Lomography Atoll Ultra Wide 2817 Art Review

The Lomography Atoll Ultra Wide 2.8/17 Art Lens is a fascinating piece of glass that truly embodies Lomography’s ethos of experimental and artistic photography, offering a unique ultra-wide perspective for photographers looking to break away from conventional optics. This lens isn’t just about technical perfection.

It’s about character, flair, and embracing the quirks that make an image stand out.

It challenges you to see the world differently, pushing the boundaries of what a prime lens can achieve in terms of immersive storytelling.

Here’s a quick rundown of some compelling alternatives and related gear that could also supercharge your photographic toolkit:

• Lomography Neptune Convertible Art Lens System:
  • Key Features: This system offers three interchangeable front optics 35mm, 50mm, 80mm that share a common rear base. It’s designed for creative versatility, allowing photographers to quickly swap focal lengths while maintaining a distinct “art lens” look.
  • Average Price: Around $500-$700.
  • Pros: Highly versatile, unique optical characteristics for each focal length, compact design, allows for creative experimentation.
  • Cons: Requires a bit of practice to master, some users might prefer dedicated prime lenses for specific tasks.
• Lomography Petzval 85 Art Lens:
  • Key Features: Reimagines the classic 19th-century Petzval optical design, known for its swirly bokeh and sharp central focus. Available for various mounts.
  • Average Price: Around $400-$600.
  • Pros: Incredibly distinctive swirly bokeh, sharp in the center, unique vintage aesthetic, solid brass construction.
  • Cons: Swirly bokeh might not suit all subjects, manual focus only, heavy.
• Lomography LomoApparat:
  • Key Features: A compact, experimental 35mm film camera with a 21mm wide-angle lens, multiple exposure mode, kaleidoscope lens attachment, and close-up lens.
  • Average Price: Around $90-$120.
  • Pros: Super portable, encourages creative experimentation, affordable, unique built-in features.
  • Cons: Fixed lens, plastic build, limited controls compared to professional cameras.
• Canon EOS R5:
  • Key Features: A high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera with 45MP sensor, 8K video recording, in-body image stabilization IBIS, and advanced autofocus.
  • Average Price: Around $3,500-$3,900 body only.
  • Pros: Exceptional image quality, professional video capabilities, robust build, advanced AF, versatile for various photography genres.
  • Cons: High price point, large file sizes, can overheat during extended 8K video recording.
• Sony Alpha a7 III:
  • Key Features: A popular full-frame mirrorless camera with a 24.2MP sensor, excellent low-light performance, fast autofocus, and 4K video.
  • Average Price: Around $1,700-$1,900 body only.
  • Pros: Great value for a full-frame camera, superb low-light capabilities, reliable AF, compact and lightweight.
  • Cons: Older model compared to newer releases, menu system can be complex, slightly lower resolution than competitors.
• Fujifilm X-T4:
  • Key Features: An APS-C mirrorless camera with a 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, in-body image stabilization, fast autofocus, and extensive film simulations.
  • Average Price: Around $1,500-$1,700 body only.
  • Pros: Excellent image quality, renowned film simulations, robust build, great ergonomics, capable for both stills and video.
  • Cons: APS-C sensor not full-frame, battery life could be better for extended shooting, no headphone jack without adapter.
• Manfrotto BeFree Advanced Travel Tripod:
  • Key Features: A compact and lightweight travel tripod designed for mirrorless and DSLR cameras, offering stability and portability.
  • Average Price: Around $150-$200.
  • Pros: Portable, stable for its size, quick to set up, good build quality, includes a ball head.
  • Cons: May not be tall enough for some specific shots, less load capacity than professional studio tripods.

