Pentax has been doing IBIS for so many years, which is one reason why I will pick this lens up. (Plus I just can't stop buying lenses; it's like a syndrome or something.) Thanks for your excellent reviews. PS: at the date of this review, I don't think Irix was supporting Pentax for this lens, but as of now, in December 2020, they do offer it for us Pentaxians.
That's a great platform for the lens. I'm also really enjoying it on the new Canon R5, which gives a great manual focus experience plus excellent IBIS.
Hello Dustin, I am posting this comment as someone who bought this lens based on your review. Basically, all that was mentioned in this thorough review is accurate, I want however to give some feedback after trying to mount it on my R6 mark2. I was hoping to take advantage of all the manual focus aids and the IBIS that come with mirrorless bodies as opposed to my previous 6D mk2. Upon starting the camera, I noticed that the aperture, ISO and shutter speed values were not showing on the screen. Also, the focus length was showing as 50mm instead of 150mm. I took the first shot and the camera just locked up and stayed blocked until I removed the batteries. After some research, I found that owners of various Irix lenses but also other manual focus lenses from the Samyang XP series were facing similar issues on the new canon bodies such as the R7, R6 mark2, R10 etc... After contemplating the decision of selling the lens in favor of one of the new Laowa lenses for Canon rf, I decided to contact Irix who quickly responded and informed me that the lens needed a firmware update. I had to ship the lens at my own expenses to Irix's labs and the lens was quickly updated and returned to me within a few days which I highly appreciate. The repair as well as the shipping fees for returning the lens were covered by Irix. As of now, the lens is working properly. It can report accurate metadata info to the camera and I am able to take pictures without any disruptions. I still have a minor issue which is that for some reason, I am unable to take more than 5fps when shooting stills using the mechanical shutter. I doubt that this will ever be a real issue on a manual focus macro lens though. Just thought that this might be useful information to share with anyone interested in buying this lens for Canon's new camera bodies.
Great round up as ever Dustin, this is a really sweet rendering lens, Irix have done a really good job and I would certainly consider it over anything else for it's intended purpose, I would even put it in Zeiss territory optically!
We should note that the newest Metabones adapter for Sony supports Steadyshot perfectly - so the stabilization would certainly help - keeping this lens in mind for my next purchase! :)
This was really temptig lens, but I find myself two problems. First, Lenstip review reports this lens is not sharper than Canon 100 L. So I highly suspect that there is some sample variation. Second, I used long macro before and it gives slightly flatter perspective than 90-100 macros that I don't appreciate. Anyway the price performance ratio is really exceptional and it would be nice addtion who need longer working distance for macro works. Thanks for the reivew.
I'm not sure about Lenstip's findings (I actually show my process, but they just report their findings) when it comes to sharpness, but your point about focal length is a valid one. People have different preferences about focal lengths and compression. That's true for portrait lenses as well.
@@DustinAbbottTWI 1drv.ms/u/s!ApChBCAABuR-hcYcTwW_8VrySi-1IQ I sometimes shoot MTF charts and analyze it with MTFmapper software by myself, but it is quite hard to using flat chart to measure sharpness because slight tilt of chart or camera installation can make significant resolution difference. So, for proper benchmark, really good leveling and distance measurement is quite necessary. And there is an inherit flaw that focus distance for same framing is always different for every focal lengths. Long story, but it is really hard to measure the lens resolution absolutely, and I think your question about Lenstip's lens assessment process is quite valid.
Thanks Dustin, for this thorough review about this remarkable lens. After watching your video’s I’ve decided to retry the world of macro photography. In the past I’ve owned the Nikon 105mm micro f/2.8, but that lens didn’t work out for me. I was not really impressed by the optical qualities, neither how it handled when using it manually. The focus ring was simply not good enough to do really fine adjustments. Further, I don’t like the working distance of a lens with a 105mm focal length. The Irix however is a joy to use manually. The lock ring certainly helps a lot to get a little more tension on the focus ring and improves the ability to do very fine adjustments. It even helps me when using this lens as a short telelens. Although the focusring distance between 1 meter and infinity is a bit small, I get very good results. I’ve fine-tuned the autofocus. Although the lens is fully manual, Nikon bodies give feedback about the focus through the rangefinder. When I focus to a subject, I turn the focus ring until the rangefinder shows the dot in the viewfinder and immediately press the shutter knob. This way I get sharp pictures and my keeper rate is almost 100%. Of course, this will only work on stationary objects. Kind regards!
I am using this lens with a speed booster ultra on my Xpro2. I am not interested in makro actually but more reportage and portrait and just used it on a concert from Da Endorphin last weekend. As you said it's so difficult to focus especially in low light but I got some nice moody shots (and deleted many others). There is the portrait session from Seth Miranda on CZcams which actually convinced me about this lens and I don't regret it, even it's not an easy lens as you said.
I will go with the 150mm f2.8 IRIX, I am a hobbyist beekeeper and the added distance and using a tripod anyway plus the cost made much more sense and lets not forget the optics. I can handle the focusing via lens and focusing rail and bee further away from the entrance of the hive. I hope this helps with your inquiry.@@carbon6372
Thomas Kmet I’ll mainly use mine for different still items, and sometimes for plants and insects. I found both lenses for the same price, but I’m still not sure. What camera body will you use this lens with?
