens work on: a) Nikon D700 and b) Nikon (FM2/FE2/FM3A/F3 Thanks!

A: Yes, will work on both cameras.

Q: 5. I have zero experience with the Lensbaby line... input please on if you'd think it would work well for portraits?

A: It is a matter of opinion but I find the Lensbaby lenses are best used as a more experimental lens. It is manual focus. For shooting portraits professionally, I would recommend an auto focus Canon 85mm as a main lens and consider a Lensbaby as a secondary experimental lens.

Q: 6. Does this lens come with a lens hood?

A: No it does not.

Q: 7. Wouldn't I be able to get the same effect using a filter on my 28mm lens?

A: It might be possible to find a similar filter but it would be hard. Specially an effect where the subject looks soft and the background highlights look rounded and bloomed.

Q: 8. Will this lens fit a nikon Z fs, do i need an extra adaptor?

A: The Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 Lens for Nikon Z (Black) fits direct on to a Nikon Zfc Mirrorless Camera.

Q: 9. Where is this lens manufactured??

A: This was made in China.

Q: 10. Will live view work with this lens? I use a Nikon D850.

A: Yes.