Testing the Pocket Dispo Lens
I first came across the Pocket Dispo Lens months ago—a compact, 3D-printed lens designed to mimic the look of disposable camera shots. It sat on my shelf for a while, waiting for the right opportunity to be used.
What drew me to this lens was its lightweight build and affordability. I wanted something compact and inexpensive to take with me while traveling, and at just $60—lighter than a lens cap—it was an easy purchase. With an upcoming trip to Florida, I finally put it to the test, capturing moments from the beaches of Daytona to Fort Clinch in Fernandina, and the breathtaking landscapes of Cumberland Island.
When I first attached the lens, I noticed it felt a bit loose and took some effort to secure properly. While it stayed in place, the fit wasn’t as tight as I’d like. Given that it’s 3D-printed plastic and comes at such an affordable price, I wasn’t about to complain. The lens is a true wide-angle at 28mm, which means it can exaggerate subjects when shooting up close. It also has a fixed aperture of f/11, just like a traditional disposable camera.
The lightweight and discreet nature of this lens made it incredibly easy to carry around, and since it has a fixed focus, I didn’t have to worry about adjusting it. I used focus peaking to check where the sharpest areas were while composing my shots.
What I loved most was how effortlessly it allowed me to capture spontaneous, blissful moments—the kind that feel nostalgic even as they happen. Between the perfect weather and the great company, I didn’t want to miss a single shot. The biggest advantage of this lens is achieving that nostalgic, disposable-camera aesthetic without the wait time or development costs. Shooting on my Sony A7R IV meant I could instantly review my shots while still getting that classic film-like feel.
For post-processing, I turned to Color.io to enhance the images further, dialing in that analog-inspired look.
If you’re considering this lens, here are a few key things to keep in mind:
It comes with a one-year warranty and a 30-day return policy.
It’s American-made, from design to manufacturing.
There’s an optional preset pack available for $10, delivered via thumb drive, though I personally prefer editing with Color.io.
This is definitely a lens I’ll keep using to document my everyday life and travels—especially when I’m not working with clients. Who knows? Maybe I’ll even find a client who wants this unique look.
