Irix announced a pair of ultra wide-angle, rectilinear manual focus 15mm F2.4 lenses available in Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K mounts – but contrary to pre-announcement buzz not in Sony E-mount.

from Irix Press Release:
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.

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.

The Irix 15mm f/2.4 meets the most demanding requirements of modern cameras. Thanks to sophisticated optical construction and special neutrino coating, color 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.

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.

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.

Irix has created two versions of the Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens:

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.

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.

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

Pricing and availability:

Spring 2016

Source: Irix Lens