The Lensbaby Burnside 35: Creative Control in a Compact Frame
When I first tested the Lensbaby Burnside 35 years ago, I didn’t realize how much I would come to appreciate its versatility and strong visual impact. As part of Lensbaby’s beta testing team at the time, I had the unique chance to try it before its public release—and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with what this little lens could do.
This isn’t a lens that fades quietly into your camera bag. It’s bold, intentional, and full of creative character.
A bird in flight, framed by sunlight dancing on water. The Burnside 35 at f/2.8 transforms the sparkles into swirling fragments of summer—capturing not just the moment, but the memory of the ocean’s shimmer.
What Makes the Burnside 35 Unique?
The Burnside 35 is a manual lens—a choice I always welcome. Manual focus invites slowness, presence, and thoughtful composition. It’s the kind of lens that nudges you out of auto-mode and brings you into a more connected, mindful way of seeing.
But what truly sets this lens apart is the vignette slider. Located on the outside of the lens body, it lets you control the vignette manually while you’re shooting. That means you can darken the edges of your frame in-camera—without relying on post-processing.
Paired with its distinctive circular bokeh, the Burnside 35 offers a dreamy, cinematic feel that feels immersive and painterly.
Dancing in circles—literally and visually. Shot at f/2.8, the Burnside 35 brings the background to life with its signature swirl, echoing the joyful movement of my daughter twirling around the pole.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
Shoot wide open (f/2.8) to bring out the lens's characteristic swirl and bokeh.
Control your subject-background distance to exaggerate or soften the effect.
At narrower apertures, you’ll get a sharper, more focused image without bokeh—ideal for environmental portraits or landscape details.
Use the vignette slider to add dramatic focus and guide the viewer’s eye into the heart of the image.
Suspended in a moment of desert stillness. Shot at f/2.8 with the Burnside 35, the swirling edges pull the energy inward—framing her mid-air leap with motion and magic.
Why This Lens Stands Out
With its 35mm focal length, the Burnside 35 is extremely versatile. It worked beautifully across landscapes, portraits, self-portraits, and even street photography during my early testing. Its color rendition is bold and clear, and the lens delivers a strong visual presence—very different from the soft glow of Lensbaby’s Velvet line.
If you’re new to Lensbaby and want just one lens to explore the creative potential of manual photography, this would be my personal pick.
Soft light, wild blooms, and the Burnside’s signature bokeh turn this backlit moment into something otherworldly.
A Quick Note
Sadly, Lensbaby no longer sells the Burnside 35 directly, but it’s still available through third-party retailers like B&H. It's not part of the Optic Swap System, which makes it easier to use—especially for beginners. You won’t need to tilt or swap optics—just focus manually and explore the scene with freedom.
Final Thoughts
The Burnside 35 reminded me why I love creative photography so much: it invites play, attention, and surprise. It’s a great lens for photographers who want to slow down and create with intention—and a quiet reminder that not every tool has to be high-tech to be deeply expressive.
Keep Exploring
If the Burnside 35 has sparked your curiosity, you’ll love diving into more creative lens techniques and artistic reflections. Here are a few hand-picked blog posts to explore next:
The Lensbaby Optic Swap System: A Creative Playground for Photographers
Discover the heart of Lensbaby’s modular system and how it opens up endless options for playful, expressive photography.
How to Create Bokeh in Photography: A Guide for Beginners
Learn how to manipulate light and background blur—including tips for maximizing swirl and glow effects with specialty lenses.
The Magic of Prism Photography: Tips and Techniques for Creative Images
Experiment with light and color using prisms and filters—perfect for photographers who love dreamlike visuals and layered effects.
Creative Hacks with the OMNI Flare Expansion Pack
Push your creativity even further with optical effects that pair beautifully with the Burnside’s aesthetic.