Skip to main content

Beautiful blur: gold version of Trioplan 'soap bubble' bokeh lens costs $3,500

meyer optik trioplan 100mm limited edition
Meyer-Optik-Göerlitz just announced a pair of limited-edition versions of its Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 lens. Photographers looking to add a bit of exclusivity to the already unique lens will be able to choose between the Trioplan Titanium and the extra special Trioplan Golden Eye, but neither will come cheap. The Titanium can be pre-ordered for $2,500, while the Golden Eye breaks the bank at $3,500.

This may seem high for a lens that is only $1,500 in its standard form, especially since the limited editions don’t alter the optical formula at all. Meyer-Optik doesn’t intend to sell very many of them, however. According to DPReview, the new versions were made to honor the 100th anniversary of the classic Trioplan lens, and will be available in extremely limited quantities. Only 100 copies of the Titanium will be produced, while the Golden Eye will see an even shorter run of just 10 units.

Related Videos

Beyond the gold or titanium plating, what makes the Trioplan unique (and gives it its name) is its apparently simplistic design: just three elements in three groups. At 100mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8, the lens achieves a shallow depth of field, with the optical design rendering the characteristic “soap bubble” blur in out-of-focus areas (also called bokeh).

Thanks to the unique look of the images it produces, the Trioplan is less of a workhorse lens and more of a specialist tool. Meyer-Optik describes it as being like a paintbrush, a lens for the purpose of creating art. Its uses, however, are varied, as it is equally capable for portraits and for close-ups.

Meyer-Optik looked to Kickstarter to help it resurrect the Trioplan lens in 2015. It went on to raise nearly $360,000 on a $50,000 goal from 452 backers. That’s an average pledge of $796, proving that photographers were ready to add this lens to their bags. A subsequent Kickstarter campaign for a 50mm Trioplan would go on to earn almost double that.

The 100mm Trioplan is available in mounts for Canon, Nikon, Micro Four Thirds, and Sony cameras. Meyer-Optik is currently accepting pre-orders through their website.

Editors' Recommendations

The Framework laptop is officially Thunderbolt 4 certified
A Framework laptop upside down with two hands holding it and the USB ports unscrewed

Framework laptops are officially Thunderbolt 4 certified after going through a rigorous Intel testing process. While you may have assumed they had Thunderbolt 4 before today, the truth is Framework did not have official certification despite having Thunderbolt-capable input/output (I/O).

There are four (yes, four) Thunderbolt 4-capable expansion bays on these laptops. Once you get the Framework firmware update, you’ll be cruising with dual 4K monitors, eGPUs, and other fun peripherals.

Read more
Mavic 3 design change reduces the drone’s price
mavic 3 design change reduces price classic

DJI launched the Mavic 3 to glowing reviews in 2021, with its Hasselblad dual-camera system, 4/3 CMOS 20-megapixel sensor, 5.1K video, and decent 46 minutes of flight time marking it out as DJI’s flagship consumer drone.

Its starting price of $2,049 is, however, prohibitive for many people, while those looking at the Combo option have to drop an even heavier wad of notes totaling $2,849.

Read more
Is DJI about to release a new drone?
A close-up of a lens, possibly for a new DJI drone.

DJI has just teased an event for next week, suggesting it could be about to unveil a new drone.

The event, announced on the company’s social media channels, is called, “Explore Vivid,” and will take place at 9 a.m. ET  (6 a.m. PT) on Wednesday, November 2.

Read more