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Posts Tagged ‘Irix’

Irix introduces super wide-angle 11mm for full-frame DSLRs

21 Feb

New optics manufacturer Irix has announced a second extreme wide-angle lens for full-frame DSLR users that will join the existing 15mm F2.4. The new lens is a manual focus 11mm F4 which will come in two versions – Blackstone and Firefly – like the company’s first lens.

Constructed using 16 elements arranged in 10 groups the lens offers a nine-bladed iris with apertures from F4 to F22. Electrical contacts allow users to control aperture values from the camera body and for aperture values to be recorded in EXIF data.

Irix says this new 126° lens is unique because it exhibits only 3.13% curvilinear distortion on a full-frame sensor and shows test images to back up the claim, along with MTF charts that describe the expected resolution.

Available in mounts for Canon, Nikon and Pentax the lens is weather-sealed and comes in rugged or lightweight versions. The Firefly model is 12% lighter than the Blackstone, but the Blackstone is made from aluminum-magnesium alloy, features a metal-grooved focusing ring and has an anti-scratch coating. Those working in low light conditions might be glad of the Blackstone’s engaged markings that glow in the dark. As the forward element of both versions is so large, and the angle of view so extreme, the company has integrated a filter slot at the back of the lens for 30x30mm gelatin filters.

There is no indication yet when the lens will begin shipping but it is listed for sale on the company’s US website, with the Blackstone version costing $ 825 and the Firefly $ 595.
For more information see the Irix website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Going wide: Irix 15mm F2.4 sample gallery

02 Oct

Swiss company Irix recently released two versions of their 15mm F2.4 prime to the consumer market. The Irix 15mm is offered in two varieties: ‘Blackstone’ and the ‘Firefly.’ The Irix Blackstone features a magnesium and aluminum body able to withstand ‘extreme conditions,’ while the Irix Firefly model is, according to the company, the lightest lens in its class. Both versions of the lens are available in Canon EF-, Nikon F- and Pentax K-mount. 

The lens is composed of 15 elements in 11 groups and produces a really nice sunstar and some, well, very interesting lens flare. Interestingly enough although the lens states its widest aperture is F2.4, the best we could do on the Canon 5DS R was F2.5. In any case we put the lens to the test over a few weeks of shooting and here are the results. 

Irix 15mm F2.4 real-world sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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TH Swiss releases pricing for its Irix 15mm F2.4 manual focus lenses

07 Sep

Optical new-comer TH Swiss has announced pricing for the two versions of its Irix 15mm F2.4 manual focus lens designed for full frame cameras. The lens was originally announced in March this year, but the company now says the lenses are ready for sale and will be priced from €475 (about $ 535) for the Firefly model. There are two versions of the lens, the Blackstone and the Firefly. The Blackstone offers a more solid build and better water resistance, while the Firefly is said to be lighter and more affordable. The Blackstone version will cost €695 (about $ 780).

The company claims that the lenses offer exceptional protection from flare and color aberrations via its ‘neutrino’ coatings and ‘sophisticated optical construction.’ Both lenses feature electronic aperture control via the camera body and a click-stop indicator at the infinity focus mark on the focusing ring. The lenses can be focus-calibrated to match individual camera bodies if needed, offer a focus lock at any focus position and the Blackstone version uses fluorescent paint in the body markings to make operation in low light easier.

Users will need 95mm filters to screw into the mount around the forward element and the petal-shaped lens hood has a sliding door to allow access to filters that need rotating. Those who prefer rear mounted filters will find a square holder behind the rear element. TH Swiss says that the nine-bladed iris provides attractive out-of-focus highlights too.
The lens will be available initially in Canon EF and Nikon F mounts, but we should expect Pentax K users to be accommodated by the end of the month.

For more information, including full specification, MTF charts and optical schematics, see the Irix Lens website.

Press release

Irix 15/2.4 is ready for sale!

