Description
S
oft Focus is not the same thing as being out of focus. No, even with
this lens's soft focus features at maximum, the photo is still
razor-sharp, there's just a soft glow coming off the bright parts of the
image. This effect is controllable with both the "Soft Focus" dial (0,
1, or 2) on the lens, or through the aperture value. Soft Focus 2 and
f/2.8 is the 'softest', and decreasing the aperture size and soft focus
value both lessen the effect.
When nearly everyone thinks of this
lens, the
soft focus feature comes to mind. This lens is certainly unique in this respect. But
unless you are purchasing this lens strictly for
portrait photography this is a feature that
you will probably find little (if any) use for. So most people pass on this lens in favor of some sort of zoom (ie the EF 75-300mm). But even if you have no use whatsoever for the soft focus feature, this lens is actually one great,
large-aperture,
telephoto prime. Oh, and it can be had for a song.
This lens can go for less that $200 used on ebay and craigslist. Even new, it is pretty cheap.
A unique, compact telephoto lens that gives the choice of razor-sharp images, or with the twist of a ring, two degrees of soft focus. It works by applying "softness over sharpness," using deliberate
spherical aberration on top of a sharp "core" image at apertures from f/2.8 thru 5.6; images taken at apertures smaller than f/5.6 are always sharp.
Autofocus continues to function, with or without the soft focus in use. This lens is an ideal addition to a portrait or scenic
photographer’s arsenal. A perfect combination with an
EOS
Digital SLR, with the camera enabling review of soft focus effect on the
LCD monitor.
Telephoto lens with a soft focus feature. It can give razor-sharp snapshots as well as softfocus shots that do not look blurry. You have a choice of two soft focus settings. Even for soft focus shots, focusing with AF is quick and accurate.
Features
Long and Fast
A telephoto lens is essential to any serious photographer. For
sports action, you will need a fast
shutter speed and a long
focal length. A large maximum aperture allows a faster shutter speed. In this telephoto lens line-up, the focal lengths range from 135mm to 300mm. If you want compactness, choose a lens with a smaller maximum aperture.