As usual a nice descriptive review from Dustin. I have muscular dystrophy so shooting macro hand held doesn't work out for me and I'm forced to use a tripod and this lens is on my Have to have it list. I always watch Dustin's reviews before I buy a lens or accessories.
I always enjoy viewing your camera & lens reviews as they are all extremely informative. In fact it becomes my habit to view your reviews on the equipment which I may be interested to acquire. Here is a prime example as I am interested in the Irix 150mm macro lens. I am curious if you ever try to use the lens on the Canon RP with the EF-RF adapter?
Mr. Abbott ! ... a review on Amazon said IRIX has no hood replacements (March/2019) and questioned repair availability. Are those facets anything you have inquired about regarding the Irix 150mm? (Parts and Repair) I just ordered the lens yesterday via Amazon .. used for $365.00 ... from IRIX, fulfilled by Amazon
Thanks for a great review. Been comparing the Irix 150/2.5 VS Samyang 135/2. And the Irix seem to have more "life" (vibrancy) in the photos, unlike the Samyang's (flat) sterile appearance.
Great review and as always, very insightful with awesome samples. Would love to know how this lens does on higher MP crop sensor,, currently Canon 90D. Love macro, without tripod mostly and some with tripod. Also for product photography as space isn't much of an issue.
If you are going to work without a tripod, this lens may not be for you…unless you are using a camera with good IBIS. Handholding 150mm for macro work is near impossible.
I know this was a 'final review' but there are a few things I would like to see updated. You failed to mention that one reason we might want a 150mm macro is to take images from a greater distance. I do not care about the common statistic about sensor to subject but from the lens front to subject. This is crucial in allowing freedom of light arrangement and also come in handy when using the rig to shoot wasps or other subjects that might not appreciate being approached at a very short distance. At 1:1, how far is that lens front from the subject? Lenses focus in more than one way. Some designs move the entire assembly away from the sensor and retain their marked focal length. Others reduce the focal length so it would be possible for a 150mm design to actually be 100mm at close focus. Lastly, the review repeatedly points out that it was made before the R5/R6 bodies with IBIS came out. Somehow I think an R6 and Irix 150 would be worth a review.
Hi Doug - this is an internally focusing lens, so you can subtract the lens length from the MFD and get your answer. Unfortunately I only have so much time, so it is difficult to go back and redo reviews, and that's doubly true for a more niche brand/lens like this one. P.S. I own this lens, and yes, it is much nicer to use on my R5 body with IBIS.
I feel you are the gold standard, when it comes to camera product reviews, and I enjoy watching very much. You helped sell me on the Irix 150mm and now I also have the Irix 45mm now. That said, what adapter have you found that works best for mounting to a Sony .. I have the Nikon (version) mount to my Sony e-mount, and found that my manual 'Commlite' with 'aperture control ring' adapter works great with the 150mm, but the same adapter doesn't work on my 45mm (fit problem)(no aperture blade movement) .. something is different between the two lenses ? .. can you please tell what would be a good 'electronic connection' adapter for me, that will work decently ? if not i will have to stay with the manual one's for now. .. thank you for the great work, my good man
Unfortunately I don't have a good answer for you as I don't have experience adapting Nikon mount lenses. I've had very good success using Sigma's MC-11 adapter for Canon EF mount lenses to Sony, but that doesn't really help you.
Thank you for sharing with us. Very good and honest review. I was looking for a good portrait lens, but I agree that might be difficult with a manual one. I am using a Nikon 180mm witch is already difficult to use because of it's really slow focus system.
Excellent review as always, Dustin! Hearing your comments about more available mounts for DSLRs, I was wondering if this lens is made in a Panasonic Lumix L mount? Thank you.
Hi Dustin. I am looking for a lens to use for product photography. I will be shooting a wide variety of products ranging in size from small to mid-sized. Everything from clothing accessories like hats, bags, gloves, sunglasses, etc. to food, and jewelry like rings, earrings, necklaces. I am currently looking at this IRIX 150mm lens but I also like the Laowa 100mm because of its 2:1 magnification specifically for jewelry photos. The only draw to the Laowa is the extra magnification. Do you think 2:1 is unnecessary? will 1:1 be close enough for jewelry like small earrings and rings?
Hi Gregory, I think I would go with the Laowa for a second reason - 150mm is a little long for product photography. 100mm is probably a better focal length in terms of framing. I like 150mm for insects, etc... for the longer working distance, but with product photography you might find the focal length too long to get the angle/framing you want.
awesome review..dont know what manufacturers are doing nowadays though .sigmas art series macro has a slow autofocus and extending barrel..and this is fully manual..still waiting for canon to update their 100mm macro lens though.
It seems like these companies have been building true macro lenses, but we've been conditioned to expect macro lenses that are also excellent general purpose lenses.
