Lomography x Zenit 85mm f/2.2 Petzval Art Lens Review

Lomography Petzval 85mm f/2.2 Art Lens Sample Photos

Swirly out of focus backgrounds are the trademark look of the Petzval optical design | 1/640 sec | f/2.2 | 85.0 mm | ISO 100

Swirly out of focus backgrounds are the trademark look of the Petzval optical design | 1/640 sec | f/2.2 | 85.0 mm | ISO 100
High-Res

Unfortunately, the effect can be difficult to spot if the background doesn't have the right kind of detail | 1/4000 sec | f/2.5 | 85.0 mm | ISO 360

Unfortunately, the effect can be difficult to spot if the background doesn't have the right kind of detail | 1/4000 sec | f/2.5 | 85.0 mm | ISO 360
High-Res

Stopping down makes the lens sharper, but also diminishes any effect | 1/500 sec | f/8.0 | 85.0 mm | ISO 100

Stopping down makes the lens sharper, but also diminishes any effect | 1/500 sec | f/8.0 | 85.0 mm | ISO 100
High-Res

Despite the deep hood, this lens is very prone to flare | 1/160 sec | f/2.2 | 85.0 mm | ISO 100

Despite the deep hood, this lens is very prone to flare | 1/160 sec | f/2.2 | 85.0 mm | ISO 100
High-Res

1/500 sec | f/8.0 | 85.0 mm | ISO 100

1/500 sec | f/8.0 | 85.0 mm | ISO 100
High-Res

1/160 sec | f/8.0 | 85.0 mm | ISO 500

1/160 sec | f/8.0 | 85.0 mm | ISO 500
High-Res

1/160 sec | f/8.0 | 85.0 mm | ISO 125

1/160 sec | f/8.0 | 85.0 mm | ISO 125
High-Res

1/250 sec | f/8.0 | 85.0 mm | ISO 100

1/250 sec | f/8.0 | 85.0 mm | ISO 100
High-Res

Night | 1/80 sec | f/2.2 | 85.0 mm | ISO 4000

Night | 1/80 sec | f/2.2 | 85.0 mm | ISO 4000
High-Res

Night Bokeh | 1/60 sec | f/2.2 | 85.0 mm | ISO 4000

Night Bokeh | 1/60 sec | f/2.2 | 85.0 mm | ISO 4000
High-Res


Value For Money

Being priced at around £465, this lens seems quite expensive for what it offers, especially considering issues with the build, design and operation of the lens.

Those looking for a manual 85mm lens with a fast maximum aperture may also consider Samyang's 85mm f/1.4 as an alternative as it costs half what the New Petzval does at just over £200. The Samyang lens sports a faster maximum aperture than the Petzval, and aperture control is kept within the lens, so there's no chance of losing anything either.

Canon camera owners may also consider the EF 85mm f/1.8 USM as an alternative. This lens sports, fast, silent autofocus, a faster maximum aperture and costs around £300. Nikon's 85mm f/1.8G is similar, and costs around £370.

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