Unpacking the Lomography Atoll Ultra Wide 2.8/17 Art Lens: A Deep Dive into Character and Craft

Alright, let’s talk about the Lomography Atoll Ultra Wide 2.8/17 Art Lens. If you’re like me, you’re always looking for that edge, that piece of gear that doesn’t just do the job, but inspires you to do something different. The Atoll 17mm isn’t your run-of-the-mill, clinically perfect wide-angle. No, this thing is built for character, for pushing boundaries, and for making a statement. It’s an ultra-wide prime that demands attention, not just because of its impressive field of view but because of the distinct Lomography signature it imprints on your images. Think less about pixel-peeping for perfect sharpness corner-to-corner, and more about embracing the artistic imperfections and the unique visual narrative this lens creates. It’s a tool for photographers who view their craft as an art form, not just a technical exercise.

The Philosophy Behind Lomography Art Lenses: Beyond Clinical Perfection

Lomography’s “Art Lens” series is fundamentally different from what you typically find on the market. While major manufacturers pour billions into developing lenses that are optically flawless, virtually distortion-free, and razor-sharp across the frame, Lomography leans into a different philosophy. Their goal isn’t just about replicating reality with sterile precision. it’s about interpreting it, injecting emotion, and celebrating the unique optical quirks that defined early photography.

• Embracing Imperfection: Lomography lenses often feature characteristics like subtle vignetting, unique bokeh, or specific color renditions that would be considered “flaws” by traditional optical standards. For the Atoll 17mm, this means a wide field of view that, while sharp in the center, might exhibit some characteristic distortion or fall-off towards the edges, contributing to its artistic appeal.
• Manual Control for Artistic Expression: Almost universally, Lomography Art Lenses are manual focus. This isn’t a limitation. it’s an invitation. It forces you to slow down, to engage with your subject, and to consciously choose your plane of focus. This deliberate process can lead to more thoughtful compositions and a deeper connection with your photographic process.
• Robust, Vintage-Inspired Builds: These lenses often feature solid metal construction, sometimes even brass, reminiscent of vintage optics. The Atoll 17mm is no exception, with a build quality that feels substantial and durable in hand. This tactile experience enhances the photographic journey, giving you a sense of holding a truly crafted instrument.

Design and Build Quality: A Tangible Experience

The Lomography Atoll Ultra Wide 2.8/17 Art Lens feels like a tank in your hands, in the best possible way. This isn’t flimsy plastic.

It’s precision-machined aluminum, designed to withstand the rigors of real-world shooting.

• All-Metal Construction: The barrel, focus ring, and aperture ring are all made from robust metal. This gives the lens a satisfying heft and a sense of durability that inspires confidence when you’re out shooting in unpredictable environments.
• Smooth Manual Focus Ring: The focus ring operates with a buttery smoothness, allowing for precise adjustments. This is crucial for an ultra-wide lens, where hyperfocal distance shooting often comes into play, but also for nailing critical focus on close subjects. The throw is well-dampened, neither too loose nor too stiff.
• Clicky Aperture Ring: The aperture ring features satisfying clicks at each full stop, making it easy to adjust without looking away from the viewfinder. This tactile feedback is a welcome feature for those who prefer manual control.
• Integrated Lens Hood: The Atoll features a non-removable, integrated petal-shaped lens hood. This design is practical for an ultra-wide lens, helping to mitigate flare and protect the front element. While non-removable, it’s compact enough not to add excessive bulk.
• Aesthetics: True to Lomography form, the Atoll 17mm has a distinctive, almost retro-futuristic aesthetic. It looks unique mounted on a modern mirrorless or DSLR body, making it a conversation starter. It’s clear this lens was designed with both function and form in mind.

Optical Performance and Signature: What to Expect from an Atoll Image

Here’s where the rubber meets the road for the Atoll 17mm. This lens isn’t about clinical perfection.

It’s about a distinct optical signature that sets it apart.

