A unique short telephoto with distinct classic appeal, the Nikon F-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.

F-Mount Lens/FX 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 FX-format Nikon F-mount DSLRs, however it can also be used with DX 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. Does this lens come with a lens hood?

A: No it does not.

Q: 2. I have a Canon 5D Mk4. Will this lens operate in Aperture Priority mode or only in Manual?

A: Manual only.

Q: 3. 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: 4. Will live view work with this lens? I use a Nikon D850.

A: Yes.

Q: 5. I assume this a totally manual lens and that for a current digital camera, you would need to use the aperture or manual exposure setting? I'm from the generation that would feel comfortable with manual focus and would be interested to hear about the experience of others with this type of lens.

A: Hi Tim, Yes this is a manual focus lens. On your Canon camera you should be able to shoot in either Aperture Priority mode or Manual mode. I'll let others comment on their experiences with the lens. Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Q: 6. 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: 7. 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: 8. Hello, I have a Deardorff 8x10. Does this fit in the backpack? What is the size of the main pocket?

A: Yes, it will fit; 13.0 x 13.0 x 6.0" / 33.0 x 33.0 x 15.2 cm 8.0 x 13.0 x 6.0" / 20.3 x 33.0 x 15.2 cm

Q: 9. This lens will work on the Nikon Z5?

A: Yes, the Lensbaby Velvet 85 mm 1.8 is compatible with the Nikon Z5.

Q: 10. Has anyone had trouble with airlines using this as carry-on luggage? The size is listed as 23 long (1 more than most airlines allow ), but when I measured it it comes out to 25 long.

A: Its 25. Unfortunately that means it has to be checked in. But depending on what set up you have, the bag does have a squish factor that will allow you to squeeze the bag into the measuring bins at check in. I would call the airlines to make double sure you can take your precious cargo in the cabin with you I would hate to hear your camera was damaged in cargo.