Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly review

According provided by Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly many thanks directly to IRIX.

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly. increase.

Navigation

  1. In short
  2. History
  3. All IRIX Lenses
  4. Main Specifications
  5. Appearance
  6. Assembly
  7. Focusing
  8. Diaphragm
  9. Image quality
  10. Sample Photos Nikon D800
  11. Sample Photos Nikon D40
  12. My experience
  13. Original Nikkor Auto Focus Macro Lenses
  14. Results
  15. User Comments
  16. Add your review or question on the lens

In this review, I will refer to the IRIX 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly for short - Irix 150 / 2.8.

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

In short

Irix 150 / 2.8 - unique modern manual focus macro lens. It has a very high build quality and very high optical characteristics. Irix 150 / 2.8 shows very low distortion, very low chromatic aberration (they are practically absent!) and slight vignetting.

The lens has microprocessor contacts, which allows you to get automatic iris control and work correctly with data EXIF... Despite the fact that this is a 'manual lens', the exposure will work with all modern digital cameras from Nikon (including amateur cameras of the Nikon DX series).

Irix 150 / 2.8 is available for Canon cameras with EF / EFS mount, Nikon with F mount and Pentax with K mount. This review shows the version for Nikon.

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

History

Rumors about the lens went a long time, but officially the announcement of Irix 150 / 2.8 took place only 24 September 2018 year.

One year later, July 9 2019 video version released - IRIX Cine 150mm T3.0 Macro 1: 1. The Cine version is available for Canon EF, Sony E, Micro 4/3 and Arri PL mounts. Each version for video shooting has two types, with different markings of focusing distances in meters or feet.

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

All IRIX Lenses

IRIX for photos:

  1. IRIX 11 f/4 Firefly + IRIX 11 f/4 Blackstone (EF, F, K)
  2. IRIX 15 f / 2.4 Firefly + IRIX 15 f/2.4 Blackstone (EF, F, K + E) [overview]
  3. IRIX 21 f / 1.4 Dragonfly (EF, F, K)
  4. IRIX 30 f / 1.4 Dragonfly (EF, F, K)
  5. IRIX 45 f / 1.4 Dragonfly (EF, F, K + G)
  6. IRIX 150 f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly (EF, F, K + E) [overview]

IRIX for video:

  1. IRIX Cine 11mm T4.3 (E, EF, MFT, PL [* meters / feet], Z, RF, L)
  2. IRIX Cine 15mm T2.6 Lens (E, EF, MFT, PL [* meters / feet], Z, RF, L)
  3. IRIX Cine 21mm T1.5 Lens (E, EF, MFT, PL [* meters / feet], Z, RF, L)
  4. IRIX Cine 30mm T1.5 Lens (E, EF, MFT, PL [* meters / feet], Z, RF, L)
  5. IRIX Cine 45mm T1.5 Lens (E, EF, MFT, PL [* meters / feet], Z, RF, L)
  6. IRIX Cine 150mm T3.0 Macro 1: 1 (E, EF, MFT, PL [* meters / feet], Z, RF, L)

All IRIX lenses are full-frame.

  • G - for FujiFilm GFX Medium Format
  • EF - for Canon EOS EF / EFS
  • RF - for Canon EOS R
  • Z - for Nikon Z
  • L - for Leica L
  • F - for Nikon F
  • K - for Pentax K
  • MFT - for Micro 4/3
  • E - for Sony E / FE
  • PL - for Arri PL
  • There are two types of Cine with different layouts of focusing distances (in meters or feet)
Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Main technical characteristics of Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly:

Review Instance Name On the case: 150 irix f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1

