Soft Lenses are so in right now.

[alex1]

http://lensbaby.com/usa/velvet56.php

Companies got so good at making sharp lenses that they are starting to make soft ones now!

Is this just a "fad"? Wouldn't it be easier to use a smudged filter?

 

[Samuel H]

When I see people advertising "dreamy" images from their lenses, I always translate into "soft" and therefore "bad".

 

[alohype]

When I see people advertising "dreamy" images from their lenses, I always translate into "soft" and therefore "bad".

Hahah, I do the same And I am thinking: wait, isn't that all vintage lenses are "dreamy"?

 

[Samuel H]

Nope. My vintage Leica-R primes from the 60s and 70s are just as sharp as modern Canon lenses (here). And they have lovely bokeh that most of the Canon non-L glass won't give you (here). You can call them "dreamy" if you're referring to their highlight blooming (which I love), but soft they are not.

 

[KahL]

Nope. My vintage Leica-R primes from the 60s and 70s are just as sharp as modern Canon lenses (here). And they have lovely bokeh that most of the Canon non-L glass won't give you (here). You can call them "dreamy" if you're referring to their highlight blooming (which I love), but soft they are not.

H'yup, same for the Nikkor AI/AI-S and Contax Zeiss lines as well.

 

[Fahnon]

I shot a short recently on the BMCC and contax zeiss lenses and with that combo I swear I had to soften the image in resolve.

 

[lovecameras]

The prices for used c-mounts has skyrocketed as well.

 

[DPStewart]

...hmmm.
You know, I could just swear that the last time I checked - the price of soft filters was like...oh, a fraction of the price of a new "dreamy" lens.