If youβve been searching for a way to bring a unique element to your photography, I have an accessory to show you that you can use with any camera and any smartphone. Itβs the Lensball. It doesnβt need an app, doesnβt run on batteries and is a simple to use. Letβs take a look.
What is it?
The Lensball is a sphere made of brilliantly clear crystal. Lensballs are available in 60mm and 80mm sizes. I was sent the larger 80mm size.
What is in the box?
Lensball
Drawstring cloth pouch
Example image cards
LensballΒ logo sticker
The Lensball is a crystal ball, but not the type of crystal ball that will show you your future. Lensballs are made of K9 crystal which is best described by the Marquis by Waterford site.
K9 is a Chinese Optical Borosilicate Crown Crystal (Optically Clear) with low inclusions and imperfections ideal for use in lenses and prisms, optics and decorative crystal lighting. β¦ Lead crystal is the type that is most commonly used for wine glasses and other decorative ornaments around the home.
So now that we know what it is, why would we want one and what the heck can we do with aΒ single Lensball?
The ball is so perfectly clear that you can shoot pictures through the ball with any camera or any smartphone to create interesting images.
To use it, you just hold up the ball in front of your subject and then shoot through the ball with your camera.
The result is a perfectly clearΒ 180Β° degree view of the subject. Yes, itβs upside down and I realize that my subject matter isnβt the most exciting, but imagine taking the Lensball with you to the beach, a forest, a famous monument, etc. The options are endless. You can check out some examples by visiting Lensball onΒ Instagram.
Things to keep in mind when using the Lensball are the fact that this crystal orb is heavy. Youβll feel the weight in your hand and your bag. The 60mm Lensball weighs 0.55lb (250g) and the 80mm Lensball weighs 1.45lbs (650g).
Unless you set the Lensball on a surface that prevents it from rolling away, youβll need to hold the ball in one hand while holding a camera in your other hand which can feel a little awkward.
You should also be careful not to leave the Lensball unattended outdoors on a bright sunny day. It can act like a magnifying glass and in the right environment, itβs possible that it could accidentally start a fire if the sun shines through it on to dry flammable material. Itβs best to always put the Lensball back in the included drawstring pouch when youβre not using it.
What I like about it
You donβt need a manual to figure out how to use it, you donβt need to keep a battery charged to use it, and it will work with any camera.
What needs to be improved
Nothing.
Final thoughts
The first time I saw the Lensball, I imagined all the interesting photos that I could capture using it. Now that Iβve had one, I havenβt captured any truly epic pics, but Iβm still thinking about where I can take it. If you donβt mind a little extra weight in your camera bag, the Lensball is a unique accessory that might just take your ordinary snapshots to the next level.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Lensball. Please visit their site for more info.
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You already reviewed this:
https://the-gadgeteer.com/2017/08/05/this-crystal-ball-wont-let-you-see-the-future-but-it-can-help-you-take-amazing-photos/
No, that link is to a news post where I talked about the product. That was not a review. Reviews have the word “review” in the title and where we actually USE the product and not just introduce it.
This seems like a cool βconference call fidget itemβ between photographic uses. I promise not to leave it by a sunny window at home !
Get 3 and juggle them! Although they are pretty heavy π
Headline: β Man injured by glass shrapnel while juggling at desk β
One of these balls would definitely leave a mark!