Thanks for the review Dustin, I bought the Irix a few days ago. It works well except for one issue, when I attach a set of extension tubes the image quality becomes really mushy outside of the centre of the image. I haven't had this problem with any other macro lens, so I was wondering if you tried using extension tubes on your Irix lens and had similar experiences? Or perhaps I received a faulty lens?
Enjoyed the review as always. I'm really impressed with this companies lenses (very glad to see new companies creating quality glass). I wonder how does this compare to the Canon 180mm L Macro lens (have it along with the 100mm L) which I really love?
Hi Dustin. Would you recommend the Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM or the Irix 150mm f/2.8 Macro? I’ve found both of the lenses for the same price on different websites. The Irix seems very interesting with the extra focal length, design and sharpness. I’ll mainly use the macro lens for photography of random, still items on a tripod. I’ll sometimes use it for nature photography and just outdoors; insects, plants, architecture and so on. Not sure which one to go for. I don’t feel like I need the IS. I’ll use the lens for Canon and Sony.
Hi Dustin, Great review as always! do you think that the lens match with zeiss milvus ones in term of color rendition and microcontrast (25mm F1.4 and 85mm F1.4)?
Thank you for your reply. Do you think that a milvus 135mm f2 is a better choice for macro work even if it has a 1:4 ratio ? Or the classic 135mm f2 (1:2) is a better choice ?
Good question. This does have 1:1 macro, which is a positive. The Zeiss is a bit sharper and with higher microcontrast. The bigger question, however, is about focal length. 150mm is a very different focal length from 100mm, and you need to consider what actually works for you.
And how does this lens work with Pentax. Everyone only Cony, Canon < Nikon and no one who says anything about Pentax, it's a sad and very grateful brand and quite practical with little image processing. Greetings from Poland from the city of "Fortress Przemyśl".
I don't think you ever reviewed the Canon 180mm macro it is old but AF and the longest macro I know of and this is excellent for small creatures that get scared when you approach. Apparently its IQ is some of the best for any lens. There is also a Tamron 180mm macro. Any thoughts? I've been eyeballing a dedicated macro for sometime now and unsure which way to go. Tnx in advance
It's a complicated lens, from what I understand. Slow AF, but yes, great image quality. Unfortunately it is way outside of my target window for reviews and I'm unlikely to ever cover it.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Sure, I understand Tnx. If you were to pick one focal length for macro (lets say for bugs and small creatures that have the tendency to run/fly away when humans approach); what would it be? 60-100-150?
Original question answered within a few seconds of posting...That's what I get for posting before the video was done...lol When using this with a Sony A7R3 does it give you the IBIS? Which Vello did you use? Thanks!
Hey Dustin. I need a lens to shoot real state with my a7riii, photo, and video. Which lens would you recommend? I am leaning more towards Sony 12-24mm f4. thanks
I haven't tested the 12-24 yet. My primary concern would be the level of distortion. One other option to consider is the Laowa 12mm F2 and their MSC (Magic Shift Converter). Check out my video on that to see why. It might be less useful for video, though.
Also I want to ask something more general about long macro lenses. If one has to stand one meter or more away from the 'macro' subject so not to scare it away; does a dedicated macro lens confer any advantage compared to a tele than can focus from one meter away. I appreciate that some macro-lenses can be stopped down more without loss of quality but stopping down aside is there any other benefit to a dedicated macro lens. For example the canon 70-200 f/2.8 has a minimum focus distance of 1.4 meters. So if I have it set at 180mm and I stand at 1.4 meters from my subject and I also shoot the same subject with a a Canon 180mm macro both lenses set at f/8 will I get something different? Tnx in advance.
Longer focal lengths can be very useful for certain kinds of macro (insects) and not so great for things like product shots (too much compression, to much working room). Buy for your needs. As for the question about the zoom: the main difference will be that the macro is better designed to render fine details at closer focus distances.
I have this lens (IRIX 150mm ) for a couple of months now, but I notice something very strange. Every time I mounted this lens on a camera (in this case a Canon camera) the battery depletes faster, even goes down when the camera is setting down in the off position. I had contact IRIX about this but I haven’t heard any resolution to this yet. I’ am wondering if anybody else have this issue.
@Dustin Abbott I know, the only thing that is electronically Control by the camera is the aperture ring. I have this problem with any of my Canon cameras; it's worse with the EOS R. It only takes 3 days for the battery to be depleted, with the camera OFF ??????????????????? I’m puzzled by this, it does not make any sense. That is why I’m asking the community for help. I have many Canon and other brands of lenses, with a lot more electronics and not of them are doing this to the battery. Only happens when I use or mount the #Irix lens. Thanks for your help .
Dustin Abbott I did. Here in the USA we can only use the website (IRIX) to communicate; I send them on email with my concerns, the answer Was..... will contact our technical team in Europe to see if this is something that they are aware of and if is any kind of solution. It is just that when you are the only one with this problem (maybe) and you know is the lens , because only happens with this lens , well it is frustrating to say the least. Thanks again for your help.
