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

Lomography Petzval 85mm f/2.2 Art Lens Verdict

The second sample of the lens performs much more how you might expect it to, with good sharpness in the centre, and crazy blurriness towards the edges at wide apertures. Focusing is much improved over the first sample also.

Even though the performance is quite respectable, this lens will still divide people as to whether it's a genuinely exceptional product, or a bit of a gimmick, especially given the high price tag. It's certainly not for everyone, but those who love the effect will probably cherish this lens, providing they picked up a good copy. Hopefully those who pledged large sums on the Kickstarter page for a copy with an early serial number got a better lens than we did the first time round. If you did, it will be interesting to hear how you've got on with your lens in the comments section below.

Lomography Petzval 85mm f/2.2 Art Pros

Brass construction
Swirly out of focus effect (under right conditions)
Novelty value
Sharp in the centre

Lomography Petzval 85mm f/2.2 Art Cons

Stopping down diminishes the effect
Waterhouse Aperture plates are easy to misplace and fit loosely
Effect limits compositional choices as the lens is only approaching sharp in the centre of the frame at fast apertures
Expensive

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT

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