Lensbaby Twist 28 Pancake Lens for Nikon Z

Lensbaby Twist 28 Pancake Lens Key Features:

• Introduces Lensbaby’s iconic swirling bokeh to wide-angle format
• Compact and lightweight pancake lens for mirrorless systems
• Vintage character with 4 elements arranged into 3 groups
• Creates field curvature and edge stretch from the centre
• Fixed f3.5 circular aperture for smooth background separation
• Manual barrel focusing for maximum creative control
• Get closer with the 0.2m minimum focusing distance
• Multi-coated optics reduce flare and preserve contrast

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Lensbaby Twist 28 Pancake Lens
• 1 x Storage Case

FAQs:

Can I use filters with the Twist 28?

No, there’s no filter thread on this lens. That comes down to the front element design and how the optics sit at the front of the barrel. In practice, you’ll control exposure with shutter speed or ISO instead.

Is the Twist 28 compatible with Full-frame, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds?

The Twist 28 is designed for mirrorless cameras and is compatible with full-frame, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds systems. On full-frame, it provides a 90° diagonal angle of view, while on APS-C this narrows to 64°. As the sensor size reduces, the field of view becomes tighter.

How strong is the swirl effect at 28mm compared to the Twist 60?

It’s a bit more spread out rather than concentrated. With the wider field of view, you’re seeing more of the scene, so the swirl has space to form around the edges instead of dominating the frame. It feels less compressed than the 60mm, but more immersive. If you keep your subject central and give the background some distance, the effect is still very clear.

Can I use the Twist 28 for close-ups or small subjects?

Yes, within limits. The 20cm minimum focus distance lets you work quite close, and with a 1:7 reproduction ratio, you can fill more of the frame with smaller subjects, though it’s not a macro lens. At that distance, the centre is sharp while the background sits further out of focus, with visible edge distortion around the subject rather than a smooth, uniform blur.

How compact is the Twist 28?

The Twist 28 is a true pancake lens. Based on the Sony E version, it measures 73.0 x 38.5mm and weighs 140g, so it’s very small and light when mounted on the camera. Other mounts may vary slightly, but the design remains compact across the range. In practise, it keeps the setup balanced and unobtrusive, which suits the slower, more deliberate way this lens is typically used.