On the focus ring: neutrino coating

On the bayonet side, serial number + [IRIX] + SWISS DESIGN Made in Korea

On the box: [IRIX] 150mm f / 2.8 DSLR Full Frame Macro 1: 1 lens Dragonfly

Basic properties
  • Dragonfly - a range of lenses with a durable yet lightweight protected body
  • Macro 1: 1 - the possibility of macro photography with a maximum magnification factor of 1X
  • Neutrino coating - special optical coating
  • Lock / Unlock - focus ring lock
  • ED (Extra / Super-low Dispersion) - low dispersion elements in the optical scheme
  • HR (High Refractive index) - elements in the optical scheme with a high retention coefficient
  • SWISS DESIGN - Swiss design
  • Only manual focus
  • Internal focus
  • Lens hood bayonet type supplied
  • Removable tripod foot
  • Rubber compressor lens mounts
  • There is no aperture control ring, analog Nikon G
  • The review lens uses a Nikon F mount and is designed for Nikon full-frame cameras
  • Important: a lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its practical use
Front Filter Diameter 77 mm, metal thread for light filters
Focal length 150 mm

Zoom ratio 1 X (this is a fixed lens, it does not have a zoom)
Designed by for full-frame digital cameras.

Lens from the review for cameras with Nikon F mount.

Also available for Canon EF / EFS and Pentax K

Number of aperture blades  11 rounded petals
Tags
  • bayonet mount mark
  • label for attaching the hood
  • focus distance scale in meters and feet
  • magnification ratio scale, there are values ​​of 1:10, 1: 5, 1: 3, 1: 2, 1: 1.5, 1: 1.2, 1: 1
  • infrared mark R
  • Lock / Unlock marks and arrow for fixing the focus ring
  • vertical mark on focus ring
Diaphragm from F / 2.8 to F / 32, controlled from the camera

(Important, some Nikon cameras display a maximum aperture of F / 3 instead of F / 2.8)

MDF 0.345 m, maximum magnification ratio 1 x (1: 1)
The weight 840 g (according to the official website)

According to my measurements:

  • lens without covers, paws and lens hood: 831 gram
  • lens with caps, foot and lens hood: 1016 г
Optical design 12 elements in 9 groups

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 DragonflyThe lens uses:

  • 3 low dispersion elements
  • 4 high refractive index elements

Optical design clickable

Lens hood Bayonet Mount Plastic Blend [irix] ILH-150 Made in Korea. The hood is supplied, can be installed in the opposite direction
Manufacturer country Made in Korea (Made in South Korea)
Period It was announced on September 24, 2018. On its basis, on July 9, 2019, a lens for video shooting is presented. IRIX Cine 150mm T3.0 Macro 1: 1. The Cine version is of two types with different markings of focusing distances in meters or feet
Price See

So far, the Irix 150 / 2.8 can only be found in options for Nikon, Canon and Pentax mirror systems. But many photographers without problems use the Irix 15mm f / 2.4 Firefly on mirrorless cameras through appropriate adapters.

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Appearance

Images with a view of the lens in the gallery below are taken from official sources.


Assembly

The Irix 150 / 2.8 is the first lens in the Dragonfly line. In translation, 'Dragonfly' means 'dragonfly'. In short, Dragonfly is a combination of the previous lines. Irix Firefly and Irix Blackstone... It took lightness and compactness from Firefly, and reliability from Blackstone.

Irix 150 / 2.8 boasts the following key features related to the assembly:

