If you have been following our photography articles closely, then the name Irix is familiar to you. Its Firefly and Blackstone wide-angle lenses are among the best on the market, and when news started circulating that the company planned to expand its offer with a new lens, it definitely caught our attention. Today all doubts are cleared with the announcement of the Irix 150mm f/2.8 MACRO 1:1, which combines the best of its siblings in terms of design and resistance to the elements, plus minimal distortion, and the usual compatibility: Nikon F, Canon EF, and Pentax K.
Exploring the field of macro photography depends on what your requirements are in the first place. You can start with something as simple as a homemade lens mounted on a popsicle stick for your smartphone, however, if you want to reach a level similar to what we have seen in galleries and international competitions, you have to add hardware. The search for new lenses is complex by nature, but when it comes to detecting the best options in terms of cost-benefit, one name appears: Irix. This manufacturer has taken everyone by surprise with its excellent Firefly and Blackstone wide-angle lenses, but now there is something new on the horizon, the Irix 150mm f/2.8 MACRO 1:1.
Irix 150mm f/2.8 MACRO 1:1
Thanks to an optical construction of twelve elements (three designed with super low dispersion glass 'ED', and four others with high refractive index glass 'HR') divided into nine groups, the Irix 150mm f/2.8 MACRO 1:1 presents a distortion of barely 0.1 percent, placing it at the same level as other titans in this category. Based on a 150mm configuration and a 1:1 reproduction scale, the photographer can move even further away from the object to be photographed, which means greater comfort and convenience compared to using lenses with a shorter focal length. The aperture mechanism has 11 rounded diaphragm blades that maintain a circular shape throughout the entire working range, and that translates into fabulous bokeh when shooting with a wider aperture, or lower diffraction when going in the other direction.
Logically, Irix did not skimp on details on the outside of its lens, the first under the Dragonfly finish (emphasis on 'first', so it is not far-fetched to imagine additional lenses in the future) with a structure that combines compound elements and an aluminum-magnesium alloy. The Irix 150mm f/2.8 MACRO 1:1 comes with a focus ring (up to 270 degrees of rotation) with a convex rubber design, and a locking system to fix the focus exactly where you need it. At the same time, we find a series of special seals located at strategic points throughout the lens, which optimize its resistance to harsh weather. Sometimes, the best macro shots await us in the rain or snow, so it is good to know that we can work with the Irix 150mm f/2.8 MACRO 1:1 in those conditions without restrictions.
By merging the best features available in its Firefly and Blackstone siblings, this lens presents superior robustness, without neglecting aspects such as weight or final size (135 by 87 mm, 840 grams). The Irix 150mm f/2.8 MACRO 1:1 includes a processor that enables aperture control at the camera level, and the use of semi-automatic modes.
What can we expect in the complete package? First, a flower hood, ideal for protecting the lens and blocking lateral light sources. Add to that a rigid case that guarantees safe transport and storage without risk, and a detachable tripod collar compatible with Arca Swiss. At this point it is inevitable to ask: How much and when? For now, the people at Irix decided to keep both details, but it is almost certain that we will know more at Photokina. That's right: The 2018 edition of the convention starts tomorrow (although the press is already there) and will extend until next Saturday, and Irix confirmed its presence in hall 4.2. If you have the chance to pass by, don't hesitate!
Specifications
The Irix 150mm f/2.8 MACRO 1:1 is available under SKU codes "0713043555,0713043559".
