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Lensbaby Velvet 56 vs Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f2.8G ED

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Lensbaby Velvet 56

Standard Prime | Nikon F (FX)

Lensbaby Velvet 56
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Nikon Micro-60mm f2.8G ED

Macro Prime | Nikon F (FX)

Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f2.8G ED
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Lensbaby Velvet 56 vs Nikon Micro-60mm f2.8G ED Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two lenses with different focal types: Lensbaby Velvet 56 is a Standard Prime lens with a 56mm focal range and a max aperture of F1.6 whereas Nikon Micro-60mm f2.8G ED is a Macro Prime lens with a 60mm focal range and max aperture of F2.8.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Lensbaby Velvet 56 Key Specs

  • 56mm Focal Range
  • F1.6 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 62mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 400g.
  • Diameter: 72mm
  • Length: 86mm
  • Min Focus Distance:5m

Nikon Micro-60mm f2.8G ED Key Specs

  • 60mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 62mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 425g.
  • Diameter: 73mm
  • Length: 89mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.19m
  • Max Magnification:1x

What type of photography are the Lensbaby Velvet 56 and Nikon Micro-60mm f2.8G ED lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Lensbaby Velvet 56 and the Nikon Micro-60mm f2.8G ED for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Lensbaby Velvet 56 Nikon Micro-60mm f2.8G ED
Bird/WildlifeFairFair
SportsAverageFair
PortraitExcellentGood
TravelGoodAverage
StreetVery GoodGood
WeddingExcellentGood
Walk AroundGoodAverage
VloggingGoodAverage
LandscapeGoodGood

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Nikon Micro-60mm f2.8G ED is the longer of the two lenses at 89mm. The Lensbaby Velvet 56 with a length of 86mm is 3mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon Micro-60mm f2.8G ED also has a larger diameter of 73mm compared to Lensbaby Velvet 56's 72mm diameter.

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Lensbaby Velvet 56 weighs 400g, which means it is 25g (5%) lighter than the Nikon Micro-60mm f2.8G ED which has a weight of 425g.


Lens Mounts

Both Lensbaby Velvet 56 and Nikon Micro-60mm f2.8G ED has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.

Lensbaby Velvet 56 is also available in Canon EF , Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds, Pentax KAF3, Samsung NX, Sony Alpha and Sony E mounts.

Focal Range

Lensbaby Velvet 56 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 56mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 84mm.
Nikon Micro-60mm f2.8G ED is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 60mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 90mm.

Reasons to choose Lensbaby Velvet 56 over Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f2.8G ED

Focal Length - Wide 56mm vs 60mm 4mm Wider coverage
Max Aperture - Wide 1.6 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.6 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at tele end
Aperture Ring Yes vs No able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Weight 400g vs 425g 25g lighter
Diameter 72mm vs 73mm 1mm smaller in diameter
Length 86mm vs 89mm 3mm shorter

Reasons to choose Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f2.8G ED over Lensbaby Velvet 56

Focal Length - Tele 60mm vs 56mm 4mm more Tele coverage
Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Autofocus Yes vs No Easier, faster and more accurate focusing
Focus Type Internal Focusing vs Extending front Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs No Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Minimum Focus Distance 0.19m vs 5m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 1x vs x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Common Strengths of Lensbaby Velvet 56 and Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f2.8G ED
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Common Weaknesses of Lensbaby Velvet 56 and Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f2.8G ED
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization
Weather Sealing No vs No not safe under rain and dust



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Lensbaby Velvet 56 vs Nikon Micro-60mm f2.8G ED Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Lensbaby Nikon
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Standard Prime Macro Prime
Lens Mount Nikon F (FX) Nikon F (FX)
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 56mm 60mm
Image Stabilization No No
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method No Zoom Rotary (internal)
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F1.6 F2.8
Min Aperture F32.0
Aperture Ring Yes No
Diaphragm Blades unknown 9
Optics
Optical Elements unknown 12
Optical Groups unknown 9
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 5m 0.19m
Max Magnification unknown 1X
Autofocus No Yes
AF Motor Type No AF Ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Extending front Internal
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale No Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 400g 425g
Diameter 72mm 73mm
Length 86mm 89mm
Materials Unknown Plastic barrel, metal mount
Weather Sealing No Unknown
Filter Thread 62mm 62mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied No Yes
Hood Code Unknown HB-42
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
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