Lensbaby LB-V56BX 56mm
Its singlet-doublet-singlet optical design and f/1.6 maximum aperture deliver a distinct soft, glowing effect for ethereal portraits, with control over sharpness via the 11-blade aperture. The all-metal barrel, smooth manual focus, and 1:2 macro magnification at a 5-inch working distance add tactile build quality and creative versatility. This lens is best for portrait photographers who intentionally seek a vintage, soft-focus aesthetic rather than clinical sharpness.
Focal length 56mm
Aperture f/1.6
Mount Sony E
Weight 400 g
59 Overall Score
Price £630
Snapshot
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
Owner sentiment has improved over time
65/100Our AI sentiment read
Based on 8 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Focal Length Min | 56 |
| Focal Length Max | 56 |
| Elements | 4 |
| Groups | 3 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/1.6 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
Build
| Mount | Sony E |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Weight | 0.4 kg / 0.9 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 62 |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 127 |
| Max Magnification | 1:2 |
vs Competition
| Spec | Lensbaby LB-V56BX 56mm | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD | Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 | Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 56mm | 28-300mm | 18-50mm | 17-28mm | 12-35mm | 18-135mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.6 | f/4 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E | Sony E | Nikon Z | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | false | false | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | true | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 400 | 590 | 290 | 450 | 306 | 326 |
| AF Type | - | VXD linear motor | stepping motor | Stepping Motor | Autofocus | Linear motor |
| Lens Type | - | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | User Sentiment | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lensbaby LB-V56BX 56mm | 53.9 | 92 | 64.6 | 91.3 | 0.2 | 94.4 | 7.6 | 33.6 | 89.8 | 36.8 |
| Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD Compare | 98 | 77.9 | 65.1 | 85.8 | 96.7 | 66 | 91.2 | 97.7 | 55.7 | 82.4 |
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Compare | 86.8 | 81.8 | 86 | 91.7 | 82.2 | 83.9 | 80.9 | 78.6 | 89.8 | 36.8 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare | 86.8 | 87 | 75.1 | 85.8 | 88.2 | 83.9 | 91.2 | 68 | 69.6 | 36.8 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 Compare | 53.9 | 81.8 | 85.4 | 51 | 86.5 | 83.9 | 63.7 | 80.6 | 85.4 | 96.9 |
| Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Compare | 98 | 75.4 | 72.4 | 40.3 | 78.5 | 77.3 | 44.7 | 95.8 | 89.8 | 82.4 |
Price
Value & Pricing
From £630
