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Control Depth-of-Field with the Included Aperture Discs  If the ability to swap optics weren't enough, the Lensbaby Composer includes 7 aperture discs that drop into the lens opening and are suspended just about the lens by tiny magnets that hold the discs in place. Without an aperture disc installed the optics default to their f/2.0 opening. Each of the 7 discs then allow for increased depth of field. The only optic that does not make use of the aperture discs is the pinhole / zone plate optic, which has its own predefined aperture setting (f/177 and f/19 respectively). Below are sample photos shot using the standard 50mm double glass optic included with the Lensbaby Composer. Each image was shot at a different aperture, from F2.0 through F/22. Notice in the images how the sweet spot spreads out as the aperture size is reduced (larger aperture number). At F/16 and F/22 only the corners show slight signs of softness and diffusion.       
ConclusionAs someone who really enjoys the bellows-style Lensbabies (Lensbaby 2, 3G, Muse, and Freak), I have mixed feelings about the new Lensbaby Composer. While the ball & socket approach has the same net effect as squeezing and bending, I felt a bit less connected to the whole process. On the other hand, the design of the Lensbaby Composer provided me with the ability to place the camera on a tripod in order to set up the shot exactly as I wanted - and then keep it there while I adjusted the scene (see still life photos below). Since the Lensbaby Composer retains its position, its easy to re-arrange a scene or to take multiple shots with the same lens settings. Of course, that brings us to the new Lensbaby Freak (replaces Lensbaby 3G). The Lensbaby Freak will retail for the same price as the Lensbaby Composer ($270) when it ships in 2009 and will offer the best of both worlds with regard to flexibility. The Lensbaby Freak offers the bellows-style "Bend and Squeeze" flexibility of the Lensbaby Muse (and original Lensbabies) with the ability to lock the position and refine focus like the Lensbaby Composer - albeit in a different manner. The Lensbaby Freak, like the 3G before it, also looks quite different and will attract more attention whenever you use it out and about. This can either be beneficial and detrimental depending on location, situation, and subject. In the end I think it comes to down function, more than form. If you mainly shoot in the controlled environment of a studio, you'll likely want the Lensbaby Freak for the added 'micro' control over focus and sweet spot. However, if you plan on shooting in a wide variety of situations, the added adjustment speed of the Lensbaby Composer will more likely appeal to you.When reviewing the Lensbaby products I always keep in mind that these are specialty lenses and, as such, are not suited for every photographer or every situation. The relatively inexpensive price (starting at $100 for the Lensbaby Muse with Plastic Optic) make it a great DSLR add-on, especially for those looking to enhance their photography and inspire creativity. While I don't shoot with a Lensbaby every day, I always see the world differently through its lens when I do. That in turn inspires new angles and new subjects - many that would not have worked without the Lensbaby. Take a look at some of the photographs below and you'll see what I am referring too. The shot of the Pine bough would never have worked with a regular lens, but looks great when shot with the Lensbaby. Below are some photographs shot with a Lensbaby. The tea kettle shot was enhanced further in Photoshop. All other images were unaltered except for some slight contrast adjustments and resizing to fit the page. Available for Most Camera Mounts The Lensbaby lenses are available for most SLR camera mounts: Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony Alpha / Minolta Maxxum, Pentax K, Samsung GX, Sigma SD, and Olympus 4/3. Lensbaby also makes a model for motion picture cameras. This Lensbaby 3GPL retails for $490 and is compatible with all motion picture cameras with a native PL mount. Along with the new optic swap system, Lensbaby also offers a variety of add-on accessories and converter lenses for the Lensbaby line. Choose between .6x wide-angle, Telephoto, Creative Aperture Kit that allows you to custom cut your own aperture disks into any aperture shape you want, cases, replacement lens cap, and replacement aperture discs. You can view the entire line up of Lensbaby products on their website at www.lensbaby.com Direct Links to Lensbaby Products at the Following Retailers: 
       
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The Optic Swap System provides even more creative freedom by allowing users to pop-out the crisp multi-coated double glass
optic and replace it with a softer, more dream-like single glass optic or with a plastic optic that provides a very ethereal look with
strong chromatic aberration. There's even a pin-hole/zone plate optic that can easily be swapped in or out. The lenses that make up the
optic swap system can be purchased separately for $34.95. The Lensbaby Composer ships with the double glass optic ($85 separately).
Lensbaby Composer™