@@DustinAbbottTWI yes it is amazing. if i did only macro (flowers and insects) i would consider the above mention lens in your vid but i do portraiture also so it is a no go for me. otherwise it looks great for the $$$$
HI Dustin. Great detailed lens review as always! I currently shoot the Fuji X-System, with a stellar sharp Fujinon XF80 f/2.8 Macro lens I use for product photography. I am seriously contemplating moving to a FF System such as the Sony a7Rlll with the renowned ultra-sharp Sony 90 f/2.8 G OSS Macro lens. My question is, what is the sharpest Macro lens you've ever used, and would you recommend the Sony a7rlll system over, say, the Nikon Z7 (with a 105 f/2.8 Micro-Nikkor S lens on their Roadmap)? Thank you sir!
At this point the Sony ecosystem is much more realized than Nikon Z, though I'm not a Nikon shooter and I'm not really informed there. The sharpest macro lens I've used is probably Laowa's 100mm F2.8 2x Macro (the 65mm F2.8 for APS-C is perhaps even better).
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks, Dustin! I was actually contemplating going with the Panasonic Lumix S1 System now, and I think the Laowa 100 f/2.8 Macro is made in that L mount. So, you feel that the Laowa is sharper at a given aperture than this Irix Macro? Thanks!
I've been drooling over milvus 135 for longer than it's been out (e.g. drooled over classic 135 before milvus came out). Since you have that lens, if you had to do it over again would you still pick the milvus 135 over this new contender?
I don't really view them as competing lenses, per se. But yes, the Milvus is an extremely special lens in terms of rendering. Whether or not it is worth nearly 4x as much is definitely debatable.
The link doesn't seem to work, but either way I can't account for the findings of others. I showed you my findings, which clearly demonstrate that this is in fact a very sharp lens.
You really do a great job making these reviews, thanks Dustin!
My pleasure.
Mornin coffee and a Dustin quality review.. life is complete.. excellent review as always!
LOL - nice to hear.
I would buy this lens base on review it's fair
Just what I needed on a rainy day like today. Thanks!
Glad to hear it.
Thank you Mr Abbott
Recently bought this lens for my Pentax DSLR. Since Pentax have in body stabilization, taking landscape pictures even hand held is amazing!
That's a great application.
Awsome like always Mr. Abbott..!!!
A big thanks to you.
You're welcome.
Pentax has been doing IBIS for so many years, which is one reason why I will pick this lens up. (Plus I just can't stop buying lenses; it's like a syndrome or something.) Thanks for your excellent reviews. PS: at the date of this review, I don't think Irix was supporting Pentax for this lens, but as of now, in December 2020, they do offer it for us Pentaxians.
That's a great platform for the lens. I'm also really enjoying it on the new Canon R5, which gives a great manual focus experience plus excellent IBIS.
Wow, I was just searching for reviews of this lens and you've made this video!
Good timing!
Hello Dustin,
I am posting this comment as someone who bought this lens based on your review. Basically, all that was mentioned in this thorough review is accurate, I want however to give some feedback after trying to mount it on my R6 mark2. I was hoping to take advantage of all the manual focus aids and the IBIS that come with mirrorless bodies as opposed to my previous 6D mk2. Upon starting the camera, I noticed that the aperture, ISO and shutter speed values were not showing on the screen. Also, the focus length was showing as 50mm instead of 150mm. I took the first shot and the camera just locked up and stayed blocked until I removed the batteries. After some research, I found that owners of various Irix lenses but also other manual focus lenses from the Samyang XP series were facing similar issues on the new canon bodies such as the R7, R6 mark2, R10 etc... After contemplating the decision of selling the lens in favor of one of the new Laowa lenses for Canon rf, I decided to contact Irix who quickly responded and informed me that the lens needed a firmware update. I had to ship the lens at my own expenses to Irix's labs and the lens was quickly updated and returned to me within a few days which I highly appreciate. The repair as well as the shipping fees for returning the lens were covered by Irix. As of now, the lens is working properly. It can report accurate metadata info to the camera and I am able to take pictures without any disruptions. I still have a minor issue which is that for some reason, I am unable to take more than 5fps when shooting stills using the mechanical shutter. I doubt that this will ever be a real issue on a manual focus macro lens though. Just thought that this might be useful information to share with anyone interested in buying this lens for Canon's new camera bodies.
That's worthy feedback. Thanks for taking the time to write.
This lens is fantastic on the Pentax K-1 with IBIS and focus peaking. I love it. Thank you for a thoughtful review!
I'm finding the same on the Canon R5 for the same reasons.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Nice to have the good tools, eh? ;-)
Great round up as ever Dustin, this is a really sweet rendering lens, Irix have done a really good job and I would certainly consider it over anything else for it's intended purpose, I would even put it in Zeiss territory optically!
I think it's fairly close (a little less micro-contrast, but arguably a little softer bokeh).
We should note that the newest Metabones adapter for Sony supports Steadyshot perfectly - so the stabilization would certainly help - keeping this lens in mind for my next purchase! :)
That is true, though one can always manually enter that information, too.
Thank you for the excellent review. I prefer them to others.
You're welcome.
Thanks for the great review !
You're welcome!
Thanks for reviewing this lense.
You're welcome.
