Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens announced for full-frame DSLRs

Irix has unveiled a lens that is referred to as a photographer’s dream. It consists of a 15mm f/2.4 wide-angle prime with manual focusing designed for full-frame DSLR cameras.

One company which is renowned for launching manual-focus-only optics with superior image quality for full-frame DSLRs is Zeiss. The German maker also produces autofocus lenses, but now it has a serious competitor for its manual focus line-up.

The competition comes from Irix, which has just taken the wraps off of a wide-angle optic with a focal length of 15mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.4. The product will be released this spring for Canon, Nikon, and Pentax DSLRs, but first, let’s see what it has to offer.

Irix officially introduces 15mm f/2.4 manual focus lens

The press release says that the Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens comes packed with innovative technology. The systems added into the optic are said to take manual focus functionality to the next level, as users will have focus lock, a hyperfocal scale, as well as infinity click at their disposal.

The Irix 15mm f/2.4 wide-angle prime lens offers innovative technology, superior optical performance, and weathersealing.

Focus lock is a feature that allow users to lock the focus ring. It can be used by photographers when they are certain that they have focused properly, so they will want the focus ring to remain in place.

The hyperfocal scale is there to show users the depth of field for the selected aperture, while the infinity click makes a click sound when photographers set the focus to infinity. This way, users will know when their lens is focusing to infinity.

Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens offers superior image quality

One of the most important aspects of a lens is its image quality. The Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens performs extraordinary in this department, as told in the press release.

It comes with a sophisticated internal configuration consisting of 15 elements in 11 groups. A trio of elements are offering a high-refractive index, while a couple of them are Extra-Low Dispersion elements.

Two more elements are aspherical, so the whole combination drastically reduces chromatic aberrations and distortions, while increasing brightness towards the edges. Additionally, this optic features a neutrino coating that minimizes flare and ghosting.

Canon, Nikon, and Pentax users will be able to buy it in spring 2016

The Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens is weathersealed, meaning that it is protected against moisture, splashes, and dust when used in combination with a weathersealed camera.

The wide-angle prime will be released in two versions: Blackstone, which has engraved fluorescent markings and a body made of aluminum and magnesium, and Firefly, which has a more ergonomic focusing ring and an ultra-lightweight construction.

Blackstone will weigh 685 grams with Canon mount and 653 grams with Nikon mount, while Firefly will weigh 608 grams for Canon cameras and, respectively, 581 grams for Nikon cameras.

Irix has confirmed that the optic will become available in Canon EF, Nikon F, and Pentax K mounts. The lens will be released sometime this spring for an unannounced price tag.