Soft Focus Lens - DPChallenge Forums

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

07/19/2006 09:12:05 AM · #1

For what purpose would someone want a lens that says in it's description it's a soft focus lens?

Also, what does USM stand for in a Canon lens discription?

cfischl

Canon EOS-40D

07/19/2006 09:25:05 AM · #2

A soft focus lens is used for something like glamour shots or portaits. It doesn't show blemishes in such a harsh light and smoothes over imperfections pretty well.

USM stands for Ultra Sonic Motor. USM lens have a little motor in them that lets them focus very quickly.

Message edited by author 2006-07-19 09:25:50.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

07/19/2006 09:44:00 AM · #3

Are they good lenses? USM, not soft focus? Can't the little blemishes be gotten rid of in Photoshop?

cresus

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

07/19/2006 09:48:36 AM · #4

Yes, soft focus lenses were mainly used with film cameras. USM lenses can be good or bad depending on the lens. The 75-300 USM for example is not so good, but the 70-200 f/2.8L USM is awesome.

cfischl

Canon EOS-40D

07/19/2006 09:49:25 AM · #5

Yeah, you always want to get USM if you can afford it. They focus MUCH faster than non-USM. Another option instead of spending several hundred on a soft focus lens is to just make it soft focus in photoshop. I know there are a couple soft focus actions at www.atncentral.com. And yeah, you can always just clone out little blemishes. Hope this helps.

-Charles

Sonifo

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

07/19/2006 10:41:29 AM · #6

YOu would think that as much as photoshop has evolved that they would just do away with those lenses for digital cameras. There are so many different programs to give you that soft focus effect. However I can see it being used by a film photographer.

glad2badad

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic

07/19/2006 11:00:57 AM · #7

Cokin Soft Filters ;^)

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

07/19/2006 11:03:17 AM · #8

One more stupid question: Why are imported lenses less than lenses made in the US?

glad2badad

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic

07/19/2006 11:04:26 AM · #9

Originally posted by ragamuffingirl:

One more stupid question: Why are imported lenses less than lenses made in the US?

Part of it is the warranty I think. US lens have longer warranties, at least I thought it did when I bought my last Sigma lens.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

07/19/2006 11:21:25 AM · #10

Originally posted by ragamuffingirl:

One more stupid question: Why are imported lenses less than lenses made in the US?

USA lenses are imported throught official channels, and incur all the distribution costs. Imported lenses avoid some of this, and as a result can be a little less expensive. Some manufacturers will honor warranty on imported lenses, some won't. There is some risk there.

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

07/19/2006 10:50:01 PM · #11

One more question. I'm going to be doing some senior portraits from some people at my son's school. I have fairly decent construction lights I use for portraits, a backdrop, and the drape the girls need to wear. Do I want a flash or a new lens?

fotomann_forever

07/19/2006 10:56:42 PM · #12

Originally posted by ragamuffingirl:

Personally, I'd want to stay away from the work-lights with child portraits.

One, they don't provide enough light to freeze motion (bad when it comes to kids).

Two, they are HOT... kids get cranky when uncomfy... so do models, but we won't go there :-)

Three they are HOT and a child could get burned.

I'd go with a flash or a single-head strobe kit.

Message edited by author 2006-07-19 22:57:09.

faidoi

Pentax K10D

07/19/2006 10:56:42 PM · #13

Originally posted by ragamuffingirl:

What lenses are you currently using? If you are planning on doing a lot of portraits a nice 85mm prime lens would be nice.

07/19/2006 11:34:10 PM · #14

I only have my kit lens and the 50mm f1.8 lens at the moment. This is the lens I'm considering. Unfortunately, that price is about my upper most limit...otherwise there's an L lens I'd like to have. I need to talk to the owner of our local camera shop and see if he can get this lens in for me at the same price, so I can just buy it on the day I get paid.

Canon Lens

fotomann_forever

07/19/2006 11:37:15 PM · #15

Originally posted by ragamuffingirl:

Good lens, but I think it's a bit long for portraits. FWIW, you already have one of the best lenses available for portrait work. Your 50mm 1.8. It's the correct focal length for shooting portraits on a cropped sensor camera and tack sharp to boot.

07/19/2006 11:43:54 PM · #16

So get the flash?

fotomann_forever

07/19/2006 11:45:31 PM · #17

Originally posted by ragamuffingirl:

So get the flash?

For now, yes.

And, if you want a camera mounted flash, I'd get a Lightsphere to go with it.

Message edited by author 2006-07-19 23:46:50.