Irix 150mm Macro F2.8 Dragonfly

A revamped manual-focus but 'smart' macro lens

- Matthew Richards

£513/$695

https://irixlens.com/

Specifications

Mount: Sony E

Full-frame: Yes

Lens construction: 12 elements in 9 groups

Angle of view: 16º

Autofocus: No

Image stabilisation: No

Diaphragm blades: 11

Max aperture: f/2.8

Min aperture: f/32

Min focus distance: 345cm

Max magnification ratio: 1.0x 

Filter size: 77mm

Dimensions (L x D): 170 x 87mm

Weight: 900g

The original, full-frame compatible Irix 150mm Macro 1:1 F2.8 Dragonfly has been available since 2018 in Canon EF, Nikon F and Pentax K mount options. For these mirrorless times, a new version is now also available in Sony E-mount, while the DSLR-based Canon and Nikon editions are compatible with EOS R and Nikon Z system mirrorless cameras via their respective mount adapters.

As its name suggests, the Irix gives full 1.0x or 1:1 macro magnification at its shortest focus distance. The 150mm focal length is around 50 percent longer than in most mainstream macro lenses, along with a greater minimum focus distance of 34.5cm, or 13.6 inches. That potentially gives you a more comfortable working distance, especially when shooting timid bugs. Irix was founded in 2016 by a group of professional photographers and while its headquarters are in Switzerland, Irix manufactures its glass in Japan and the assembly work is done in South Korea.