  1. the outer part of the housing is coated sustainable to scratches and scuffs
  2. the inside of the case is made of lightweight aluminum alloy
  3. external parts of the case are made of lightweight aluminum magnesium alloy
  4. focus ring has an extra non-slip coating
  5. focus ring has additional emphasis for a comfortable grip (ledge with a blue stripe)
  6. the lens has 5 special gaskets (including rubber mount seal)
  7. the lens itself is weatherproof
  8. metal bayonet, metal thread for filters
  9. lens hood comes with the delivery. The lens hood has a pleasant dust removal coating on its inside (not velor and not fabric, I see this texture for the first time). The hood can be installed in the opposite direction for transportation
  10. removable tripod foot IRIX ILF-150, Arca-Swiss Standard, 1/4. The foot has a special fabric seal on its inside
  11. for most tags used fluorescent paint (responsive to ultraviolet light in the dark)
  12. those marks that are on the metal parts of the lens, engraved, not just painted with paint
  13. hard carry case included in delivery. The case has a handle for wearing it (but there is no belt loop)
  14. stylish delivery box, colorful IRIX product brochures
  15. spare back cover included
  16. back and front covers have their own own unique design
  17. lens weight is 840 gramsfor example, similar autofocus Sigma 150 / 2.8 MACRO OS 1150 gram weights
  18. and like a cherry on a cake - at Irix 150 / 2.8 swiss designwhich in 2019 received two awards: 'IF DESIGN AWARD' in the 'TV / Camera' category and 'reddot award 2019'

But if you try to look at the details, you can find the following minor flaws:

  1. Lock / Unlock ring plastic
  2. no depth of field scale
  3. there is no focusing distance limiter (for example, like Sigma 150 / 2.8EX MACRO it is three-position, for convenient operation at different focusing distances). However, usually such a limiter is used only for auto focus lenses.
  4. assembled in Korea (this can scare many away)
  5. there is no front rubber shockproof 'bumper' (some telephoto lenses have, for example, Nikon 80-400 / 4.5-5.6D)
  6. those marks on the plastic parts of the case are not engraved, but painted
  7. there are no orientation marks for the tripod foot that would allow you to quickly rotate the lens from horizontal to strictly vertical and vice versa
  8. for example Sigma 150 / 2.8EX MACRO the delivery set contains one interesting thing - an additional extension tube 'APS-C HOOD HA 780-01' of the original hood for working on cropped cameras with an APS-C sensor. This extension cord allows maximum blocking of side and back light when working on cameras with a cropped sensor. A trifle, but thoughtful and pleasant
  9. the beautiful name Dragonfly is not written anywhere on the lens itself
  10. terrible, constantly falling mount cap

Irix 150 / 2.8 has one critical error: the lens cannot be mounted on most Nikon DX cameras of the younger line, such as the D3000-D3500, D5000-D5600, D40, D40x, D60, as well as some advanced Nikon DX cameras, such as the D70-D90. I don’t know about the rest. The lens abuts against the protruding beak of the built-in flash and cannot be latched into the bayonet mount. Irix 150 / 2.8 originally designed for use on Nikon FX cameras only... True, such an inconvenience is a complete disgrace. At the same time, the instructions for such restrictions do not say anything, as well as on the official website. I must remind you that all original full frame lenses Nikon fx always and without any problems stand on any cropped cameras Nikon DX. This allows you to maintain the integrity and consistency of the system.

Due to the fact that the lens is more 'chubby' than the original Nikon Nikkor lenses, and also due to the fact that on the Irix 150 / 2.8 mount side it has a ribbed metal decorative ring - all this leads to the fact that the fingers of the right hand sometimes you press the bones against this ring and you get unpleasant sensations.

It is also unclear why the Irix 150 / 2.8 for Nikon cameras turned out to be a lens. G-typerather than the lens E-type, because all Nikon full-frame cameras can work with lenses E-typeand the Irix 150 / 2.8 for Canon EF still uses an electromagnetic diaphragm, which could be placed in the Irix 150 / 2.8 for Nikon f.

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Focusing

The focus ring rotates 270 degrees (3/4 of a full revolution), manual focus is smooth and comfortable. The focus ring is very wide, rubberized.

Lens has internal focus, the front and rear lenses remain stationary during focusing. It is possible to use various filters without any problems. Optical design and focusing are designed in such a way as to avoid loss of image quality at different focusing distances. I easily used Irix 150 / 2.8 with a CITIWIDE CPL 77mm polarizing filter.

Irix 150 / 2.8 does not have a focus distance limiter, for example, Sigma 150 / 2.8EX MACRO there is such a limiter. The limiter allows you to simplify the work with the lens at certain focusing distances. However, usually only auto focus lenses have such a limiter.

