Thank you for sharing the video, I was doubting between the Irix and the sigma 150 mm, now I convinced that the irix is the best option for me, in order to get the upgrade for a mirror less camera in the future
Thank you Francisco, glad it was useful. I don't think there can be a bad choice for any macro lens as they are all good. But I must confess I have greatly enjoyed (and still do) using the IRIX 150mm after the initial learning curve. I love it for macrovideo ! It really shines there
I also love this lens. Only problem is that is difficult to remove from my Nikon D7500. Solved the problem by adding a 12mm Kenko extension ring to the lens. Also, when mounted on my Nikon D7100, there was little room for my small fingers to hold the camera. The 12mm ring also solved that problem. Otherwise, I have no complaints. It's a fantastic lens.
Is it due to lens size ? The quality of the mount is great, should be smooth. And yes sometimes a short extension ring is useful as with vintage lenses with poorly machined mounts
@@rivieramacro5240 I've been using extension tubes on my 70-200, fun, challenging, but I've wanted a real macro lens. I feel like 2x might be overkill for me, and a challenge, 1:1 seems pleasing to my eye. For I do not have photoshop to stack, but I'll check out other software, so I'm a 1 shot type of guy, for now.
@@coltoncyr2283 long lens + extension is great for proxy of dragonflies / butterflies. But a macro lens is indeed for closer shots. You are right 1:1 lens will be enough and then if you decide to go further you can purchase Raynox lenses. They'll take you beyond 1:1 with zero loss in quality. I should probably make a small tuto on that :-) And you don't necessarily need to stack at 1:1. Working at f/16 or f/22 will yield nice images (but you will need flash)
@@1solorainforest takes a while to get it right. I will make a video for the channel when I have time. Managed some good footage this summer, in the end. See some micro clips on my Facebook timeline (Pierre Escoubas)
You don't mention whether the lens has a chip and contacts for aperture coupling. Looking at BHPhoto, it seems to be a completely manual lens. That would limit the quality of live view when stopping down compared to other manual focusing lenses with chipped mounts. You'd also lose exif aperture data and have to manually tell the camera the focal length of the lens. While manual focusing is fine for macrophotography, it limits the utility of the lens for other uses. And for a lens at this price, I expect to get a chipped mount.
Hi BJ, you are right, my omission. The lens transmits all EXIFs and they are recorded in Lightroom. Only the brand name does not show in EXIFs (at least in my version), only the focal length. And yes the lens works at full aperture all the time, so it's fully aperture-coupled. Only the focus is manual. With Hybrid cameras I believe it's not much of an issue since you will use focus peaking. Of course this lens is not meant to be used for fast wildlife, birds in flight or action sports anyway. I still managed to capture good butterfly / dragonfly in-flight images with it with a bit of patience. Hope that answers your question
Thank you ! Well both lenses are great with slightly different purposes I think. The Laowa best for high magnification and the Irix for large subjects / proxyphoto and macrovideo. Choice will depend on what you want to do. And each lens of course can do everything anyway... Don't think "which is better ?" but rather think "which one is best for ME ?"
Je viens de découvrir votre chaîne par le biais de cette vidéo. Un très grand merci pour l'attention et la précision de votre analyse. On sent la rigueur et l'expérience dans vos propos, ce qui est un clair gage de qualité. Vous avez un nouvel adepte ! Je travaille sur Fujifilm avec le Laowa 65mm Macro X2. C'est un objectif que j'utilise intensivement, ainsi qu'un Pentax SMC 135mm pour les "gros sujets". Cet Irix me parait être un bon compromis pour éviter de changer en permanence d'objectif/boîtier. J'hésite encore à acheter le Laowa 100mm Macro et à l'adapter sur mon Fujifilm (ce qui donne une focale équivalente à 150mm en plein format), ou bien cet Irix 150mm, pour travailler avec des sujets plus timide et avoir donc plus de recul qu'avec le 65mm. Qu'en pensez vous ? Merci beaucoup pour votre temps et belle continuation.
Bonjour Lulu et merci de votre super commentaire ! Oui en tant que scientifique j'essaie d'etre rigoureux et de presenter les sujets de façon detaillee. Ce genre de commentaire me pousse a continuer !!! Pour les choix d'objectif: tres delicat de repondre car j'utilise ces 2 objectfs pour des sujets differents. L'IRIX vous donnera plus de recul et il est super bien adapte a la proxyphoto et aux gros sujets. Lorsque j'ai besoin d'aller a 1:1 ou plus le Laowa a clairement ma preference... Dans votre cas avec un petit capteur l'IRIX vous donnera effectivement une image plus serree avec le crop et un equivalent 230mm. Comme vous possedez deja un 65mm 2x, il me semble que cela peut etre une bonne option d'aller vers une focale longue (IRIX) qui vous ouvrira des possibilites tres differents. Avec le 100mm vous n'aurez qu'un gain marginal par rapport au 65mm finalement. IL est important me semble-t-il de bien reflehir au images que vous souhaitez realiser Bon courage ! Et d'autres videos sont en preparation...