Hi Dustin, thanks a lot for this profound review! This lens would make a nice addition on my Nikon Z6 with IBIS. Have a nice day! Ralf
I think it would, yes, and it is great value for money.
what the guys at irix offer, especially for the price is simply amazing imo
That's true.
good review; never thought about these lens ; something to think about; keep up the great reviews;
One of the cool things I get to do is highlight new and upcoming brands that people aren't familiar with.
This was really temptig lens, but I find myself two problems. First, Lenstip review reports this lens is not sharper than Canon 100 L. So I highly suspect that there is some sample variation. Second, I used long macro before and it gives slightly flatter perspective than 90-100 macros that I don't appreciate.
Anyway the price performance ratio is really exceptional and it would be nice addtion who need longer working distance for macro works. Thanks for the reivew.
I'm not sure about Lenstip's findings (I actually show my process, but they just report their findings) when it comes to sharpness, but your point about focal length is a valid one. People have different preferences about focal lengths and compression. That's true for portrait lenses as well.
@@DustinAbbottTWI 1drv.ms/u/s!ApChBCAABuR-hcYcTwW_8VrySi-1IQ
I sometimes shoot MTF charts and analyze it with MTFmapper software by myself, but it is quite hard to using flat chart to measure sharpness because slight tilt of chart or camera installation can make significant resolution difference. So, for proper benchmark, really good leveling and distance measurement is quite necessary. And there is an inherit flaw that focus distance for same framing is always different for every focal lengths. Long story, but it is really hard to measure the lens resolution absolutely, and I think your question about Lenstip's lens assessment process is quite valid.
Thanks Dustin, for this thorough review about this remarkable lens. After watching your video’s I’ve decided to retry the world of macro photography. In the past I’ve owned the Nikon 105mm micro f/2.8, but that lens didn’t work out for me. I was not really impressed by the optical qualities, neither how it handled when using it manually. The focus ring was simply not good enough to do really fine adjustments. Further, I don’t like the working distance of a lens with a 105mm focal length. The Irix however is a joy to use manually. The lock ring certainly helps a lot to get a little more tension on the focus ring and improves the ability to do very fine adjustments. It even helps me when using this lens as a short telelens. Although the focusring distance between 1 meter and infinity is a bit small, I get very good results. I’ve fine-tuned the autofocus. Although the lens is fully manual, Nikon bodies give feedback about the focus through the rangefinder. When I focus to a subject, I turn the focus ring until the rangefinder shows the dot in the viewfinder and immediately press the shutter knob. This way I get sharp pictures and my keeper rate is almost 100%. Of course, this will only work on stationary objects. Kind regards!
I'm glad you are enjoying the lens. I like it a lot, too.
I am using this lens with a speed booster ultra on my Xpro2. I am not interested in makro actually but more reportage and portrait and just used it on a concert from Da Endorphin last weekend. As you said it's so difficult to focus especially in low light but I got some nice moody shots (and deleted many others).
There is the portrait session from Seth Miranda on CZcams which actually convinced me about this lens and I don't regret it, even it's not an easy lens as you said.
Great results, but definitely MF takes some work.
I case of image stabilisation - there is also Pentax version, and Pentax bodies got IBIS :)
That’s great...if you shoot Pentax!
An interesting lens for sure on the Sony A7rii !
That's a nice platform for it.
As stated before I am debating between the 100mm f2.8L and this lens and your review is very helpful and informative to come to that decision.
I'm glad to have helped.
Thomas Kmet What did you choose?
I will go with the 150mm f2.8 IRIX, I am a hobbyist beekeeper and the added distance and using a tripod anyway plus the cost made much more sense and lets not forget the optics. I can handle the focusing via lens and focusing rail and bee further away from the entrance of the hive. I hope this helps with your inquiry.@@carbon6372
I will be purchasing this lens in a few weeks and photographing my bees.@@DustinAbbottTWI
Thomas Kmet I’ll mainly use mine for different still items, and sometimes for plants and insects. I found both lenses for the same price, but I’m still not sure. What camera body will you use this lens with?
As usual a nice descriptive review from Dustin. I have muscular dystrophy so shooting macro hand held doesn't work out for me and I'm forced to use a tripod and this lens is on my Have to have it list. I always watch Dustin's reviews before I buy a lens or accessories.
If you plan to use manual focus anyway, this is a great choice.
I always enjoy viewing your camera & lens reviews as they are all extremely informative. In fact it becomes my habit to view your reviews on the equipment which I may be interested to acquire. Here is a prime example as I am interested in the Irix 150mm macro lens. I am curious if you ever try to use the lens on the Canon RP with the EF-RF adapter?
I don't own the RP, but I certainly use it on my R5 where it receives the benefit of IBIS. I used it on the EOS R when I owned that, too.
@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you for taking the time to entertain me
Mr. Abbott ! ... a review on Amazon said IRIX has no hood replacements (March/2019) and questioned repair availability. Are those facets anything you have inquired about regarding the Irix 150mm? (Parts and Repair) I just ordered the lens yesterday via Amazon .. used for $365.00 ... from IRIX, fulfilled by Amazon
I've never had need of repair on any of the Irix products I own or have used, so I can't comment on their repairs.