The minimum focusing distance is 34.5 см, with this focusing distance, magnification is available 1: 1. In this case, the working distance (the distance from the subject to the front lens of the lens) is about 18 см, which is a good indicator.

It is believed that autofocus is often unnecessary for serious macro work. But, of course, Irix 150 / 2.8 can be used not only at close focusing distances for macro shooting, but, for example, for portrait photography or as a short telephoto lens for wildlife, in such cases the modern lens is greatly lacking in autofocus.

Irix 150 / 2.8 has another extra ring Lock / Unlock, which allows you to fix (clamp) the focus ring in a certain position. It is not recommended to rotate the focus ring when it is pressed by the locking ring. To fully lock the focus ring, you need to hold it tightly enough with the Lock / Unlock ring. After tightly clamping it, the Lock / Unlock ring can be difficult to turn the other way, as it is rather narrow and plastic. There is an arrow on the ring that indicates which direction you need to rotate in order to lock the focus ring.

Focus Acknowledgment via JVI carried out by the green dot in the lower left corner of the optical viewfinder. However, despite the presence of microprocessor contacts, the lens does not allow the use of focus trap, i.e. maintaining the lock of the shutter button until the exact focus. Such a focusing trap can only be realized on Pentax cameras in the lens version for Pentax K.

Focus shift (shift-focus) is missing.

Irix 150 / 2.8 has the effect of 'Focus breathing'- change in viewing angle during focusing. During focusing towards MDF, the viewing angle decreases slightly. In short, during focusing from infinity towards the MDF, the effective focal length increases, which leads to a decrease in the viewing angle. The focal length indicated on the lens body and equal to 150 mm is true only when the lens is focused at infinity. This behavior is typical of most macro lenses.

Important: Irix 150 / 2.8 does not transmit the focus distance to the subject in the camera. At any focusing distance, the lens microprocessor indicates a focusing distance of 14 meters. Thus, the Irix 150 / 2.8 is an analog of the Nikon series lenses. Non-d. This interferes with proper metering. exposure, especially when using flash.

Important: The Irix 150 / 2.8 is a third-party lens. It may happen that it will not work correctly with some Nikon cameras. For example, compatibility with the FTZ adapter is unknown, the exact list of cameras on which it can be installed is unknown, the cause of the error with the maximum aperture display is unknown, etc.

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Diaphragm

Irix 150 / 2.8 uses aperture as much as 11 petals. The aperture blades are rounded, which allows you to get enough for any value of the number F flat aperture. It should be noted that this is the first lens with 11 aperture blades and full automatic iris control that I have ever used.

As far as I know, now only in some Sony and Sigma lenses are installed 11 aperture blades with their further automatic control and usually these are premium auto focus lenses. Previously, the absolute and overwhelming majority of TOP lenses with automatic iris control were limited to 9 aperture blades.

Please note that Irix 150 / 2.8 shows the maximum open f / 2.8 aperture at all focusing distances.. Some advanced lenses, such as Nikon 105mm f / 2.8 VR Micro and many others, increase aperture value while focusing toward MDF. The change in the number F when changing the focusing distance is introduced specifically to achieve accurate metering exposure. In macro lenses, during focusing towards the MDF, the effective aperture value changes. This is due to the fact that during focusing towards the MDF, the effective focal length of the lens changes.

This behavior of the F number is quite important when working with manual pulsed light, where you need to set a certain power for each shot, and when changing the focusing distance, you should always take this into account and make the necessary correction.

During focusing on MDF, the maximum relative aperture is 1: 4.5.

Other macro lenses with which I had to deal with behave in a similar manner. This is not a problem, just such a feature of macro lenses.

It's important: For some reason, on some Nikon cameras, the maximum Iris 150 / 2.8 aperture that can be set is F / 3 instead of F / 2.8. Most likely this is due to the features of the lens firmware. The result was a kind of reference to the IRIX CINE 150 T3.0.

