At the CP+ show in Japan, Lensbaby was showing their new Burnside 35 lens for DSLR & mirrorless cameras.
The lens features a 35mm focal length and a maximum f/2.8 aperture which can be used to create images with a shallow depth of field. Just like the other lenses from Lensbaby, the Burnside 35 is a manual focus only lens and has some very special characteristics.
The Burnside 35 has a sharp sweet spot in the centre of the frame, gradually softening as it gets to the edges. This fall-off happens no matter what aperture the lens is set at. A gold effect slider on the lens allows for direct control over the amount of vignetting in the image. The other main characteristic of the lens is its swirly bokeh. If you have ever used the vintage Helios m44-2 58mm lenses, you will be familiar with this look, producing a spinning bokeh effect.
We had a chance to put the lens on a Canon C100 Mark II and have a little play. It’s quite an interesting lens and having the second aperture adjustment certainly allows for some interesting shots to be achieved.
The Burnside 35 retails for $499.95 and is available in a range of mounts from Canon EF, Sony E, Fuji X, Micro 4/3 & more. See the lens compatability chart to see if the lens is suitable for your camera.
The lens is expected to ship mid-March.