First deliveries of Blackstone and Firefly are on their way to distributors and retailers.

“The Irix 15mm f/2.4, both the Blackstone and the Firefly versions, is ready for sale”, announces TH Swiss Company. Starting from today, first deliveries of products have been shipped to distributors and retailers. Soon the customers will be able to enjoy the quality of Irix.

Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens is designed to deliver the best optical performance and match the demands of full frame DSLR cameras. Providing a focal length of 15mm, this new lens model is ideal for outdoor and indoor photography whether it is photojournalism, landscapes or architecture. The new special features such as focus lock, infinity click! and focus scale calibration set a new level of manual focus lens functionality. Thanks to sophisticated optical construction and special neutrino coating formula, colour aberration, ghosting and flare effects have been reduced to the absolute minimum. With a minimum focusing distance of 0.28 metre (0.92 ft) and 9 rounded shaped aperture blades, the lens stands for supremely smooth out-of-focus areas. The design of the lens allows the use of 95 mm screw-in filters at the front and gelatin filters at the back of the lens.

Blackstone, the Premium version, has durable body made with aluminium-magnesium alloy, that ensures foolproof protection of the lens, even in extreme situations. Its construction is equipped with four seals, that protect the camera mount and focusing mechanism against the dust and moisture, as well as front or side accidental water splashes. Engraved fluorescent markings enable easy read-out and operation in low light conditions.

Firefly is the standard version equipped with three seals that protect camera mount and focusing mechanism against dust, moisture and side accidental water splashes. Ergonomic focusing ring with rubber grip offers the freedom to operate with the camera. It is the most lightweight lens in its class.

Recommended retail prices are:
695 EUR for Irix Blackstone
475 EUR for Irix Firefly

Both versions are available for Canon EF and Nikon F cameras. By the end of September there will be also a Pentax K mount available.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Irix 15mm F2.4 ‘Blackstone’ and ‘Firefly’ lenses for DSLRs to launch this spring

22 Mar

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Switzerland-based company TH Swiss has introduced the Irix 15mm F2.4 lens for DSLR cameras. The manual focus lens features a ‘neutrino’ coating that helps keep ghosting, color aberration and flare under control.

The 15mm F2.4 is designed for full-frame cameras. It offers a minimum focusing distance of 28cm/11in, and the focus ring provides a ‘click’ tactile feedback when focused to infinity. The lens is composed of 15 elements in 11 groups. Three of the elements have a high refractive index (HRI) elements while another two feature extra-low dispersion (ED) glass. A pair of glass aspherical lenses ensure minimal distortions and aberrations while improving image edge brightness and overall image quality, says the company.

The Irix 15mm is offered in two varieties: ‘Blackstone’ and ‘Firefly.’ The Irix Blackstone features a magnesium and aluminum body able to withstand ‘extreme conditions,’ while the Irix Firefly model is, according to the company, the lightest lens in its class. Both versions of the lens will launch this spring in Canon EF, Nikon F and Pentax K mount; price hasn’t been revealed at this time.


Press release:

Meet the Irix 15mm f/2.4. The photographers dream. Built by engineers and perfected by designers.

The new ultra wide-angle, rectilinear manual lens designed for DSLR cameras guarantees exceptional optical performance.

The Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens is designed to deliver the best optical performance and match full frame DSLR cameras demands. Providing a focal length of 15mm, this new lens model is ideal for outdoor and indoor photography whether it is photojournalism, landscapes or architecture.

From 19 to 22 March, during The Photography Show in Birmingham, TH Swiss will be premiering new family of lenses. Visit Irix at Stand No F121.

Innovative technology

Combining capabilities specific to analogue photography with ingenious technology and solutions, the Irix 15mm f/2.4 is the perfect tool for both professionals and hobbyists. The new special features such as focus lock, infinity click and hyperfocal scale set a new level of manual lens functionality. Focus lock enables to lock the focus ring at any time enssuring the chosen settings. Hyperfocal distance scale gives information about the accessible range for depth of field for a given aperture simply and intuitively. When the focusing ring is set in the “infinity” position, there is a noticeable “click” (infinity click), making it easier to find the value without looking.