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Image quality

The lens uses nano-coating, which IRIX calls 'Neutrino Coating'. The optical system contains low-dispersion elements and elements with a super-high refractive index, which is good news. And also there are no aspherical elements, this allows you to make bokeh without the onion concentric circles.

Irix 150 / 2.8 is sharp across the entire field of the frame and practically without chromatic aberration, which is very rare.

Sharpness

  • in the center of the frame at F / 2.8 in resolution, the lens is good, but with the closure of the aperture, sharpness increases slightly
  • the sharpness drop to the edges and corners of the frame is very weak and almost imperceptible
  • in fact, the lens creates a sharp and detailed image anytime, anywhere (over the entire field of the frame, and without diffraction)

Distortion

  • distortion is extremely small and does not require correction
  • visually in the pictures it is extremely difficult to determine the distortion

Vignetting

  • noticeable vignetting is observed only at F / 2.8 and is about a step in the corners of the image
  • vignetting is enhanced with focus towards infinity
  • vignetting almost disappears at values ​​after f / 8
  • vignetting is easily fixable in the editor

Aberration

  • practically absent friging (longitudinal chromatic aberrationwhich in the blur zone color contrast elements in green or purple)
  • cross level chromatic aberration very low
  • very low coma
  • with the fight against chromatic aberration in this lens everything is very good

Rest

  • the aperture is well rounded at all apertures
  • the lens tolerates lateral and backlight well, but in difficult shooting conditions it can still create a noticeable amount of glare (example)
  • lens can create nice bokeh
  • getting the effect of a 22-ray star is quite problematic

Important: at the time of the creation of this review, the Irix 150 / 2.8 profile for popular RAW converters did not exist. You can create a profile yourself or wait for its release.

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Sample photos on Nikon D800

Pictures from Nikon D800 (thank ProFotoSale), on-camera JPEG L FINE without additional processing.

  • Picture Control Mode: SD (Standard with default settings, 3, 0, 0, 0, 0)
  • White balance: Auto1 (with default offset)
  • Active D-lighting: Auto
  • Noise reduction for high ISO: OFF
  • Vignette Control: OFF
  • The lens was used without filters and without a hood

Jpeg source photos download from this link (74 files, 900 MB).

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Sample photos on Nikon D40

I love contrasting kits from a simple camera and a super-quality lens. Nikon D40 - the simplest CZK among all CZK from Nikon. Irix 150 / 2.8 on crumb Nikon D40 It works simply prohibitively high quality and creates a super-sharp picture already with the maximum open aperture.

Important: you can’t just take and install Irix 150 / 2.8 on the camera Nikon D40. This is prevented by the built-in flash of the camera. IRIX engineers did not take into account this trifle, designing the Irix 150 / 2.8 only for large full-frame Nikon FX SLR cameras, in which the beak of the built-in flash or the beak of the pentaprism is much higher than that of the younger Nikon cameras. I already met such a serious jamb on the lens Yongnuo YN 85mm F1.8N. To mount the lens on the camera Nikon D40 я sawed off about 2-3 mm of plastic from the protruding beak of the built-in flash, otherwise the lens can not be installed in the bayonet in any way, its plump body rests against this protrusion. By no means so do not do it! Now here on Radozhiv there is single placewhere you can see examples on Irix 150 / 2.8 and Nikon D40.

I originally wanted to drive the Irix 150 / 2.8 on my camera Nikon D3200, which has a very high pixel density, higher than the Nikon D850 or Nikon Z7 and see how the Irix 150 / 2.8 will cope with its sensor. But sawing the built-in flash D3200 I didn't dare. A sensible thought came in the comments - Irix 150 / 2.8 can be used with such cameras using macro rings.

Converting original RAW files with the original Nikon Capture NX-D v 1.4.6 utility:

Jpeg source photos download from this link (64 files, 240 MB). There is nothing nicer than not regret the shutter Nikon D40.