Merci beaucoup Pierre pour ce retour d'expérience. Mes images peuvent être très variées et je travaille souvent en cadre assez resserré (d'où mon utilisation des focales longues). En ce moment, je pars avec deux boîtiers : un monté en 135mm et l'autre en 65mm Macro. Cet IRIX me parait être la meilleure solution pour réduire la voilure et partir avec un seul boîtier, mais j'ai écrit à IRIX pour savoir comment gérer l'ouverture avec mon Fujifilm (il n'existe pas en monture native Fuji X, je dois utiliser une bague d'adaptation). J'ai une bague Viltrox EF-FX1 mais ne sais pas si elle fera passer la gestion de l'ouverture par le boîtier. Dès que j'ai confirmation, je fonce. Sinon, je partirai sur autre chose. Encore merci ! Bien à vous. Colin PS : Je me permets de partager "modestement" avec vous ma galerie Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/luludesnues/
Nice review, and I saw you also using the Nikon 105 mm Macro. And you have a tripod collar for that lens, which brand? Here at my internet photoshop they said there was no tripod collar for the Nikon 105 mm macro
Hi Ton, Yes it is right Nikon does not make one, but after a long search I was finally able to find one on ebay (Brand iShoot). Here is the link to French ebay: www.ebay.fr/itm/Lens-Collar-Tripod-Mount-Ring-for-Nikon-AF-S-105mm-f-2-8G-IF-ED-VR-MICRO-LATEST/273447402361 Quality OK, fits the lens indeed
Hi ! That would require another video. The Sigma 180mm is a monster of sharpness. But it is also very heavy... and the DOF is much reduced. So Bokeh is fantastically smooth but is is heavy to handle on long shoots in Nature. And cumbersome for travel. Forget about AF, very slow, always hunting. So that makes both lenses equal: you have to use them with focus peaking IMO. Both lenses are great for proxyphoto. I have also done some macrovideo footage last week with the Sigma and it came out terrific, super sharp. I'd say it will depend on your target images. Not much difference in working distance. The IRIX is really much lighter, easier to handle but exact focus can be hard to achieve. Probably a bit easier with the Sigma (sorter focus ring course), maybe a bit sharper but very bulky and heavy. Both are great lenses
@@rivieramacro5240 Thank you for your info. I don’t really care about the weight since I will be shooting on tripod most of the time. So IQ is the most important aspect. Is the Sigma 180 sharper than the Irix?
@@XDR2201 Hard to say. Perhaps slightly sharper. But in the end not much and the IRIX is lighter. You probably won't be shooting on tripod forever if you want to explore other aspects of macro and the Sigma is less usable handheld. There is no bad choice between the two lenses
@@rivieramacro5240 It's nice to see someone else that appreciates the 180mm Sigma lens. While the AF hunts a lot up close (and it is a long hunt), it actually works quite well for further subjects, e.g. I have occasionally shot birds in flight with it (with the 1.4x converter as well). Its incredibly versatile for a macro lens. Great for portraits too. So while it is big and heavy, it is still what I reach for if I don't know what I could be shooting. Proxyphoto is not a term I'm familiar with. Are you referring to close up shots that just aren't true macros (not 1:1)? Edit: Ah, it is, I found your reply to someone asking the same.
@@zvxcvxcz Hi ! Thank you for the coments. I was about to copy/paste the answer on proxy... Re. the Sigma 180, yes optically it's an awesome lens, so sharp ! And Bokeh is truly exceptional. But I think I rarely used AF since it hunts so much especially at higher magnifications wher it becomes useless. Might work a bit better on large insects though. But overall I have used it less than my other macro lenses because of the weight / size. Could never take it to any of the overseas trips for example. Today, I'll use it infrequently, I found the IRIX 150mm to be easier to carry. Note that the AF does not work at all on the Nikon Z6, the lens does not have the proper firmware probably. Not an issue for me but it's showing its age. I'll keep it though :-)
I generaly shoot using the viewfinder, whether optical or EVF. I don't like to shoot macro with the screen. But yes, when you use liveview on the back screen you can magnify for better focus (with the Z6, not sure about the DSLRs, never tried). I do that for video or stacking with the Z6. Have not tried it with the EVF but I think it may possible also to set up auto zoom when in MF mode or zoom with the buttons. You have to look at the manual
Hi David, thks for the comments. Weather sealing: not certain of those specs you will have to check on their web site. Under normal use no issue w/humidity. Proxyphoto: when magnification is below 1:1 (e.g. with a butterfly or dragonfly you may shoot at 1:2 or 1:3). By convention true macro starts when the magnification is 1:1 and above. I like to be precise in the terms. Many people talk about macro when they use some kind of magnification to shoot small things thus the confusion
Hello I just bought this lens for nikon and on the box it has a barcode label stating nikon but on the actual irix box it says Canon. I haven't opened the box for this reason. Can you tell me if the box you have states the same?
