Lomography brings back legendary Petzval lenses, now compatible with contemporary mirrorless systems.
The Joseph Petzval Art Lens Series, a collection of five prime lenses designed for full-frame Sony E, Canon RF, and Nikon Z mounts, has been announced by Lomography. This handcrafted series is a revival and reinterpretation of the classic 1840 Petzval portrait lens, offering a distinctive aesthetic with sharp subjects and dreamlike backgrounds.
Key Technical Specifications -------------------------------
The initial lineup includes the Joseph Petzval 55mm f/1.7, 80.5mm f/1.9, and 35mm f/2 lenses, with a 27mm and a 135mm in development. Here's a summary of their key technical specifications:
| Lens | Focal Length | Maximum Aperture | Lens Construction | Aperture Range | Field of View | Minimum Focus Distance | Filter Thread | Mounts Supported | |-----------|--------------|------------------|-----------------------------|----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------------|------------------------| | 27mm | 27mm | f/2 | In development | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z (planned) | | 35mm | 35mm | f/2 | 5 elements in 4 groups | f/2 to f/22 | ~63° | 0.4 m (15.75 in) | 67mm | Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z | | 55mm | 55mm | f/1.7 | 4 elements in 3 groups | f/1.7 to f/22 | 43° | 0.7 m (27.56 in) | 67mm | Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z | | 80.5mm | 80.5mm | f/1.9 | 4 elements in 3 groups | f/1.9 to f/22 | 30° | 0.8 m (31.5 in) | 67mm | Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z | | 135mm | 135mm | f/2.8 | In development | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z (planned) |
Feature Highlights ------------------
The series features a unique mechanical bokeh ring near the mount, allowing users to adjust the intensity of the swirling bokeh effect characteristic of Petzval lenses. There are seven levels of bokeh swirl control, which transition smoothly as focus changes due to the focus-coupled mechanism.
The lenses blend the classic look of the original Petzval lens — sharp, crisp center focusing with swirling, dreamlike backgrounds — with upgraded manual focus controls suited for video and photography. Features include fully de-clicked aperture rings for smooth exposure changes, a large 180° focus throw for precise focusing, and standardized 0.8 pitch gears compatible with follow-focus systems.
All models in the Joseph Petzval Art Lens Series are multi-coated and employ helicoid focusing. The lenses are built with a black anodised aluminium body, designed to be both durable and refined.
Pricing and Availability -------------------------
The 35mm f/2, 55mm f/1.7, and 80.5mm f/1.9 models are currently available for preorder at around $499 each. The 27mm and 135mm lenses are still in development. Discounted bundles for multi-lens purchases will be available.
In summary, the Joseph Petzval Art Lens Series merges a classic, artistic lens design with modern optical engineering and usability features tailored for contemporary mirrorless cameras, making it an attractive option for photographers and filmmakers seeking vintage swirl bokeh with modern control and precision.
- The Joseph Petzval Art Lens Series, a revival of the classic 1840 Petzval portrait lens, offers a unique bokeh ring for adjusting the intensity of the swirling bokeh effect.
- The series features seven levels of bokeh swirl control, which smoothly transition as focus changes due to the focus-coupled mechanism.
- The lenses in the Joseph Petzval Art Lens Series blend the classic look of the original Petzval lens with upgraded manual focus controls, suitable for both photography and video.
- Each lens in the series features a de-clicked aperture ring for smooth exposure changes, a large 180-degree focus throw for precise focusing, and standardized gears compatible with follow-focus systems.
- The Joseph Petzval Art Lens Series is available for preorder at around $499 each for the 35mm f/2, 55mm f/1.7, and 80.5mm f/1.9 models.
- The series is designed for full-frame Sony E, Canon RF, and Nikon Z mounts, and discounted bundles for multi-lens purchases will be available.
- The series' lenses are handcrafted with multi-coating and helicoid focusing, built with a black anodized aluminum body for durability and refinement.
- The Joseph Petzval Art Lens Series, with its vintage swirl bokeh and modern control and precision, is an attractive option for photographers and filmmakers seeking a blend of technology and lifestyle in their gear, making it news in the world of photography and video review.