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

My experience

I used Irix 150 / 2.8 for a rather long period of time and shot about 6.000 frames on it. This is a nice, thoughtful lens with good image quality and minor imperfections. What struck me most about Irix 150 / 2.8 was the lack of chromatic aberration (both transverse and longitudinal).

Nikon, Canon and Pentax, for the mounts of which the Irix 150 / 2.8 lens is available, do not have a direct analogue.

Full / extended autofocus analog Irix 150 / 2.8 can be considered Sigma EX 150mm 1: 2.8 APO MACRO DG HSM OS and its predecessor without stabilizer Sigma EX 150mm 1: 2.8 APO MACRO DG HSM. Sigma generally has a lot of macro lenses with a large focal length (for example, line 180 / 3.5 / 2.8) Unfortunately, these Sigma lenses are hard to find for sale new. Also, one cannot fail to mention the old man Tamron LD Di SP AF 180mm 1: 3.5 IF Macro 1: 1.

Making 'serious' macro lenses is not easy. By themselves, macro lenses with a focal length of 150 mm or more - the cat cried and there is practically nothing to choose from. Moreover, original solutions cost a lot of money. At the same time, Irix 150 / 2.8 offers a very functional solution for a very reasonable price. Compared to the original lenses from Nikon, Canon and Pentax, the modern Irix 150 / 2.8 loses mainly only by the lack of autofocus.

And the stabilizer for such lenses for these systems is only in Sigma 180 / 2.8 Macro OS и Sigma 150 / 2.8 MACRO OS. However, you need to consider that many modern cameras have a built-in image stabilizer (for example, Pentax K-1 II, Nikon Z7, etc.).

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly


All autofocus MICRO / MC NIKKOR lenses

Z-mount FX:

  1. Nikon Nikkor Z MC 50 mm 1:2.8
  2. Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105 mm 1: 2.8 VR S

F-mount FX:

  1. Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 50 mm 1:2.8 R-UW
  2. Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 55 mm 1:2.8
  3. Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 60 mm 1:2.8
  4. Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 60 mm 1: 2.8D
  5. Nikon N AF-S Micro Nikkor 60 mm 1: 2.8G SWM ED IF Aspherical Nano Crystal Coat (Japan or Thailand)
  6. Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 105 mm 1:2.8
  7. Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 105 mm 1: 2.8D
  8. Nikon N AF-S Micro Nikkor 105 mm 1: 2.8G ED VR SWM IF Micro 1: 1 Nano Crystal Coat (Japan or China)
  9. Nikon ED AF Micro Nikkor 200 mm 1: 4D
  10. Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 70-180 mm 1: 4.5-5.6D ED

F-mount DX:

  1. Nikon DX AF-S Micro Nikkor 40 mm 1: 2.8G SWM
  2. Nikon DX AF-S Micro Nikkor 85 mm 1: 3.5G ED VR SWM IF Micro 1: 1

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly

Results

Irix 150 / 2.8 - an interesting and high-quality macro lens, you can even say that one of a kind. Great for macro photographers. If you plan to shoot on such a lens not only macro, but also other subjects, for example, a portrait, then you can look at modern autofocus analogs with a stabilizer. The main competitor for Irix 150 / 2.8 I would single out Sigma 150 / 2.8 MACRO OS EXwhose price tag is comparable to Irix 150 / 2.8.

