Lens manufacturer Irix has just quietly launched a new pair of rectilinear extreme wide angle 11mm f/4 lenses, compatible with Canon, Nikon and Pentax full-frames and APS-Cs. The young company (a collaboration between Swiss designers and Korean production) made a big splash in 2016 with the release of a pair of 15mm f/2.

4 lenses, which our own review found to be both affordable and powerful. As was the case with that launch, the 11mm f/4 will come in two model types; Blackstone and Firefly.

Just like last time, the difference between the two is more form than function with the Blackstone being the slightly heavier (by 12%) and hardier version, and the Firefly being the less durable but more portable choice for on the go photographers.

The 11mm lens has a 126° viewing angle and a reasonably tight focus distance of 0. 275 m (0. 9 ft). For a small lens it’s also packing an impressive 16 elements in 10 groups. The combination of four high refractive lenses, two ED lenses, and three aspherical lenses, means that Irix claim this has distortion beaten down to a tiny 3. 13%. Something which would be pretty unique.

Irix of course isn’t intending this lens as at all appropriate for portraiture and is instead pitching it as an outdoors lens with an emphasis on it being part of any landscape and architecture photography toolkit. It also has some of the same features as its 15mm predecessor, such as the click and lock to setting focus ring and UV reflective markings, making it a handy night-time shooter.

We will hopefully see if this release proves to be another success for this up-and-coming multinational venture. If it’s anywhere as good as the last Firefly/Blackstone unit it may definitely be worth a punt for a buyer on a budget. This is especially the case as the Blackstone version costs a decent $825 and the Firefly an even more affordable $595.

Have you tried out any of Irix’s kit? Do you see them as a major contender in future or a novelty brand? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, and in the comments below.

2017-2-22 03:00