• Sharpness Where It Counts: While not designed to be tack-sharp across the entire frame at all apertures, the Atoll 17mm is surprisingly sharp in the center, especially when stopped down a bit. This central sharpness allows your primary subject to pop, while the surrounding elements take on a more characterful, almost painterly quality.
• Characterful Vignetting: Expect some noticeable vignetting, particularly wide open at f/2.8. For some, this might be a drawback, but for Lomography enthusiasts, it’s a desirable trait that helps to draw the eye towards the center of the frame and adds to the vintage, artistic feel of the image. It’s a natural light-fall-off that can be leveraged creatively.
• Chromatic Aberrations: Like many ultra-wide lenses, especially those with a strong character, the Atoll 17mm may exhibit some chromatic aberrations, particularly in high-contrast areas. These are generally correctable in post-processing if desired, but they are part of the lens’s charm for many users.
• Flare Characteristics: The integrated lens hood helps, but with such a wide field of view, flare is a possibility when shooting directly into bright light sources. However, the flare produced by Lomography lenses often has a beautiful, artistic quality rather than being simply distracting. It can create interesting streaks or halos that add to the image’s unique mood.
• Color Rendition: Lomography lenses are known for their vibrant color rendition, and the Atoll 17mm maintains this tradition. Colors tend to be punchy and saturated, contributing to the energetic feel of the ultra-wide perspective. This makes it particularly enjoyable for shooting in bright, colorful environments.
• Minimal Distortion for an Ultra-Wide: While an ultra-wide lens will always have some level of perspective distortion, the Atoll 17mm manages it surprisingly well. It doesn’t exhibit the extreme “fish-eye” effect unless deliberately used very close to subjects, making it suitable for architectural photography where converging lines are a concern though careful leveling is always key.

User Experience and Practical Applications: Making the Atoll Work for You

Using the Atoll 17mm is an experience in itself. It’s not an autofocus point-and-shoot lens.

It demands engagement and a different approach to photography.

• Manual Focus Mastery: This is a manual focus lens, which means you’ll be relying on your eyes, your camera’s focus aids focus peaking, magnification, and potentially hyperfocal distance calculations.
  • Focus Peaking: Most modern mirrorless cameras offer focus peaking, which highlights in-focus edges in a specific color. This is incredibly useful for nailing focus quickly with the Atoll.
  • Magnification: Punching in on your camera’s LCD or EVF to magnify the image is another excellent way to ensure critical focus, especially when shooting wide open or with very close subjects.
• Great for Street Photography: The ultra-wide perspective is fantastic for street photography. You can get incredibly close to your subjects while still capturing a sense of their environment, creating intimate yet expansive scenes. The manual focus encourages zone focusing, allowing for quick, decisive shots.
• Unique Architecture and Interiors: While careful composition is needed to manage perspective distortion, the Atoll 17mm can create dramatic architectural shots and immersive interior views. It captures the vastness of spaces in a way few other lenses can.
• Creative Experimentation: This lens truly shines when you let go of conventional expectations and simply experiment. Try shooting from extremely low angles, incorporate leading lines that stretch into the distance, or use it to exaggerate scale. It’s a lens that encourages playful exploration.
• Adapting to Different Systems: The Atoll 17mm is available in multiple mounts Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Leica M, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds. For mirrorless systems, adapters often exist if your specific mount isn’t natively available, though check compatibility carefully for infinity focus and aperture control.

Compared to Clinical Ultra-Wides: Understanding the Niche

It’s crucial to understand that the Atoll 17mm isn’t designed to compete head-to-head with modern, clinically perfect ultra-wide lenses from major manufacturers like Canon, Nikon, Sony, or Sigma.

