85mm Petzval Brass Lens
I think I can tell you right now the lens I'll be adding next to my bag - the 85mm Petzval Brass Lens!
A few weeks ago one of my favorite photo friends Molly C. Photography told me she'd bought a new lens and we should play around with it...and man did I fall in love!
Molly was inspired to make the purchase after seeing a portrait where it showed that beautiful swirly bokeh background and she said she bought it that day! You can also see some of the talented Emily Soto's series where she tried out the Petzval Art Lens, these backgrounds are to die for!
Fun Things to Know:
The Lomography X Zenit New Petzval 85mm mimics the first Petzval lens to come out of Vienna, Austria in 1840. Allowing this new lens to satisfy photographers and filmmakers alike to create unique imagery!
This lens comes in both the gold brass or black brass (we played with the gold one..who doesn't want to be shooting with a GOLD lens?)
Canon or Nikon - doesn't matter! Both camera mounts are sold, they even have mounts so you can use it on both!
This lens is also manufactured in Russia by, Zenit.
These are a few of my FAVORITE things:
Can we talk about that bokeh? It's glow is incredibly whimsical and I really like the shape of the bokeh, it's so different than any of my Nikkor Lenses.
It has this center focus that draws you into the subject.
I loved the process of shooting with it, it forced me to slow down and stop just snapping away like I normally do.
The focus ring is so much fun, I was addicted instantly!
A few things I didn't "love":
I love being able to work with that sunset glow that happens after 7 O'clock, but although this is pretty fun, it was hard to work with. I got a lot of crazy lens flares I've never even seen before!
I was shooting really wide, most of these were shot at aperture 2.8 - so I was making it a little more difficult, but focusing manually takes getting used to again. I loved it, but also felt like I missed some really great movement.
In the end, especially for the price and uniqueness this lens in my opinion is an absolute keeper! I will never want to shoot portraits any other way...it adds such mystery and depth. I also felt like although focusing manually wasn't ideal, it captured movement beautifully and helped me to slow down and look at what was happening.
Give this lens a try and check out the rest of Lomography's Art Lenses.
You can buy this lenses from Lomography or B&H for $599
Let me know if you try it out and what your thoughts are!
-Tara
TARA SHUPE
Tara Shupe is a Humanitarian Photographer and Video Storyteller, constantly traveling with a camera attached to the hip and a notebook in her pocket. With over 10 years of experience in the field, Tara approaches each story intimately with a hope for inspiring others to think beyond their comfort zone.
