LensbabySol 45 for Nikon F

Anyone remotely familiar with the Lensbaby brand should know that their thing is creative MANUAL focus lenses. The goal is to "see in a new way" by creating effects IN CAMERA as opposed to editing after the fact. It's stated right on their website. Sure you can add blur after the fact on your computer, but this is for those who find it much more satisfying to create it in camera in the moment. I read these other reviews before purchasing this lens, but I also watched videos and learned everything I could about this lens before purchasing.I knew this was a manual lens and I knew it would be a bit of a learning curve. That being said, this is my first Lensbaby lens and I really enjoy it! I use it with my Nikon D7200. Yes it takes practice, but if your camera has a live view in the back it really helps!Pros: Great for crop sensor cameras. I think the bokeh blades are so sweet to use when you photograph lights. I was a little sad that the Twist 60 wasn't recommended for crop sensor cameras, but the Sol 45 lets me join in on the fun. The attached picture shows that you get plenty of fun effects. I don't own any other Lensbaby lenses to compare ease of use, but I was able to get great results with this lens after a few attempts.Cons (kinda): Lens cap is kind of hard to attach and detach. But I'm being really picky there. I also wish there was an easier way to know that I nailed the focus, but Live view on my camera helps a lot.The bottom line here is to learn about this lens and brand before deciding whether or not it's for you. I personally would not see a creative manual focus lens as a warning or a limitation. I see it as an artistic challenge full of possibilities. You're in for a treat if you're up for the challenge!-Jisell Howe

I'm a professional portrait photographer and was looking for a "for fun" lens that I could get creative with. The Lensbaby Sol 45 was everything I wanted! It's a little tough to nail your focus point, but I think that's what makes it more interesting and fun to use. Give the images a very whimsical effect! Also, if you're debating because of sample images that have a more jagged blur effect, that's a setting you can turn on and off with the lens, I mostly keep my blur ultra creamy.

I purchased this lens thinking it would add some cool effects to photos with my Nikon D3400 camera without much effort. It is certainly advertised that way. On the box it says Tilt. Focus. Shoot. Unfortunately that is not true.When I put the lens on the camera I got a message saying "Lens not Found". I called Lensbaby and talked to the very nice support person who indicated, if I had looked on the Camera Compatibility Chart from Lensbaby it shows that the lens will only work in Manual Mode on a whole bunch of Nikon camera models. Ah...I did try it out in manual mode, but I wanted ease of use. The idea was that I would play with the lens not worry about the Shutter Speed and ISO of my camera. Also if I wanted to take videos I would have to constantly mess with the Shutter speed, that would be an exercise in futility and frustration. Every time a cloud passed by or I focused on a darker area I would have to change the shutter speed WHILE shooting video! Therefore I can forget about taking videos completely. The amount of effort I have to do to figure out the Shutter Speed is not what I wanted from a lens that advertises itself as a Tilt.Focus.Shoot. I wanted an effortless workflow and a bit of fun, that is not what this lens was for me. So I am mightily disappointed, and am returning the lens.The good:Very small light lens.Sharpness is adequate.Easy to operate.The bad:It DOESN'T WORK in any mode except Manual Mode on 22+ Nikon camera models.The locking ring around the lens feels like it grates on the metal.The general operation of the lens doesn't feel smooth.Shame on Nikon for not including a lens sensor that EVERY other camera company seems to have built into their cameras. I hold Lensbaby responsible for not even making an effort at a workaround that would include a whole lot of Nikon customers.

I own several Lensbaby lenses and this is my favorite.If you're new to manual focus lenses, there may be a bit of a learning curve, but Lensbaby offers many resources to learn about each lens. Take the time to watch the videos, ask questions, and most importantly, PRACTICE! I promise you, the creativity from this lens is endless.One of my favorite things about the Sol45 is its size. It's very compact and lightweight making it easy to carry around. The sweet spot of focus and the bokeh blades give your photos an effect hard to replicate in post processing. I love to tilt the lens shooting the same scene and seeing how different that little tilt makes each photo look.Overall, I would recommend this lens to anyone. In my opinion, it's the easiest Lensbaby to use. Now, do yourself a favor. Go buy one and "see in a new way".

I am loving this lens so far... excited for more. Definately a significant learning curve and that will take time... back to the good ole' days of manual focus and with a stationary f-stop, and getting a feel for your sweet spot. Remember this lens is ALL about the sweet spot, where ever you choose to place it. Its alot of fun.

Works good and very happy with pictures.

I LOVE the Sol 45. Perfect bokeh, sharp subject.... it's going to open a whole new creative world!

This is a Christmas gift from my husband. I did get to "play" with is before it went under our tree and it works beautifully.