Hi Callum, yes I just checked my box and at the bottom of the specs list on the outiside it also says *for Canon EF mount. Not sure what this refers to, as my lens is also a Nikon mount. Seems like you can open the box safely :-) If this turns out to be a labeling mistake perhaps you should report it to the IRIX people. They're very responsive (at least here in Europe). I'll mention it to them too. Mine does not have a barcode label as it was a direct loan from the company...
@@rivieramacro5240 i have opened it now and can confirm i have a nikon lens lol. How odd, yes I will email them haha I lost a full day getting to know this lens :( haha. Happy new year!
Great, thanks for sharing this with us!
Most welcome !
Thank you. That was exceptionally educational.
Very kind of you. Will do more videos when time permits !
Thank you for sharing the video, I was doubting between the Irix and the sigma 150 mm, now I convinced that the irix is the best option for me, in order to get the upgrade for a mirror less camera in the future
Thank you Francisco, glad it was useful. I don't think there can be a bad choice for any macro lens as they are all good. But I must confess I have greatly enjoyed (and still do) using the IRIX 150mm after the initial learning curve. I love it for macrovideo ! It really shines there
I also love this lens. Only problem is that is difficult to remove from my Nikon D7500. Solved the problem by adding a 12mm Kenko extension ring to the lens. Also, when mounted on my Nikon D7100, there was little room for my small fingers to hold the camera. The 12mm ring also solved that problem. Otherwise, I have no complaints. It's a fantastic lens.
Is it due to lens size ? The quality of the mount is great, should be smooth. And yes sometimes a short extension ring is useful as with vintage lenses with poorly machined mounts
Great and informative review, thank you.
Thanks a lot !
great video
well worth watching,,,thankyou
Thank you !
Glad I found this video, I have a Z6ii and looking for a macro lens, I will consider! 🤔
Great pictures by the way!
Thank you ! Plenty of options on the market, depends on your intended use, proxy or "true" macro
@@rivieramacro5240 I've been using extension tubes on my 70-200, fun, challenging, but I've wanted a real macro lens.
I feel like 2x might be overkill for me, and a challenge, 1:1 seems pleasing to my eye. For I do not have photoshop to stack, but I'll check out other software, so I'm a 1 shot type of guy, for now.
@@coltoncyr2283 long lens + extension is great for proxy of dragonflies / butterflies. But a macro lens is indeed for closer shots. You are right 1:1 lens will be enough and then if you decide to go further you can purchase Raynox lenses. They'll take you beyond 1:1 with zero loss in quality. I should probably make a small tuto on that :-)
And you don't necessarily need to stack at 1:1. Working at f/16 or f/22 will yield nice images (but you will need flash)
Beautiful footage!!! High IQ overall on photo & video.... Bravo!
Thanks a lot ! Comments like yours make all the effort worthwhile. Still trying to improve the level of these videos :-)
@@rivieramacro5240 ur most welcome... im struggling with my macro video as well...
@@1solorainforest takes a while to get it right. I will make a video for the channel when I have time. Managed some good footage this summer, in the end. See some micro clips on my Facebook timeline (Pierre Escoubas)
@@rivieramacro5240 will do... thanks :)
i love macro photography...i have canon full frame mirrorless R and canon 100mm f2.8 L series...image stabilised. i love this combination
Great combo. Add a small flash and a simple diffuser and you can do a lot of differen images !
@@rivieramacro5240 i have a small canon macro flash i 4got to say... runs on 2 x AA BATTERIES
@@d.k.1394 yes often you don't need more. I use a small Meike MK320 myself as my main macro flash
You don't mention whether the lens has a chip and contacts for aperture coupling. Looking at BHPhoto, it seems to be a completely manual lens. That would limit the quality of live view when stopping down compared to other manual focusing lenses with chipped mounts. You'd also lose exif aperture data and have to manually tell the camera the focal length of the lens. While manual focusing is fine for macrophotography, it limits the utility of the lens for other uses. And for a lens at this price, I expect to get a chipped mount.
