Lensbaby Sol 45: Affordable Art Lens

There’s a new budget-friendly art lens from Lensbaby.

- Jim Fisher

The Sol 45 slides in between the entry-level Spark and the premium Composer Pro II in both price and features. The Sol 45 delivers the classic Lensbaby look—a sharp central area surrounded by blur—and is compatible with a multitude of full-frame and APS-C camera systems. Add in a pair of Bokeh Blades, which add texture to background blur when you’re focusing close, and you’ve got a really fun lens at half the price of the Composer Pro II. The Sol 45 isn’t quite as versatile, but it’s a good fit for those who don’t need the flexibility that the Composer’s optic swap system provides. Like its premium sibling, the Sol 45 is an Editors’ Choice.

SLIM, SOLID CONSTRUCTION

The size of the Sol 45 depends on which camera system you use. For an SLR, it’s a near-pancake lens, measuring 1.5 by 2.9 inches (HD) and adding just 5.3 ounces to your camera. The mirrorless version is a bit bulkier, at 2.5 by 2.9 inches and 9.6 ounces, as it requires the same difference between the glass and sensor as the SLR model does.

Both versions support 46mm front filters, although you won’t be able to adjust the Bokeh Blades when you use a filter. Still, if you plan on using the Sol 45 for video, adding neutral density to maintain proper shutter angles under bright light is a necessity.