Here’s something I always remind myself—photography should be fun, not frustrating. And every once in a while, a piece of gear comes along that brings that feeling back in a big way.
I recently picked up the Lensbaby Twist 28mm f/3.5, a newly released lens, and I took it out for its very first day of shooting. Right away, I noticed something different. Unlike some of the other creative lenses I’ve used, this one was surprisingly easy to focus manually. That alone made the experience much more enjoyable, especially when compared to faster lenses where focus can feel like a guessing game.
What really stands out, though, is the look. This lens creates a beautiful swirling bokeh effect that draws your eye right into the center of the image. It’s not just about sharpness—it’s about mood. Some of the photos I captured felt almost painterly, especially when I had a colorful background to work with.
Not every shot was a success, and that’s part of the process. I experimented with flowers, nature scenes, and even tried a quick portrait using my cat. What I discovered is that this lens really depends on the background. If you want that signature swirl, you need color and texture behind your subject. A plain background just won’t do it.
The Twist 28 creates feelings. In addition, I also found the lens to be compact and easy to carry, which makes it a great option for casual outings. While I’m not completely sold on it for street photography, I do think it shines in more intentional, creative situations.
At the end of the day, this lens reminded me that photography isn’t just about capturing a scene—it’s about creating a feeling. And that’s what made this first experience so rewarding.
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