Thanks for a great review.
Been comparing the Irix 150/2.5 VS Samyang 135/2. And the Irix seem to have more "life" (vibrancy) in the photos, unlike the Samyang's (flat) sterile appearance.
The Irix is a nice lens, for sure. Good rendering.
Great review and as always, very insightful with awesome samples. Would love to know how this lens does on higher MP crop sensor,, currently Canon 90D. Love macro, without tripod mostly and some with tripod. Also for product photography as space isn't much of an issue.
If you are going to work without a tripod, this lens may not be for you…unless you are using a camera with good IBIS. Handholding 150mm for macro work is near impossible.
I know this was a 'final review' but there are a few things I would like to see updated. You failed to mention that one reason we might want a 150mm macro is to take images from a greater distance. I do not care about the common statistic about sensor to subject but from the lens front to subject. This is crucial in allowing freedom of light arrangement and also come in handy when using the rig to shoot wasps or other subjects that might not appreciate being approached at a very short distance. At 1:1, how far is that lens front from the subject? Lenses focus in more than one way. Some designs move the entire assembly away from the sensor and retain their marked focal length. Others reduce the focal length so it would be possible for a 150mm design to actually be 100mm at close focus. Lastly, the review repeatedly points out that it was made before the R5/R6 bodies with IBIS came out. Somehow I think an R6 and Irix 150 would be worth a review.
Hi Doug - this is an internally focusing lens, so you can subtract the lens length from the MFD and get your answer. Unfortunately I only have so much time, so it is difficult to go back and redo reviews, and that's doubly true for a more niche brand/lens like this one. P.S. I own this lens, and yes, it is much nicer to use on my R5 body with IBIS.
I feel you are the gold standard, when it comes to camera product reviews, and I enjoy watching very much. You helped sell me on the Irix 150mm and now I also have the Irix 45mm now. That said, what adapter have you found that works best for mounting to a Sony .. I have the Nikon (version) mount to my Sony e-mount, and found that my manual 'Commlite' with 'aperture control ring' adapter works great with the 150mm, but the same adapter doesn't work on my 45mm (fit problem)(no aperture blade movement) .. something is different between the two lenses ? .. can you please tell what would be a good 'electronic connection' adapter for me, that will work decently ? if not i will have to stay with the manual one's for now. .. thank you for the great work, my good man
Unfortunately I don't have a good answer for you as I don't have experience adapting Nikon mount lenses. I've had very good success using Sigma's MC-11 adapter for Canon EF mount lenses to Sony, but that doesn't really help you.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you for your reply
Thank you for sharing with us. Very good and honest review. I was looking for a good portrait lens, but I agree that might be difficult with a manual one. I am using a Nikon 180mm witch is already difficult to use because of it's really slow focus system.
Yes - that definitely robs some of the joy from the process.
Thanks for the great review! Can you do a "Best Five Macro Lenses for Full Frame Cameras" review please?
Hi there, - no promises, but not a bad idea.
great review. should I buy this or go for the old Nikon 200 mm micro f.4 Ai-s for $250? any advice? I am just a part time enthusiast
I'm not familiar enough with Nikon to give you good advice on that. I do think this lens is a very good value for money.
Sigma 150mm EX APO DG Macro has an included Tripodcollar, it is older but in that pricerange.
Perhaps used. New the price is nearly double ($1099 USD)
@@DustinAbbottTWI You are right, the non OS Version is only available used, my bad!
They will release an E-mount they said to me at PhotoPlus 2018. Licencing is an issue and hope for it to happen
I do know they are trying to develop for other platforms. Here's hoping they are successful.
Excellent review as always, Dustin! Hearing your comments about more available mounts for DSLRs, I was wondering if this lens is made in a Panasonic Lumix L mount? Thank you.
Not that I know of
Hi Dustin. I am looking for a lens to use for product photography. I will be shooting a wide variety of products ranging in size from small to mid-sized. Everything from clothing accessories like hats, bags, gloves, sunglasses, etc. to food, and jewelry like rings, earrings, necklaces. I am currently looking at this IRIX 150mm lens but I also like the Laowa 100mm because of its 2:1 magnification specifically for jewelry photos. The only draw to the Laowa is the extra magnification. Do you think 2:1 is unnecessary? will 1:1 be close enough for jewelry like small earrings and rings?
Hi Gregory, I think I would go with the Laowa for a second reason - 150mm is a little long for product photography. 100mm is probably a better focal length in terms of framing. I like 150mm for insects, etc... for the longer working distance, but with product photography you might find the focal length too long to get the angle/framing you want.
thanks for the great review. May I ask would you be reviewing the cine version of this lens ?
I have no plans to. I'm not really a cine guy.
@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks sir.
awesome review..dont know what manufacturers are doing nowadays though .sigmas art series macro has a slow autofocus and extending barrel..and this is fully manual..still waiting for canon to update their 100mm macro lens though.
It seems like these companies have been building true macro lenses, but we've been conditioned to expect macro lenses that are also excellent general purpose lenses.