10 main advantages:

  1. maximum magnification ratio 1: 1
  2. CPU contacts, automatic iris control and operation with EXIF
  3. high aperture (1/2 step higher than F / 3.5 for some other similar lenses, for example, Canon 180 / 3.5 L, Sigma 180 / 3.5 EX, Tamron 180 / 3.5 SP)
  4. quite convenient and thoughtful manual focus with an additional protrusion on the focus ring, an additional focus lock ring and anti-slip coating of the focus ring. Inner Focusing
  5. convenient removable tripod foot, all-weather protection of the lens (5 seals, including rubber lens mount seal)
  6. a large number of special optical elements in the optical scheme, special enlightenment of optics
  7. eleven aperture blades
  8. stylish and pleasant design of shipping boxes, solid carrying case included
  9. bayonet hood included
  10. very high optical performance: high sharpness over the entire field of the frame, a very low level of chromatic aberration, coma and distortion

10 main disadvantages:

  1. the focusing ring is poorly 'stretched' at infinity and in the middle range of focusing distances, it is inconvenient to focus, for example, when shooting portraits (and this is a lens with manual focus only)
  2. 77 mm large filter diameter (e.g. Nikon 200 / 4D Micro only 62 mm)
  3. uncomfortable rear protective cap that flies off the lens easily
  4. Nikon and Canon SLR cameras do not have the ability to configure focus trap (when shutter release is possible only when accurate focus is achieved)
  5. the lens does not show / does not change the effective aperture value during focusing towards MDF, which reduces the convenience of working with exposure. Some Nikon cameras display a maximum aperture of F / 3 instead of F / 2.8
  6. no image stabilizer (e.g. Sigma 150 / 2.8 MACRO OS EX he is)
  7. lens does not transmit focus distance to subject (Nikon 'NON-D' type lens)
  8. the lens cannot be mounted on most Nikon DX junior and advanced series cameras (D3xxx, D5xxx, D70 etc.)
  9. there is little information on certified service centers for servicing IRIX lenses in the countries of the former CIS. Lack of data about the lens in modern cameras, which makes it difficult to automatically correct some types of optical distortion (distortionvignetting etc.)
  10. in the backlight you can get an abundance of glare, tangible vignetting at F / 2.8

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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: koba

 

 

Comments: 40, on the topic: Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly review

  • anonym

    Useful information about the file and crop camera. Thank.

  • B. R. P.

    Thanks for your review. It is nice that the representative office of the company is willing to cooperate. An interesting lens, despite the rather annoying restrictions in use with some cameras. Not everyone dares to do an operation similar to that done with the D40) neutrino coating - no words) I was surprised by the impractical design of the back cover.

  • Rodion

    Is this lens optimized for use at short distances or does its quality remain as high at infinity?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      At infinity, everything is just as good. In the archive of examples from d800 I added some samples at infinity. Additionally, considering that it was converted under the video, then everything is in order at all distances.

  • Sergei

    150 mm for macro are generally rare even for a full frame, but here they are used for crop.
    A very specific lens for macro, I would choose for myself in the range of F = 50-100 mm.
    150 mm is only for macro fans when it is important to keep a serious distance to the subject.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      I used it on a full frame, not only on crop

  • Vsevolod

    I didn’t quite understand what prevented me from checking macro capabilities on the d3200 by simply adding a minimal macro ring? Is that his absence?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Now I don’t have a macro ring for Nikon, only for M42 and for Canon

  • Eugen

    Aperture control rings like the Zeiss ZF don't?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      No. Aperture ring no. This is a G-lens in Nikon terms.
      This information is indicated on the plate in the section “basic properties”: There is no aperture control ring, analogue of Nikon G.

      • Eugen

        It is regrettable, very.

  • koba

    This is what happens when, in fact, a cinema lens is produced under the guise of a photographic lens - large, thick and chic ... It can resolve at least 100 megapixels, there are reviews on the Internet. The bad news is that Irix does not produce many lenses, especially wide fixes with such optics and mechanics and contacts, I would even buy a new 24mm from them ...

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Apparently creating a line of such high-quality lenses with a large set of focal lengths is not so simple.

      • koba

        They have excellent 15mm and 11mm, they are really excellent, and it’s understandable why, in this segment there are not so many high-quality lenses and with normal prices, but 24mm is not right, they thought that they simply would not overpower sales. And now, in general, all sales have fallen, and for a long time not to return.