Hi BJ, you are right, my omission. The lens transmits all EXIFs and they are recorded in Lightroom. Only the brand name does not show in EXIFs (at least in my version), only the focal length. And yes the lens works at full aperture all the time, so it's fully aperture-coupled. Only the focus is manual. With Hybrid cameras I believe it's not much of an issue since you will use focus peaking. Of course this lens is not meant to be used for fast wildlife, birds in flight or action sports anyway. I still managed to capture good butterfly / dragonfly in-flight images with it with a bit of patience. Hope that answers your question
Nice video, You Can make a video of this lens VS the laowa 100mm? Wich one is better?
Thank you ! Well both lenses are great with slightly different purposes I think. The Laowa best for high magnification and the Irix for large subjects / proxyphoto and macrovideo. Choice will depend on what you want to do. And each lens of course can do everything anyway... Don't think "which is better ?" but rather think "which one is best for ME ?"
Je viens de découvrir votre chaîne par le biais de cette vidéo.
Un très grand merci pour l'attention et la précision de votre analyse.
On sent la rigueur et l'expérience dans vos propos, ce qui est un clair gage de qualité.
Vous avez un nouvel adepte !
Je travaille sur Fujifilm avec le Laowa 65mm Macro X2. C'est un objectif que j'utilise intensivement, ainsi qu'un Pentax SMC 135mm pour les "gros sujets".
Cet Irix me parait être un bon compromis pour éviter de changer en permanence d'objectif/boîtier.
J'hésite encore à acheter le Laowa 100mm Macro et à l'adapter sur mon Fujifilm (ce qui donne une focale équivalente à 150mm en plein format), ou bien cet Irix 150mm, pour travailler avec des sujets plus timide et avoir donc plus de recul qu'avec le 65mm.
Qu'en pensez vous ?
Merci beaucoup pour votre temps et belle continuation.
Bonjour Lulu et merci de votre super commentaire ! Oui en tant que scientifique j'essaie d'etre rigoureux et de presenter les sujets de façon detaillee. Ce genre de commentaire me pousse a continuer !!!
Pour les choix d'objectif: tres delicat de repondre car j'utilise ces 2 objectfs pour des sujets differents. L'IRIX vous donnera plus de recul et il est super bien adapte a la proxyphoto et aux gros sujets. Lorsque j'ai besoin d'aller a 1:1 ou plus le Laowa a clairement ma preference... Dans votre cas avec un petit capteur l'IRIX vous donnera effectivement une image plus serree avec le crop et un equivalent 230mm. Comme vous possedez deja un 65mm 2x, il me semble que cela peut etre une bonne option d'aller vers une focale longue (IRIX) qui vous ouvrira des possibilites tres differents. Avec le 100mm vous n'aurez qu'un gain marginal par rapport au 65mm finalement. IL est important me semble-t-il de bien reflehir au images que vous souhaitez realiser
Bon courage ! Et d'autres videos sont en preparation...
Merci beaucoup Pierre pour ce retour d'expérience.
Mes images peuvent être très variées et je travaille souvent en cadre assez resserré (d'où mon utilisation des focales longues).
En ce moment, je pars avec deux boîtiers : un monté en 135mm et l'autre en 65mm Macro.
Cet IRIX me parait être la meilleure solution pour réduire la voilure et partir avec un seul boîtier, mais j'ai écrit à IRIX pour savoir comment gérer l'ouverture avec mon Fujifilm (il n'existe pas en monture native Fuji X, je dois utiliser une bague d'adaptation).
J'ai une bague Viltrox EF-FX1 mais ne sais pas si elle fera passer la gestion de l'ouverture par le boîtier.
Dès que j'ai confirmation, je fonce.
Sinon, je partirai sur autre chose.
Encore merci !
Bien à vous.
Colin
PS : Je me permets de partager "modestement" avec vous ma galerie Flickr :
www.flickr.com/photos/luludesnues/
u didnt mention is this lens weather sealed?
Nice review, and I saw you also using the Nikon 105 mm Macro. And you have a tripod collar for that lens, which brand? Here at my internet photoshop they said there was no tripod collar for the Nikon 105 mm macro
Hi Ton, Yes it is right Nikon does not make one, but after a long search I was finally able to find one on ebay (Brand iShoot). Here is the link to French ebay:
www.ebay.fr/itm/Lens-Collar-Tripod-Mount-Ring-for-Nikon-AF-S-105mm-f-2-8G-IF-ED-VR-MICRO-LATEST/273447402361
Quality OK, fits the lens indeed
Subtítulos por favor, excelente video.
