Reminiscent of classic 20th century lenses, the Nikon F mount Velvet 56mm f/1.6 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 FX 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 black 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.

F-Mount Lens/FX Format    Aperture Range: f/1.6 to f/16    Singlet-Doublet-Singlet Optical Design    Soft Glowing Effect at Wide Apertures    Inspired by Classic Portrait Lenses    1:2 Magnification, 5" Working Distance    Manual Focus and Exposure Control    All-Metal Lens Barrel    Filter Thread: 62mm

Portrait-length 56mm focal length is compatible with FX format sensors as well as DX format sensors, where it will provide an 84mm 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.

Black all-metal lens barrel with 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.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Will this lens fit my Canon 5D Mark 11?

A: Yes

Q: 2. Will this lens work on the Nikon D500 and D7100? Is it difficult to use?

A: The Lensbaby Velvet 56 is compatible with both the Nikon D500 and the Nikon D7100. It will work in Aperture Priority Mode and your in-camera light meter will work. Or you can shoot in Manual Mode. It will be Manual focus. Open up the aperture to get more of the velvety soft effect and close down the aperture to get a sharp image with just the edges falling off.

Q: 3. Is the Lensbaby Velvet 56mm lens compatible with the Nikon D7000 camera?

A: If you buy the Lensbaby Velvet 56mm lens with the Nikon mount, then it will fit onto the D7000 (or almost all other Nikons using the F mount). In that sense, it is compatible. But it if your definition of Compatible means you expect to use autofocus and the auto exposure controls on the camera, then you must know that this lens is strictly a manual focus, manual exposure lens. One will have to focus the lens by turning the focus ring by hand and set the f-stop with the f-stop ring on the lens.

Q: 4. Will this fit a Nikon F100 camera?

A: Sorry, I don't know. If you do get the lens you'll have a ball with it. One of my favorites.

Q: 5. Can the K-mount version of this lens be used on a Ricoh XR-P analog SLR? If so, will it be a true 56mm or would there be a crop factor?

A: This will mount to the Ricoh XR-P but you will not be able to take advantage of the Ricoh's Program Mode. This is a full-frame format lens so therefore it will be a true 56mm.

Q: 6. will this work on a canon rebel eos t5 1200d ?

A: This is a RF lens, so it would not work on a Canon Rebel camera.

Q: 7. Does this lens mount directly to a Nikon Z camera or is it using an adapter? -Thank you

A: The Lensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6 Lens for Nikon Z, will fit directly on the Nikon Z camera without any adapter.

Q: 8. I understand this lens is totally manual. How does one obtain aperture settings?

A: Twist the aperture ring on the lens itself to change the aperture.

Q: 9. What is the difference between the silver and the black Lensbaby Velvet 56?

A: The only difference between the two items are the color. It is purely a cosmetic color preference.

Q: 10. Can I use this lens on sony alfa 7sII?

A: Not sure if Lynn's baby makes a version that goes directly to Sony M Mount. This version is for Canon EF mount, so you would need an adapter for your Sony.