    • Iskander

      Strong Focus Breathing ... For filmmakers, this drawback can become critical in cases of focus shifting from close to far and back. So it's still more macro than cinema.

      • Onotole

        And what, there are macros without focus breathing?

        • Alexey

          Of course no. FR changes in the process of focusing :)

          • Onotole

            That's it.

  • Boris

    Arkady! Absolutely wonderful review! You can say exemplary! But my message is not on the topic, I'm sorry. I just want to have a little fun for you, and at the same time readers!

  • Boris

    Sorry. didn't know that the doc file cannot be added to the comment ...

    • Arkady Shapoval

      You can only attach images

      • Alexey

        Can I have a PDF?

        • Arkady Shapoval

          You can only attach images

  • York

    The review is good, thanks to the reviewer!

    And the lens, as it were to put it in a bit of words, is incomprehensible.

    For a subject better than a half-hike nothing has been invented yet.
    For the field, the manual for 150mm - well-oo-oo-oo ... And even without a diaphragm ring, and even problems with counter, and even with a completely absent service ...

    Now, if I took it now, I would consider it in the last turn - even after the old shitty sigma with glitched AF, garbage permission, etc.

    As I understand it, the path was paved by lava - with its strange macro-widths and super-macro. But lava chose the right niche, and immediately took it.
    Now here are all sorts of iris-mitacon connected, but it is not very clear who will buy them.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      I do not see problems in the absence of a diaphragm control ring. Or do you want to add or use more rings on other systems? There are rings with aperture support, and for other systems there are adapters with CPU support.
      Service, of course, is not clear where to look, but the same applies to many other lenses in the countries of the former CIS.
      But 150 mm and more is a very pleasant and practical focal length for working in the field.

  • Jankowsky

    Once again, I congratulate Arkady for the unique opportunity to personally test such a coolest lens, rare for our market! A landmark review will definitely go down in history. Judging by the examples, this is a premium-level lens, and the pattern is plastic and technical at the same time, unlike the top Nikkors, tough and rough.

    I'd like to see a review of IRIX 11mm F4, LAOWA 105 2.8 STF, possibly Zenitar 0.95 E

  • anonym

    How to understand from the text - onion concentric circles. You can give an example with and without them.

    • Onotole

      Bokeh circles are like cut onions. Look, there are examples on the site, something like that is called - 'bulbous bokeh'

    • Igor

      This is how to take the different phases of the aging Moon and put them together convex outward, you get a flattened circle with different convex sides and island opposite angles.

      • Rodion

        Not that, these are "lemons in bokeh"

    • Rodion

      This is when the surface of the circle of confusion has an uneven distribution of brightness in the form of alternating rings of light and darker. Usually arises due to the use of aspherical lenses, since such coarser processing can be used in their manufacture. It also seems to be typical for lenses using Fresnel lenses (70-300 DO Canon).

      • Igor

        I see. Thanks.

  • Alexander

    Great lens judging by the photos. In general, Irix lenses are a unique technique!
    I was surprised that the back cover falls off easily. On my Irix 15mm f2.8 ZE, there is no such problem.
    I like my Irix more and more!
    Irix has only been around for a few years, unlike Canon and Nikon.
    Perhaps in the future, and they will develop a service for maintenance.

  • Minsk

    Hello, please tell me if this lens is suitable for the Nikon D810, is it because this camera has a built-in flash?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Suitable for

  • Alexey

    And what is the actual difference between the same video lens? Focus ring?

  • Alexey

    I mean the difference between Irix 150mm T 3.0 macro. Ato on z bayonet current video lens is

    • Arkady Shapoval

      framed and managed

  • Alexey

    I think that he or laowa 100mm macro will be more interesting

    • York

      I took Laova for myself, I did not become toffee.

      I liked Laova a lot more.
      And the picture, and FR, and constructive.

      For long macro, there are Canon 180 and Nikon 200, both are better than Iriks and autofocus in addition.

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