• Resolution and Corner-to-Corner Sharpness: Lenses like the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM or the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM are engineered for maximum resolution and near-perfect sharpness across the frame, even wide open. The Atoll 17mm prioritizes character and a specific aesthetic over clinical precision.
• Autofocus: The vast majority of modern ultra-wides feature lightning-fast and accurate autofocus. The Atoll is manual focus only, which requires more effort and skill from the photographer. This isn’t a deficiency but a feature for those who prefer deliberate control.
• Distortion Correction: While the Atoll manages distortion well for an ultra-wide, modern lenses often have complex optical designs or rely heavily on in-camera or post-processing distortion correction profiles to achieve perfectly straight lines. The Atoll’s distortion is part of its charm.
• Price Point: Compared to high-end, professionally oriented ultra-wide zooms which can cost upwards of $2,000-$3,000+, the Atoll is generally more affordable, making it an accessible entry point for photographers seeking a unique ultra-wide prime without breaking the bank.
• Target Audience: The Atoll 17mm is for the photographer who values artistic expression, vintage aesthetics, and a tactile shooting experience over raw technical specifications. It’s for those who appreciate the imperfections and quirks that give an image soul, rather than striving for clinical flawlessness. If you’re a pixel-peeper focused on maximum measurable sharpness, this might not be your first choice. If you’re a creative artist seeking a distinct voice, it just might be your next favorite lens.

The Lomography Ecosystem: Expanding Your Creative Horizons

The Atoll 17mm doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

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It’s part of a broader Lomography ecosystem that encourages experimentation and analog aesthetics.

Many photographers who invest in an Atoll 17mm might also be interested in other Lomography products that complement its creative spirit.

• Film Photography: Lomography is rooted in film photography, and many of their lenses are designed with film in mind, even if they perform beautifully on digital. Pairing the Atoll with a 35mm or medium format film camera via adapter if necessary can truly unlock a different dimension of its character, as film handles light, color, and grain in its own unique way. Consider exploring Lomography’s own range of films like Lomography Color Negative or Lomography Lomochrome Purple for even more experimental results.
• Other Art Lenses: As seen in the product list, Lomography offers a variety of other Art Lenses, each with its own distinct optical signature. The Neptune Convertible Art Lens System offers multiple focal lengths in one system, while the Petzval 85 Art Lens is famous for its swirly bokeh. These lenses allow photographers to build a diverse kit of specialized optics for different creative effects.
• Lomography Cameras: From simple point-and-shoot film cameras like the LomoApparat to more advanced medium format options, Lomography’s camera line-up reinforces the playful, experimental nature of their brand. These cameras often come with built-in effects, multiple exposure capabilities, and unique lens attachments that foster creativity.
• Community and Inspiration: Beyond the products, Lomography is a vibrant global community of photographers who share a passion for experimental and unconventional imaging. Engaging with this community can provide endless inspiration for using the Atoll 17mm in new and exciting ways, pushing your creative boundaries. Look at the Lomography Magazine or their online galleries for examples of what’s possible.

Is the Lomography Atoll 17mm Right for You? A Candid Assessment

So, after all this, who is the Atoll 17mm for? And just as importantly, who isn’t it for?

• It’s for the Artistic Explorer: If you’re tired of clinically perfect images and crave something with character, soul, and a distinct artistic flair, the Atoll 17mm is a strong contender. It’s for those who view photography as an art form rather than just a technical exercise.

• It’s for the Manual Focus Aficionado: If you enjoy the tactile process of manual focusing, appreciate the deliberation it brings to your shooting, and are proficient with focus peaking or magnification, you’ll feel right at home.

• It’s for the Photographer Who Embraces Imperfection: If you can appreciate vignetting, subtle chromatic aberrations, and a lens that doesn’t aim for edge-to-edge clinical sharpness, then the Atoll’s character will resonate with you.

• It’s for the Storyteller: This lens helps you tell a story not just through your subject matter, but through the very feel of the image. It adds a certain intangible mood that can elevate your visual narratives.

• It’s Not for the Pixel-Peeping Purist: If your primary concern is absolute, uncompromised sharpness across the entire frame at all apertures, and you demand zero optical imperfections, then this lens will likely frustrate you. You’d be better served by high-end modern ultra-wide zooms or primes.

