MILC (mirrorless interchangeable-lens compact camera) users can now take advantage of a special-effects lens that, until today, was only available to DSLR users: The Lensbaby Composer Pro. The basis for the Optics Swap system, the Composesr Pro For Mirrorless Cameras is being made available simultaneously in Micro Four Thirds (Olympus and Pentax), Sony Alpha NEX, and Samsung NX camera mounts. The Lensbaby Composer’s unique swivel ball design has been embraced by creative photographers worldwide, and can be augmented by the Edge 80 (80mm portrait lens), Sweet 35 (optically superior), Fisheye, Soft-Focus, Pinhole/Sone plate, Single Glass, Plastic and Macro elements, which can be swapped out without removing the Composer Pro from the lens mount. The Composer Pro has a list price of $300.The Lensbaby Composer Pro is available now in most MILC mounts.
For details, read the Lensbaby press release:Lensbaby Announces Availability of Composer® Pro for Mirrorless CamerasNow the Composer Pro delivers ultra-smooth creative control for photographers with Micro 4/3rds, Sony α NEX and Samsung NX cameras tooPortland, OR – April 2, 2012 – Lensbaby announces its popular SLR creative effects camera lens, the Composer Pro, is now also available for Micro 4/3rds cameras (including Panasonic Lumix™ G Micro System and Olympus PEN®), Sony® α NEX, and Samsung NX cameras. The Composer Pro for mirrorless cameras is compatible with the Lensbaby Optic Swap® System and ships with the Double Glass Optic installed.The Composer Pro, launched in March 2011, refined and enhanced the popular and award winning Lensbaby Composer® by upgrading the swivel ball and focus mechanism to provide professional performance. The Composer Pro’s metal swivel ball design and refined focus mechanism deliver ultra-smooth focus and tilt control. The updated focus mechanism features a fluid and accurate dampened focus ring comparable to the focus mechanisms of the highest quality professional manual focus lenses. This smooth, fluid operation makes the Composer Pro the perfect choice for discerning professional photographers and videographers who want to create ground-breaking creative imagery – and now they can do so with their mirrorless cameras as well. The Double Glass Optic, a 50mm f/2 selective focus optic, creates a Sweet Spot of sharp focus that photographers can move around the photo by tilting the Composer Pro’s swiveling lens body. The Composer Pro is compatible with the complete range of creative optics in the Lensbaby Optic Swap System including the Edge 80, Sweet 35, Fisheye, Soft Focus, Pinhole/Zone plate, Single Glass, and Plastic. Each optic can be swapped into the Composer Pro to deliver a different creative effect. The Composer Pro for mirrorless cameras joins Lensbaby’s growing family of lenses, which now includes the Composer Pro for SLR cameras, Composer, Scout, Muse, and Control Freak. “We’re excited to give mirrorless camera shooters full access to the Lensbaby Creative Effects system. With so many photographers opting for these smaller cameras for on-the-go shooting situations, our one lens with so many creative effect options will make a great addition to their set-up,” said Craig Strong, Lensbaby Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer.Composer Pro for Mirrorless Cameras Specs: Refined metal ball design delivers ultra-smooth focus and tilt control Ships with the Double Glass Optic installed Compatible with the Lensbaby Optic Swap System Focus Type: Manual Size/Weight: 2.25” (5.71cm) high x 2.5” (6.35cm) wide / 4 oz (113.4g) Tilt range of up to +/- 17.5 degreesDouble Glass Optic Product Specs: Focal Length: 50mm Low dispersion, high refractive index, multi-coated optical glass doublet Aperture Type: Interchangeable, magnetic aperture disks Apertures: f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22 Selective focus optic (creates a sweet spot of focus surrounded by gradual blur) Focus distance when used with Composer Pro: 18” to infinity 37mm front threads accept all Lensbaby accessory lensesComposer Pro for mirrorless cameras is available now from Lensbaby-authorized photo specialty stores worldwide and from lensbaby.com. Composer Pro for mirrorless cameras retails for $300 MSRP.
