Lomography Joseph Petzval Métamorphose 35mm F1.8 Bokeh Control Art Lens

The Lomography Joseph Petzval Metamorphose 35mm f/1.8 is a manual full-frame prime for Sony E, Canon RF and Nikon Z. It is the sixth lens in the Focus-coupled Bokeh Control family and, according to Lomography, takes the Petzval look a step further by adding a stretched optical warp to the swirl. It is aimed at creative photographers and filmmakers.

Optical design

Lomography says the lens uses six elements in five groups. The company points to Carl Friedrich Gauss's early single Gauss experiments as its starting point and describes the design as an optimised version of a formula once considered flawed, combined with the character of the Joseph Petzval line. The result is a vertiginous stretch effect that pulls the frame edges outward while the centre stays sharp. A bokeh control ring covers seven levels. At lower levels, Lomography says the edges soften and produce soap-bubble style bokeh. At level 7, the warp effect becomes strongest. As with the other lenses of the series, the focus-coupled mechanism is meant to prevent focus shift when changing the level. The maximum aperture is f/1.8 and the closest focusing distance is 0.35 m.

Focusing and handling

The lens is manual and has a 180 degree focus throw. A Mod 0.8 gear allows use with follow focus units. The iris is stopless from f/1.8 to f/22, and a second aperture system accepts special shaped drop-in plates. Aperture, focus and bokeh rings are stopless. A built-in 1/4 inch support is fitted, and an 80 mm lens hood or matte box size is listed.

Build and size

The body is anodized aluminium, the filter thread is 67 mm and the glass is multi-coated. The lens is designed for full-frame sensors.

Where it fits

The Metamorphose sits beside the standard 35mm f/2 Petzval. Both share the 35 mm focal length, but the Metamorphose adds the stretch effect and is slightly faster, with f/1.8 against f/2. Other character oriented lenses in the database include the Lensbaby Velvet 28mm f/2.5 and the Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 35mm f/2.8 II. Lomography lists shipping from December 2026.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Combined swirl and stretch effect, according to Lomography
• Seven bokeh levels with focus-coupled control
• f/1.8 maximum aperture and 0.35 m closest focusing
• Optical design with six elements in five groups
• Follow focus gear and 1/4 inch support
• Three mirrorless mounts

Cons

• Manual focus only
• The warp effect is strong and not suited to neutral work
• Newly announced, with delivery planned later

Verdict

The Metamorphose 35mm f/1.8 is the most experimental lens in the Petzval line. It is for creators who want an obviously stylised, warped look, and who are comfortable with manual focus.