Lomography Launches Joseph Petzval 35mm Art Lens
The new manual focus lens offers customizable bokeh through a unique dial and drop-in aperture plates.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Photography
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Lomography has introduced the Joseph Petzval Métamorphose 35mm F1.8 Art lens, designed to provide photographers with distinctive visual character. The product is available for pre-order in Canon RF, Nikon Z, and Sony E mounts.
Why it matters
The lens is engineered to prioritize creative visual effects and character over clinical sharpness, offering specialized controls for artistic expression. It features a manual-centric design that caters to photographers looking for unique optical results.
The lens features a 35mm focal length with a maximum aperture of F1.8, retailing at a pre-order price of $649. It includes a 0.35m minimum focusing distance, a 67mm filter thread, and six optical elements arranged in five groups.
The players
Lomography
Lomography is an internationally recognized organization that produces experimental photographic equipment and film.
Joseph Petzval
Joseph Petzval was a mathematician and physicist whose 19th-century designs fundamentally influenced the development of portrait photography lenses.
Carl Friedrich Gauss
Carl Friedrich Gauss was a historical mathematician and physicist known for his pioneering contributions to optical lens theory.
The details
The lens provides seven adjustable bokeh settings controlled via a dial on the barrel, supplemented by five interchangeable drop-in aperture plates. It is built for manual operation with a 180-degree focus throw and Mod 0.8 gearing for video utility.
Timeline
1817: Carl Friedrich Gauss developed the original Single Gaussian lens design.
1840: Joseph Petzval developed his inaugural portrait lens.
October 2026: Lomography opened global pre-orders for the new lens.
December 2026: Shipping for the product is expected to commence.
Culture Shift
The Métamorphose 35mm follows the design principles established by the 1840 Joseph Petzval portrait lens by prioritizing stylistic character over modern sharpness. This release reflects a growing trend among digital photographers who seek to replicate the aesthetic imperfections of vintage optical systems.
Photographers can now incorporate the lens into their workflows by utilizing the included aperture plates to create unique, non-standard bokeh effects. The manual focus design requires users to adjust to a 180-degree focus throw, which may impact shooting speed for dynamic subjects.
The takeaway
This lens allows photographers to manually tune their visual output rather than relying on digital post-processing for character. Users should practice with the drop-in aperture plates to determine how different shapes alter the final look of their images.
What happens next
Shipping of the new lens is expected to begin in December 2026.
Further reading
For more information on creative optical gear, visit the Photography section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by What Digital Camera.
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