Muchas gracias ! Voy a ver como es possible !
Hecho !!! Enjoy :-)
Great review. Could you compare this Irix to that bazooka Sigma 180 2.8? I’m deciding to get either of these 2 lens.
Hi ! That would require another video. The Sigma 180mm is a monster of sharpness. But it is also very heavy... and the DOF is much reduced. So Bokeh is fantastically smooth but is is heavy to handle on long shoots in Nature. And cumbersome for travel. Forget about AF, very slow, always hunting. So that makes both lenses equal: you have to use them with focus peaking IMO. Both lenses are great for proxyphoto. I have also done some macrovideo footage last week with the Sigma and it came out terrific, super sharp. I'd say it will depend on your target images. Not much difference in working distance. The IRIX is really much lighter, easier to handle but exact focus can be hard to achieve. Probably a bit easier with the Sigma (sorter focus ring course), maybe a bit sharper but very bulky and heavy. Both are great lenses
@@rivieramacro5240 Thank you for your info. I don’t really care about the weight since I will be shooting on tripod most of the time. So IQ is the most important aspect. Is the Sigma 180 sharper than the Irix?
@@XDR2201 Hard to say. Perhaps slightly sharper. But in the end not much and the IRIX is lighter. You probably won't be shooting on tripod forever if you want to explore other aspects of macro and the Sigma is less usable handheld. There is no bad choice between the two lenses
@@rivieramacro5240 It's nice to see someone else that appreciates the 180mm Sigma lens. While the AF hunts a lot up close (and it is a long hunt), it actually works quite well for further subjects, e.g. I have occasionally shot birds in flight with it (with the 1.4x converter as well). Its incredibly versatile for a macro lens. Great for portraits too. So while it is big and heavy, it is still what I reach for if I don't know what I could be shooting.
Proxyphoto is not a term I'm familiar with. Are you referring to close up shots that just aren't true macros (not 1:1)?
Edit: Ah, it is, I found your reply to someone asking the same.
@@zvxcvxcz Hi ! Thank you for the coments. I was about to copy/paste the answer on proxy... Re. the Sigma 180, yes optically it's an awesome lens, so sharp ! And Bokeh is truly exceptional. But I think I rarely used AF since it hunts so much especially at higher magnifications wher it becomes useless. Might work a bit better on large insects though. But overall I have used it less than my other macro lenses because of the weight / size. Could never take it to any of the overseas trips for example. Today, I'll use it infrequently, I found the IRIX 150mm to be easier to carry. Note that the AF does not work at all on the Nikon Z6, the lens does not have the proper firmware probably. Not an issue for me but it's showing its age. I'll keep it though :-)
Forgot one more question , you use focus peaking with the Irix lens. Can and do you use Liveview to magnify with your manual focusing?
I generaly shoot using the viewfinder, whether optical or EVF. I don't like to shoot macro with the screen. But yes, when you use liveview on the back screen you can magnify for better focus (with the Z6, not sure about the DSLRs, never tried). I do that for video or stacking with the Z6. Have not tried it with the EVF but I think it may possible also to set up auto zoom when in MF mode or zoom with the buttons. You have to look at the manual
hi what is proxy photo please?
Hi David, thks for the comments. Weather sealing: not certain of those specs you will have to check on their web site. Under normal use no issue w/humidity.
Proxyphoto: when magnification is below 1:1 (e.g. with a butterfly or dragonfly you may shoot at 1:2 or 1:3). By convention true macro starts when the magnification is 1:1 and above. I like to be precise in the terms. Many people talk about macro when they use some kind of magnification to shoot small things thus the confusion
Hello I just bought this lens for nikon and on the box it has a barcode label stating nikon but on the actual irix box it says Canon. I haven't opened the box for this reason. Can you tell me if the box you have states the same?
Hi Callum, yes I just checked my box and at the bottom of the specs list on the outiside it also says *for Canon EF mount. Not sure what this refers to, as my lens is also a Nikon mount. Seems like you can open the box safely :-) If this turns out to be a labeling mistake perhaps you should report it to the IRIX people. They're very responsive (at least here in Europe). I'll mention it to them too. Mine does not have a barcode label as it was a direct loan from the company...
@@rivieramacro5240 i have opened it now and can confirm i have a nikon lens lol. How odd, yes I will email them haha I lost a full day getting to know this lens :( haha. Happy new year!
@@callumjohnson9433 you too ! Enjoy the new toy 😉
The lens have autofocus?
No it is manual focus only