• It’s Not for Someone on a Strictly Limited Budget for their main lens: While more affordable than some pro-grade ultra-wides, it’s still an investment for a specialized prime. If you need a versatile, do-it-all lens, a modern zoom might offer more bang for your buck, even if it lacks the Atoll’s unique character. Irobot Roomba J7 Plus Review

• It’s Not for Someone Who Needs Automated Corrections: If you expect your camera or software to automatically correct all lens distortions, vignetting, and chromatic aberrations, the Atoll might require more manual intervention in post-processing to achieve a “cleaner” look, if that’s what you desire. But honestly, with this lens, you probably shouldn’t be chasing “cleaner.”

In essence, the Lomography Atoll Ultra Wide 2.8/17 Art Lens is a specialist tool. It’s not for everyone, and it’s not designed to be.

It’s for the photographer who sees beyond technical specifications and embraces the art of image-making with a touch of playful rebellion.

If that sounds like you, then this lens could very well unlock a new dimension in your photographic journey, offering a refreshingly distinct perspective in a world often dominated by sterile perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lomography Atoll Ultra Wide 2.8/17 Art Lens?

The Lomography Atoll Ultra Wide 2.8/17 Art Lens is a prime, manual focus, ultra-wide-angle lens designed to produce distinctive, artistic images with a broad field of view.

It’s part of Lomography’s Art Lens series, known for unique optical characteristics and robust metal builds.

What focal length is the Lomography Atoll lens?

The Lomography Atoll lens has a fixed focal length of 17mm, making it an ultra-wide prime lens.

What is the maximum aperture of the Atoll 17mm lens?

The maximum aperture of the Atoll 17mm lens is f/2.8, allowing for decent low-light performance and some depth of field control.

Is the Lomography Atoll 17mm an autofocus lens?

No, the Lomography Atoll Ultra Wide 2.8/17 Art Lens is a manual focus only lens. You will need to adjust focus yourself.

What camera mounts is the Atoll 17mm available for?

The Atoll 17mm is available for multiple popular mounts including Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Leica M, and Fujifilm X, and Micro Four Thirds. Epson Labelworks Lw Px700 Deluxe Kit Review

Check specific product listings for exact compatibility.

Does the Atoll 17mm have a filter thread?

Yes, despite being an ultra-wide lens, the Lomography Atoll 17mm features a 77mm front filter thread, allowing you to attach standard filters like ND filters, polarizers, or UV filters.

Is the Atoll 17mm a good lens for landscape photography?

How does the Atoll 17mm compare to modern ultra-wide lenses?

The Atoll 17mm differs from modern ultra-wide lenses by prioritizing artistic character like unique vignetting, color, and minor distortions over clinical perfection, sharpness across the entire frame, and autofocus capabilities found in mainstream lenses.

Does the Atoll 17mm produce vignetting?

Yes, the Lomography Atoll 17mm typically produces noticeable vignetting, especially when shot wide open at f/2.8. This is often considered a desirable characteristic by Lomography users, adding to the artistic feel.

What kind of distortion does the Atoll 17mm exhibit?

As an ultra-wide lens, the Atoll 17mm will exhibit some perspective distortion, especially with straight lines near the edges of the frame.

However, it’s not a fisheye lens and generally manages distortion well for its focal length, making it usable for architecture with careful composition.

Is the Lomography Atoll 17mm suitable for street photography?

Yes, the Atoll 17mm is very suitable for street photography.

Its ultra-wide perspective allows for immersive shots that capture the environment around subjects, and its manual focus encourages zone focusing for quick, decisive shooting.

What is the closest focusing distance of the Atoll 17mm?

The Atoll 17mm has a minimum focusing distance of 0.1 meters approximately 3.9 inches, allowing for close-up shots with a dramatic wide-angle perspective.

What materials is the Atoll 17mm lens made from?

The Lomography Atoll 17mm Art Lens features an all-metal barrel construction, typically precision-machined aluminum, giving it a robust and durable feel. Razer Pro Click Mini Review

Can I use the Atoll 17mm on a crop sensor APS-C camera?

