Are you looking for a lens that’s as fun and versatile as your imagination? Meet the Lensbaby Trio 28—a creative powerhouse that lets you explore the world in triplicate. Three lenses, endless possibilities, and all the inspiration you need in one compact package!
Who Is Lensbaby?
You must understand the company’s beginnings to understand the Trio 28 and any lens from Lensbaby. Born in 2004 by co-founder Craig Strong, who combined a vacuum hose with a lens from a Speed Graphic camera, the mission was simple: to bring art and creative, free-thinking photography to every photographer, regardless of skill level or equipment. They started in Portland, Oregon, and grabbed the attention of photographers with their groundbreaking lenses—lenses that defied traditional photography and explored artistic possibilities through optics and accessories. Since 2004, Lensbaby has released some of the most unique and creative products, including the Spark, Composer Pro, and Muse, as well as optics such as the Double Glass, Sweet 35, and Twist 60. Later on, standalone lenses were introduced, such as the Obscura 16, Sol 22, and the Trio 28. Each provides photographers with new ways to see the world, reimagine their creativity, and ultimately tear down the walls of traditional photography.
Introduction and Specifications
The Lensbaby Trio 28 is a pancake-style lens that features three distinct optic options in one lens—Twist, Velvet, and Sweet—all while allowing you to switch between the three effortlessly with the twist of the barrel. The Trio 28 has a focal length of, you guessed it, 28mm and is very lightweight, coming in at a total weight of 4.9 oz / 139 g. It has a fixed aperture of f/3.5, is manual focus only, and has a filter size of 46mm. The uniqueness factor of this lens comes from the three optics you can choose from, all by twisting the barrel.
- Twist: The Twist uses a Petzval-inspired design, delivering a central area of sharp focus surrounded by a swirl of twisting bokeh.
- Velvet: Creates a soft-focus effect with a dreamy center area and a delicate glow out to the edges.
- Sweet: Offers a central spot of sharp focus surrounded by a gradual increase in blur.
The best part is that all these are in one lens, so you won’t have to stuff your camera bag with lenses or filters.
The Trio 28 is compatible with 35mm full frame, APS-C, and 4/3 cameras. It is currently offered in Canon RF, Canon M, Fuji X, Nikon Z, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, and L mounts.
Build Quality
Overall, one cannot complain about the build quality of the lens for the price—$249.95. It has a bit of weight and is made of metal. You might think a lens with this price tag would mostly be made of plastic, especially the lens mount. Being a Nikon user since 2004, I am no stranger to a plastic lens mount, as Nikon has offered several to save on the affordability of their lenses. It is only offered in chrome color, so if you like all-black lenses, you’re out of luck. But who cares?
The only gripe I have about the overall build quality is the front barrel you twist to switch between the three effects—Velvet, Twist, and Sweet. It’s short and has a slick surface, making it challenging to grip and twist. I would have liked to see the barrel made larger and possibly include some rubber to make it easier to switch between the three effects. This is more difficult if you are out in the colder months with gloves or have sweaty hands in the summer.
Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
– Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Image Quality
If you’re a photographer worried about image quality in the sense of sharpness, this is not a lens for you. Not because the lens has poor image quality, but because you’re going to be chasing things the lens was not created to do. You have to remember that this is a “creative” lens and is designed for “creative” purposes. It is designed to create images that tear down the walls of traditional photography, like sharpness. It produces beautiful images with the effects of the lens. Now, the parts of your images that are supposed to be sharp are sharp, and I cannot complain. The challenge to any photographer who has never used a Lensbaby before will be getting over the fact that you will not and cannot achieve an image that is sharp from edge to edge—that is the point.
The Limits It Presents
This lens has two huge limits: fixed focal length and f-stop. Is this a bad thing? No. For many, the fixed focal length of 28mm is nothing; it is no different from any other fixed focal length lens. Now, a fixed f-stop of f/3.5? This might be a problem for some as well. When I first purchased this lens, I hated it—for two reasons: manual focus and the fixed f/3.5. I felt like it had me in a cage, and I couldn’t figure out why a lens designed for creativity was hindering its sole purpose. I had to step back and finally realized it was not the lens but me. I needed to relax, have fun, and look at things differently from traditional photography. That’s when things changed; it wasn’t the manual focus nor the fixed aperture. The lens was doing its purpose, making me think and look at the images I create in a different and new way while reminding myself what I always say to my mentoring students: “When you’re uncomfortable, you’re learning!”
Artistic Appeal
How often can you consider a lens from the standpoint of artistic appeal? Only a few times, but the Trio 28 lens was solely purchased for this reason. It offers three lenses in one, and each effect has its own look and feel. Is this a lens you carry all day, every day? No. It’s a lens that is very niche as a lens and community. There are online communities that solely focus on the artistic appeal of this lens, and rightfully so. I purchased this lens because I was in a creative rut and should take my advice that if you’re in a rut, buying new gear isn’t the way to fix that problem, but that is for another day. I did sit and think about what I wanted to do to get out of this rut, and it was to start creating more “creative” images and how I would do that. Long story short, after much contemplation, I purchased the Trio 28 for artistic appeal. It would give me what I was looking for instead of sitting in the post process, adding blur, etc. I wanted my images to have different looks, and after scouring Lensbaby’s website, I found three looks I wanted but didn’t want to purchase three lenses. I stumbled across the two looks I liked—Sweet and Velvet—and better yet, it was offered in one lens. I used to look at Lensbaby, in general, as a “gimmick.” I think that was due to my closed-mindedness and snotty photographer attitude. Once I purchased the Trio 28, I fell in love and found a new love for imperfection and creativity. Ultimately, this led me to buy the Sol 45!
What I Love!
- Its simplicity, three effects, and manual focus.
- I pushed my creative limits, allowing me to see more creatively.
- Affordability—you can’t complain for $249.95.
What Needs Improved
- Add rubber or some material so you can grip the barrel to change effects more quickly.
Final Thoughts
An affordable lens that significantly expands creative thinking and exploration is undoubtedly a smart buy. This lightweight lens offers three effects in one, making it a fantastic deal. I’m excited that I decided to invest in it, as it has elevated my creativity and allowed me to relax and experiment with my photography. It serves as a reminder that photography transcends technical aspects like f/1.2 apertures and the latest equipment. Instead, it revolves around self-expression and conveying your unique perspective of the world.