Thanks for the review Dustin, I bought the Irix a few days ago. It works well except for one issue, when I attach a set of extension tubes the image quality becomes really mushy outside of the centre of the image. I haven't had this problem with any other macro lens, so I was wondering if you tried using extension tubes on your Irix lens and had similar experiences? Or perhaps I received a faulty lens?
Hmmm, I don't have your answer. I haven't used the lens with extension tubes.
Enjoyed the review as always. I'm really impressed with this companies lenses (very glad to see new companies creating quality glass). I wonder how does this compare to the Canon 180mm L Macro lens (have it along with the 100mm L) which I really love?
I’ve never tested that lens, so I don’t know
Has anyone tried using this lens on a Nikon Z6 with the FTZ adapter? The Z6 has focus peaking, and does the focus peaking work with this lens?
Hi Dustin.
Would you recommend the Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM or the Irix 150mm f/2.8 Macro? I’ve found both of the lenses for the same price on different websites. The Irix seems very interesting with the extra focal length, design and sharpness. I’ll mainly use the macro lens for photography of random, still items on a tripod. I’ll sometimes use it for nature photography and just outdoors; insects, plants, architecture and so on. Not sure which one to go for. I don’t feel like I need the IS. I’ll use the lens for Canon and Sony.
If you don't feel you need IS or AF, the Irix is a nice focal length for actual macro work due to the longer working distance.
Hi! Will it work ok on pentax k1 ii? it has ibis up to 5 stops, catch-in focus option and focus peaking.
Thank you for the review.
The Pentax mount is a great application for this lens.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Hi! it is indeed, and very sharp starting from f/2.8
Hi Dustin, what can you add about the image quality of this lens in comparison to Zeiss 135mm f2 APO Sonnar
Not quite as high contrast at wide apertures, but arguably softer bokeh.
You would get in camera stabilization with the Pentax version
I'm now using it on the Canon R5, where it also received stabilization.
Hi Dustin,
Great review as always!
do you think that the lens match with zeiss milvus ones in term of color rendition and microcontrast (25mm F1.4 and 85mm F1.4)?
Not quite to that level. Very nice bokeh, but not as much microcontrast.
Thank you for your reply.
Do you think that a milvus 135mm f2 is a better choice for macro work even if it has a 1:4 ratio ? Or the classic 135mm f2 (1:2) is a better choice ?
Would you recommend this lens over the Zeiss 100 f2 milvus? Price being immaterial.
Good question. This does have 1:1 macro, which is a positive. The Zeiss is a bit sharper and with higher microcontrast. The bigger question, however, is about focal length. 150mm is a very different focal length from 100mm, and you need to consider what actually works for you.
If all of the camera and lens manufacturers had a brain, they would pay this man to do ALL of their product reviews.
Thanks for the vote of confidence.
And how does this lens work with Pentax. Everyone only Cony, Canon < Nikon and no one who says anything about Pentax, it's a sad and very grateful brand and quite practical with little image processing. Greetings from Poland from the city of "Fortress Przemyśl".
I don't have any experience on Pentax, so I can't really comment.
I don't think you ever reviewed the Canon 180mm macro it is old but AF and the longest macro I know of and this is excellent for small creatures that get scared when you approach. Apparently its IQ is some of the best for any lens. There is also a Tamron 180mm macro. Any thoughts? I've been eyeballing a dedicated macro for sometime now and unsure which way to go. Tnx in advance
It's a complicated lens, from what I understand. Slow AF, but yes, great image quality. Unfortunately it is way outside of my target window for reviews and I'm unlikely to ever cover it.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Sure, I understand Tnx. If you were to pick one focal length for macro (lets say for bugs and small creatures that have the tendency to run/fly away when humans approach); what would it be? 60-100-150?
I've been happy with the Canon 100L Macro.
Original question answered within a few seconds of posting...That's what I get for posting before the video was done...lol
When using this with a Sony A7R3 does it give you the IBIS? Which Vello did you use? Thanks!
Yes it does. I used this one: bhpho.to/2NkdGYM. I did eventually get my MC-11 to work as well.
@@DustinAbbottTWI How does the MC-11 control the aperture? I didn't see controls on the MC-11 when I was looking. Thanks for the replies!
@@eth3rton You control the aperture from the camera body.
How is it compared to the Tamron 180mm f3.5?
I haven't reviewed that Tamron...that's a pretty old lens.
Hey Dustin. I need a lens to shoot real state with my a7riii, photo, and video. Which lens would you recommend? I am leaning more towards Sony 12-24mm f4. thanks
I haven't tested the 12-24 yet. My primary concern would be the level of distortion. One other option to consider is the Laowa 12mm F2 and their MSC (Magic Shift Converter). Check out my video on that to see why. It might be less useful for video, though.
Maybe the distortion on the 12-24 is fine - I just don't know firsthand yet.
I have a Sony A68 what can I do for this lens to work on my camera?
I don't really know that much about A-mount. If there is an adapter for EF to A mount, that would be your solution.
do you Believe this Lens Will performance good in a Canon Eos RP?
