Lensbaby has long been celebrated for its creative, quirky lenses that push the boundaries of optical design. Their latest offering, the Composer Pro II paired with the new Edge 50 optic, brings sophisticated tilt‑shift capabilities to a compact, affordable package.
The Edge 50 is a true 50 mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/3.2. Its metal body tilts around a ball‑and‑socket pivot, allowing you to rotate the front element and shift the plane of focus by up to 15° in any direction. When centered, the lens behaves like a conventional 50 mm prime; when tilted, it produces the striking diagonal “slice” of focus you see in tilt‑shift photography.
In close‑focus mode the Lensbaby Composer Pro II can bring subjects to as little as 8 inches from the front of the lens. It offers an aperture range of f/3.2‑f/22, a nine‑blade diaphragm, and eight multi‑coated elements arranged in six groups.
We’ve asked senior technical editor Phil Ryan to test the new system. Stay tuned for his in‑depth review and sample images, which will showcase the creative possibilities of the Composer Pro II and Edge 50.
The lens is available for a wide range of mounts—Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony Alpha A, Pentax K, Fuji X, Sony Alpha E, Micro‑4/3, and Samsung NX—and retail at $424.95.
With its relatively low price compared to traditional tilt‑shift lenses, the Composer Pro II with Edge 50 offers a compelling way to add a single, striking shot to a series without breaking the bank.
