Conclusions With competing lenses priced more than twice as much, the Lensbaby Twist 60 is the clear choice for photographers who want to play with the Petzval look, but don't want to break the bank.

Compact; Petzval optical design; Sharp at center of frame; Inexpensive; Lensbaby Optic Swap system support; Available for multiple camera systems

Signature look and manual focus design aren't for everyone; Effect is lessened on APS-C cameras

The Lensbaby Twist 60 is a very modern rendition of a 175-year-old optical design, and true to the designer, Joseph Petzval. But does it satisfy our creative expectations when used in the field

There are lenses that provide critically sharp images, edge to edge, and sometimes we add soft focus filters or Photoshop work to reduce that sharpness. There are also lenses that remind us that creativity is not always about sharpness and one such range is the Lensbaby.

Lensbaby has always been a company that does things just a bit different from the rest. Such is the case with the company's Twist 60mm f2.5 lens. It's well built and in the right situations can deliver beautiful photos that will really make your jaw drop.

This optic does exactly what is says. Really makes your subject stand out from the background with it opened up. Pay attention to the manufactures suggested usage and try to use live view for best focus.

I learned of the Petzval Lens on Amazon for around $600 that had drop in aperture blades. The only problem, was one photographer complained the drop in aperture blades fell out and could easily be lost. This Lensbaby Twist 60 popped up as a recommended alternative at half the price on Amazon.

It's a 60mm lens with an aperture range of f/2.5-f/22 and a minimum focusing distance of 18in. Lensbaby describes this as having a ‘twisty, swirly blur', and as the name suggests, it creates a twist at the edge of the frame, akin to the Petzval lens from Lomography.

it delivers more than expected ... It's like an uncut diamond that is bound to shine in a skillful hand

Durable; Great Picture Quality; Lightweight