Lomography has officially finalized its acclaimed Petzval Art Lens collection with the introduction of two highly anticipated prime lenses: the 27mm f/1.7 and the 135mm f/2.5. This release marks the completion of a five-lens series that reimagines the iconic aesthetic of Joseph Petzval's original 1840 portrait lens, blending vintage charm with contemporary optical engineering. A key advancement across the entire series, and particularly highlighted in these new additions, is the innovative focus-coupled bokeh control, which enables photographers to adjust the signature swirling bokeh effect without the need for refocusing. This design choice streamlines the creative process, offering unprecedented flexibility for both still image capture and dynamic video production. The lenses feature multi-coated glass, producing subtle red flares and a warm veiling glare that contribute to their distinctive dreamy and vintage-inspired look.
Lomography Unveils Final Petzval Art Lenses with Enhanced Focus Control
In a significant development for photography enthusiasts, Lomography has announced the completion of its Joseph Petzval Art Lens series with the launch of the 27mm f/1.7 and 135mm f/2.5 primes. These two lenses join the previously released 35mm f/2, 55mm f/1.7, and 80.5mm f/1.9 models, solidifying a comprehensive collection that pays homage to the 19th-century optical master, Joseph Petzval. The new optics are meticulously crafted using recalculated designs from Petzval's 1840 original, integrating modern glass and advanced focus-coupled bokeh control. This innovative feature allows users to fine-tune the intensity of the unique swirling bokeh across seven distinct steps without the cumbersome process of readjusting focus, a common limitation in earlier Petzval designs. This breakthrough is particularly beneficial for videographers, as it ensures seamless transitions and consistent visual effects. Lomography emphasized that achieving the desired field curvature, especially for the wider 27mm focal length, presented considerable engineering challenges. All five lenses in the series offer a 180° focus throw and MOD 0.8 unified gear positions, ensuring smooth operation. The entire collection, including the newly launched lenses, is priced at $599 each and is available for E, RF, and Z mounts. Lomography also provides discounted bundles, such as a five-lens set for $2,396, and a two-lens bundle featuring only the new 27mm and 135mm primes for existing owners of the initial three lenses.
This innovative stride by Lomography not only preserves the artistic heritage of Petzval lenses but also democratizes their distinctive aesthetic for modern photographers and filmmakers. The ability to manipulate bokeh without disrupting focus fundamentally transforms the creative potential of these lenses, making them more versatile and user-friendly than ever before. It's a testament to how traditional craftsmanship can be reinterpreted through contemporary technology, offering artists new avenues to explore visual storytelling.