Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Lensbaby, makers of unusual optics add-ons for DSLRs, continues to evolve the product, as seen with the recently introduced Composer. We've taken a quick look at the system to see how it works as well as to provide some anecdotes from our experience using it in practice. We've also taken a look at the Optic Swap System that lets you tailor the visual effects of the Composer.

A descendant of the original Lensbaby, now renamed “the Muse,” the Composer is a ball and socket-based optic that allows for more precise control. The result is repeatability between shots. After the photographer has focused in the neutral position, they can then move the focal point, or “sweet spot” anywhere within the frame that they wish, with a corresponding fall-off of focus everywhere around that point. After correct focus has been achieved, a locking ring can be engaged to keep things sharp.

The Composer is a native 50mm focal length, which, when mounted on a typical APS-sized DSLR such as a Nikon D90 with 1.5X focal factor, results in a 75mm “perfect portrait” lens. Typically used by wedding and portrait shooters, the Lensbaby lends a new way of seeing to just about any other type of photography that exists. Constructed of polycarbonate with a metal lens mount, the Composer is set off with a nice aluminum-look front ring with rubber focusing grip. It features a unique focusing ring that, like a speed-sensitive steering wheel in a sports car, becomes more sensitive as it reaches infinity on the end of the focusing scale. A problem exists when using it on the aforementioned D90: Since the aperture index ring is no longer used on certain Nikon models such as this one, exposure is only able to be controlled in manual mode. At that, it becomes a trial and error proposition where correct exposure can be determined by consulting the LCD screen at the back of the camera. Switch to using the Lensbaby on the D300, D700, D3X and D3, as well as the other pro-cameras in Nikon’s stable, and exposure can be accessed by manual, shutter- and aperture-priority modes.

Included with the Composer is a microfiber lens pouch that doubles as a lens cleaning material. Also along for the ride is a set of interchangeable levitating aperture disks, a disc case and a magnetic tool to replace the discs in front of the lens. The discs allow for varying degrees of depth of field.

Optic Swap System

The Lensbaby Optic Kit features three of the most desired special effect lenses to be used with the Lensbaby Composer lens. The kit includes the Plastic, Single Glass, and Pinhole or Zone Plate optics, which interchange with the optic that ships with the Composer lens. The result with the Plastic lens is similar to that found with the classic Holga “hobby” camera. A soft-focus optic, its style is a favorite among art photographers for the dream-like images it produces.

The Single Lens member of the Optic Swap System mimics the effects of an antique or vintage camera lens before high-tech multi-coatings were de rigueur in lens construction. The result is a little less flare control and a lot more charm.

The Pinhole/Zone Plate optic imitates the effect of the old oatmeal pinhole cameras that gave uniform softness across the image. The lens can be switched between the pinhole aperture of f:177 or the f:19 aperture of the Zone Plate effect by using the aperture tool supplied with the Composer to toggle back and forth. A long exposure will be a result of the tiny aperture of the pinhole setting, so don’t forget your tripod.

Lensbaby sells the Composer for $270 and offers it in versions Canon EF and Nikon F mounts as well as certain Olympus/Panasonic and Pentax/Samsung mounts. The individual lenses for the Optic Swap System cost $35 each or in a three-lens bundle for $95.

Photo samples

Technical Details

• 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS imaging sensor
• Body only; lenses sold separately
• D-Movie Mode; Cinematic 24fps HD with sound
• 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot color LCD monitor
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Nikon D90 DX Digital SLR Highlights

Nikon Digital SLR image quality
Exceptional image quality is a prerequisite for all Nikon D-SLRs, and the D90, featuring a new 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, fulfills that essential performance requirement with ease. Borrowing a host of technologies, including low-noise, high ISO performance, from the award-winning D300, the D90 will change the notion of what‘s expected from an enthusiast D-SLR.

New D-Movie Mode Features 720p HD cinematic quality
The D90’s creative potential explodes with the capability to record smooth 24fps, motion JPEG sound movie clips. Leveraging the D90’s 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, legendary Nikkor optical quality and the one-button Live View function, the D-Movie Mode gives still photographers a new and exciting way to express themselves in 720p HD.

Comprehensive feature set
Compact, yet powerful, the D90 captures up to 4.5 images per second. Accurate 11-point autofocus is now even faster and more intelligent, aided by Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System. The unique Nikon 420-pixel 3D Color Matrix II Metering system, now enhanced by EXPEED image processing technologies, delivers extraordinary exposure accuracy -- immediately evident when reviewing images on the D90’s super-density 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor.

Continuous shooting as fast as 4.5 frames-per-second
Combined with fast 0.15ms power-up and split-second 65ms shooting lag, dramatic action and decisive moments are captured easily.

Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200
High signal-to-noise components and design deliver exceptional performance, even at high ISO settings.

3-inch super-density 920,000-dot color LCD monitor
High resolution, 170-degree wide-angle viewing guarantees confident image review and movie playback.

Built-in image sensor cleaning
Effective 4-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning frees image degrading dust particles from the sensor’s optical low pass filter.

11-point AF system with Face Priority
Consistently fast and accurate autofocus, reinforced by the Nikon Scene Recognition System, delivers razor sharpness in a wide variety of conditions.

One-button Live View
Easy Live View access activates 3 contrast detection focus modes including Face Priority AF.

Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System
Nikon’s renowned 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, teamed with the exclusive Scene Recognition System, evaluates images, referencing an on-board database of over 30,000 photographic scenes, for unmatched exposure accuracy.

Comprehensive exposure control
Five Advanced Scene Modes plus Program Auto, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Manual.

Auto Active D-Lighting
Selectable and automatic, Active D-lighting optimizes details within shadows and highlights, taming high-contrasts situations in real time.

Durable, high-precision shutter
Testing to over 100,000 cycles assures shutter life and accuracy.

In-camera image editing
Creative freedom stems from exclusive in-camera image editing, featuring Fisheye effect, Straighten and Distortion Control as well as D-Lighting, Red-eye Reduction, Image Overlay, Monochrome and more.

GPS geo-tagging
The optional GP-1 GPS unit provides automatic real-time geo-tagging.

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