Extraordinary optical performance

The Irix 15mm f/2.4 meets the most demanding requirements of modern cameras. Thanks to sophisticated optical construction and special neutrino coating, colour aberration, ghosting and flare effects have been reduced to the absolute minimum, so the lens is ready to meet the requirements of the 50+ megapixel sensors of the newest cameras.

The complex optical system consist of 15 elements in 11 groups. Three of the lens elements have a high refractive index and two others have been made from extra-low dispersion glass. The construction also contains two glass aspherical lenses that are responsible for extremely high image quality and improving image brightness at edges, while minimizing distortions and aberrations at the same time.

With a minimum focusing distance of 0.28 metre and 9 rounded shaped aperture blades, the lens stands for supremely smooth out-of-focus areas. Working with a narrow depth of field it allows the user to fully enjoy the bokeh effect.

Resistant to extreme conditions

Irix 15mm f/2.4 lenses are made with extreme precision, allowing them to be used in even the harshest weather conditions. Each lens is equipped with a weather sealed construction that protects the interior against dust and moisture. Thanks to inner seals they are also protected from accidental water splashes.

Prepare for more and create

Despite its short focal length and large aperture, the Irix 15mm f/2.4 is equipped with not only a front filter mount, but also has a rear gelatin filter slot. The design of the lens allows the use of 95 mm screw-in filters at the front in the petal-shape lens hood and gelatin filters at the back of the lens. This ensures unlimited possibilities for image creation.

Personalize your view

For the comfort of our customers Irix has created two versions of the Irix 15mm f/2.4 to meet their personality and individual taste.

Irix Blackstone: classic design meets maximum functionality, achieving the perfect match of innovative technology. The durable aluminium and magnesium body ensures foolproof protection of your lens, even in extreme conditions. Engraved fluorescent markings that reflect the light enable easy operation in all lighting conditions.

Irix Firefly: high quality mechanism in a handy design. Ergonomic focusing ring offers the freedom to capture the most ideal moment, whether it is big city architecture or wildlife scenery. The most lightweight lens in its class. Challenge accepted.

Irix Swiss Design

Irix Swiss Design stands for minimalism in style while maintaining maximum functionality. It is a perfect mixture of European design combined with Korean precision. The same look and feel of all products in the Irix family. The same consistency, product packaging and complementary elements, all perfectly shaped and fitting one another.

Ultimate precision

Each Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens leaving the factory has been properly calibrated. However, the focus calibration function provides the unique opportunity to adjust the focusing scale for a particular model of camera.

Technical data

  • IMAGE SIZE 35mm “Full Frame”
  • FOCAL LENGTH 15 mm
  • FIELD OF VIEW 110? (diagonal)
  • FOCUSING RANGE 0.28 m (0.92 ft) – ?
  • FOCUSING TYPE manual with lock function
  • APERTURE RANGE f/2.4 – f/22
  • APERTURE CONTROL via camera
  • APERTURE SHAPE 9 rounded blades
  • LENS CONSTRUCTION 15 elements in 11 groups 3x HR, 2x ED, 2x ASP
  • FRONT FILTER THREAD 95 x 1.0 mm
  • REAR GELATIN FILTER SLOT 30 x 30 mm
  • AVAILABLE MOUNTS Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K
  • DIMENSIONS (DXH) 114 x 100 mm (4.49” x 3.94”)
  • WEIGHT FIREFLY CANON 608 g (1.34 lbs)
  • NIKON 581 g (1.28 lbs)
  • BLACKSTONE CANON 685 g (1.51 lbs)
  • NIKON 653 g (1.44 lbs)

Pricing and availability:

Spring 2016

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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