Lensbaby LB-V56BX
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.
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong aperture (95th percentile) 95th
- Strong bokeh (93rd percentile) 93rd
- Strong macro (92nd percentile) 92nd
- Strong social proof (89th percentile) 89th
Cons
- Below average optical (0th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (7th percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
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.
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 | Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD | Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 | Sigma Contemporary 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 | Yongnuo YN12-35mm F2.8-4M |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 56mm | 17-70mm | 17-28mm | 16-28mm | 12-60mm | 12-35mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.6 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Sony E | Fujifilm X | Nikon Z | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Stabilization | false | true | false | false | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 400 | 544 | 450 | 450 | 320 | 318 |
| AF Type | - | RXD | Stepping Motor | Stepping AF Motor | linear motor | STM stepping 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 | 53.7 | 92.8 | 65.7 | 91.5 | 0.2 | 95.3 | 7.2 | 33.3 | 89.3 | 37.8 |
| Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Compare | 53.7 | 87.4 | 69.6 | 85.9 | 91 | 84.6 | 63.3 | 89.3 | 85.1 | 83.4 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare | 87.4 | 87.4 | 75.9 | 85.9 | 88 | 84.6 | 90.8 | 67.3 | 68.8 | 37.8 |
| Sigma Contemporary 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Compare | 87.4 | 87.4 | 75.9 | 77.8 | 97.2 | 84.6 | 75.5 | 68 | 62.7 | 37.8 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 Compare | 98.1 | 87.4 | 84.6 | 51.9 | 91 | 84.6 | 44.2 | 93.1 | 67.8 | 83.4 |
| Yongnuo YN12-35mm F2.8-4M Compare | 87.4 | 82.3 | 84.8 | 56.8 | 92.9 | 84.6 | 0 | 80 | 34.9 | 83.4 |
Price
Value & Pricing
B&H Photo 1 offer From $337
Amazon 1 offer From $337
Price History
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
