Lomography Joseph Petzval 27mm F1.7 Bokeh Control Art Lens

The Lomography Joseph Petzval 27mm f/1.7 is a manual full-frame wide-angle prime for Sony E, Canon RF and Nikon Z. According to Lomography, it is the widest lens in the Petzval series and was introduced together with the 135 mm to complete the five-lens Focus-coupled Bokeh Control line. It targets photographers and filmmakers who want a strong Petzval effect in a wide frame.

Optical design

Lomography bases the design on the original 1840 Petzval formula, recalculated for full-frame mirrorless cameras. The company says the 27 mm gives the strongest Petzval effect of the series and a curvilinear look, meaning the frame bends slightly toward the edges. It also points to a field curvature that allows tilt-shift-like compositions, where two subjects at different distances can both be in focus. A bokeh control ring adjusts the swirl across seven levels, and Lomography says the focus-coupling avoids focus shift. The maximum aperture is f/1.7 and the closest focusing distance is 0.27 m.

Focusing and handling

The lens is manual. It has a 180 degree focus throw, a Mod 0.8 follow focus gear and gear positions shared with the other lenses of the series. The iris is stopless from f/1.7 to f/22, and special shaped plates can be dropped into a second aperture system. Lomography notes that the plates for this lens are a different size from those of its other Petzval lenses. Stopless aperture, focus and bokeh rings and a built-in 1/4 inch support complete the video oriented controls.

Build and size

The body is anodized aluminium and the glass is multi-coated. The filter thread is 77 mm, larger than the 67 mm thread of the 35, 55 and 80.5 mm lenses. Lomography calls the lens compact and lightweight. The lens is made for full-frame sensors.

Where it fits

Next to the 27 mm, the 35mm f/2 is the second wide option in the series, with a larger sharp area and a longer 0.4 m minimum focus. The 27 mm is slightly faster and focuses much closer. Other wide character lenses in the database include the Lensbaby Velvet 28mm f/2.5 and the Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 35mm f/2.8 II.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Widest Petzval so far, with the strongest effect according to Lomography
• Close focusing at 0.27 m
• f/1.7 maximum aperture
• Seven bokeh levels with focus-coupled control
• Follow focus gear and 1/4 inch support
• Three mirrorless mounts

Cons

• Manual focus only
• 77 mm filter thread is larger than on the other short Petzvals
• Curvilinear bending and field curvature are part of the look and not suited to architecture or flat subjects

Verdict

The Joseph Petzval 27mm f/1.7 is the most extreme lens of the series. It suits users who want close, wide and visibly stylised footage, and who accept manual focus and a pronounced optical signature.