Yes, you can use the Atoll 17mm on an APS-C camera, but the effective focal length will be narrower due to the crop factor e.g., approximately 25.5mm on a 1.5x crop sensor, 27.2mm on a 1.6x crop sensor.

Does the Atoll 17mm come with an integrated lens hood?

Yes, the Lomography Atoll 17mm Art Lens features a built-in, non-removable petal-shaped lens hood designed to help minimize flare and protect the front element.

What kind of bokeh does the Atoll 17mm produce?

The Atoll 17mm, being an ultra-wide lens, doesn’t produce significant background blur bokeh compared to longer focal length lenses.

However, when shot wide open and with close subjects, any out-of-focus areas will have a relatively smooth, consistent quality.

Is the Atoll 17mm a good lens for video?

The Atoll 17mm can be used for video, especially for cinematic, expansive shots where manual focus is desired. Its smooth focus ring is beneficial.

However, the lack of autofocus and stabilization unless your camera has IBIS might be a consideration for some video workflows.

How durable is the Atoll 17mm lens?

With its all-metal construction, the Lomography Atoll 17mm is built to be very durable and withstand regular use, making it a reliable lens for photographers on the go.

Is the Atoll 17mm weather-sealed?

Lomography does not typically specify weather-sealing for their Art Lenses.

While robust, it’s generally recommended to protect it from heavy rain or extreme dust environments.

What is the “Art Lens” philosophy?

The “Art Lens” philosophy by Lomography emphasizes unique optical characteristics, manual control, and a distinct aesthetic over clinical perfection. Tile Mate 2021 Review

It aims to encourage creative expression and embrace the imperfections that add character to an image.

Is the Atoll 17mm a good lens for beginners?

The Atoll 17mm can be challenging for beginners due to its manual focus and ultra-wide perspective, which requires careful composition.

However, for a beginner eager to learn and experiment, it can be a rewarding tool to develop unique photographic skills.

What accessories are recommended for the Atoll 17mm?

Recommended accessories include a good set of 77mm filters ND, polarizer, a sturdy tripod like the Manfrotto BeFree Advanced Travel Tripod for long exposures or low light, and potentially a focus-peaking enabled camera for easier manual focusing.

Does the Atoll 17mm have a depth of field scale?

How heavy is the Lomography Atoll 17mm lens?

The weight of the Atoll 17mm varies slightly by mount, but it is generally a substantial lens due to its all-metal construction, weighing in the range of 300-500 grams approx. 0.66-1.1 lbs.

Can the Atoll 17mm be used on film cameras?

Yes, the Atoll 17mm can be used on compatible film cameras e.g., Canon EF mount version on a Canon EOS film SLR, Nikon F mount version on a Nikon F series film SLR. Using it with film can further enhance its artistic, vintage aesthetic.

What makes the Atoll 17mm “Art” lens?

The “Art” designation signifies that the lens is designed with a focus on producing specific, artistic optical qualities like distinct color rendition, vignetting, and sharpness fall-off rather than striving for technical neutrality or clinical perfection.

Does the Atoll 17mm support EXIF data transfer?

Generally, manual lenses like the Atoll 17mm, especially those without electronic contacts which depends on the specific mount version, will not transmit aperture or focal length EXIF data to the camera.

Some modern mirrorless adapters might allow for manual input or partial data. Tcl Alto R1 Roku Tv Wireless Soundbar Review

Is it easy to manual focus the Atoll 17mm?

With the aid of modern camera features like focus peaking and magnification, manual focusing the Atoll 17mm can be relatively easy.

However, it requires practice and a different approach compared to relying on autofocus.

What kind of photography is the Atoll 17mm best suited for?

Where is the Lomography Atoll 17mm Art Lens manufactured?

Lomography Art Lenses, including the Atoll 17mm, are generally manufactured by partner optical factories in Asia, often in China, according to Lomography’s specific optical and mechanical designs.