Sure.
Also I want to ask something more general about long macro lenses. If one has to stand one meter or more away from the 'macro' subject so not to scare it away; does a dedicated macro lens confer any advantage compared to a tele than can focus from one meter away. I appreciate that some macro-lenses can be stopped down more without loss of quality but stopping down aside is there any other benefit to a dedicated macro lens. For example the canon 70-200 f/2.8 has a minimum focus distance of 1.4 meters. So if I have it set at 180mm and I stand at 1.4 meters from my subject and I also shoot the same subject with a a Canon 180mm macro both lenses set at f/8 will I get something different? Tnx in advance.
Longer focal lengths can be very useful for certain kinds of macro (insects) and not so great for things like product shots (too much compression, to much working room). Buy for your needs. As for the question about the zoom: the main difference will be that the macro is better designed to render fine details at closer focus distances.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Tnx, greatly appreciated
How does this lense compare to the Canon 100mm f2.8 l Macro lense?
In what way? That's a very broad question
@@DustinAbbottTWI If you could only buy one of them, which one would be the best all around macro lens?
I have this lens (IRIX 150mm ) for a couple of months now, but I notice something very strange. Every time I mounted this lens on a camera (in this case a Canon camera) the battery depletes faster, even goes down when the camera is setting down in the off position. I had contact IRIX about this but I haven’t heard any resolution to this yet.
I’ am wondering if anybody else have this issue.
That's very odd, as I'm not sure that there is anything that could potentially draw from the battery (no AF, no IS, etc...)
@Dustin Abbott I know, the only thing that is electronically Control by the camera is the aperture ring.
I have this problem with any of my Canon cameras; it's worse with the EOS R. It only takes 3 days for the battery to be depleted, with the camera OFF ???????????????????
I’m puzzled by this, it does not make any sense. That is why I’m asking the community for help.
I have many Canon and other brands of lenses, with a lot more electronics and not of them are doing this to the battery. Only happens when I use or mount the #Irix lens.
Thanks for your help .
You’ll need to address that question to Irix. I have the lens but haven’t noticed that problem
Dustin Abbott I did. Here in the USA we can only use the website (IRIX) to communicate; I send them on email with my concerns, the answer Was..... will contact our technical team in Europe to see if this is something that they are aware of and if is any kind of solution.
It is just that when you are the only one with this problem (maybe) and you know is the lens , because only happens with this lens , well it is frustrating to say the least.
Thanks again for your help.
Wonder how it would work adapted to a Z?
Someone else would have to answer that. I'm not a Nikon shooter.
👍👍👍
Wow, that's a lot of lens for not much $. Sigma made a similar lens a while ago, any experience with that lens?
I don't think I've reviewed it, actually.
Ok, that's not the Cine lens which sells for around 1300 dollars US.
No, though optically I believe the two are the same.
Manual focusing may be a little hard for my eyes..
You're not alone in that.
i shall stick to my canon macro 100mm L f2.8 with image stabilisation
I've have kept that lens in my kit longer than any other. It's very useful!
@@DustinAbbottTWI yes it is amazing. if i did only macro (flowers and insects) i would consider the above mention lens in your vid but i do portraiture also so it is a no go for me. otherwise it looks great for the $$$$
HI Dustin. Great detailed lens review as always! I currently shoot the Fuji X-System, with a stellar sharp Fujinon XF80 f/2.8 Macro lens I use for product photography. I am seriously contemplating moving to a FF System such as the Sony a7Rlll with the renowned ultra-sharp Sony 90 f/2.8 G OSS Macro lens. My question is, what is the sharpest Macro lens you've ever used, and would you recommend the Sony a7rlll system over, say, the Nikon Z7 (with a 105 f/2.8 Micro-Nikkor S lens on their Roadmap)? Thank you sir!
At this point the Sony ecosystem is much more realized than Nikon Z, though I'm not a Nikon shooter and I'm not really informed there. The sharpest macro lens I've used is probably Laowa's 100mm F2.8 2x Macro (the 65mm F2.8 for APS-C is perhaps even better).
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks, Dustin! I was actually contemplating going with the Panasonic Lumix S1 System now, and I think the Laowa 100 f/2.8 Macro is made in that L mount. So, you feel that the Laowa is sharper at a given aperture than this Irix Macro? Thanks!
Wow very nice! Does it breathe much at portrait distance?
Not that I noticed. It can't breathe much to successfully do macro, anyway.
I've been drooling over milvus 135 for longer than it's been out (e.g. drooled over classic 135 before milvus came out). Since you have that lens, if you had to do it over again would you still pick the milvus 135 over this new contender?
I don't really view them as competing lenses, per se. But yes, the Milvus is an extremely special lens in terms of rendering. Whether or not it is worth nearly 4x as much is definitely debatable.
www.optyczne.pl/474.4-Test_obiektywu-Irix_150_mm_f_2.8_MACRO_1:1_Dragonfly_Rozdzielczość_obrazu.html - Not to ex..ly sharp
The link doesn't seem to work, but either way I can't account for the findings of others. I showed you my findings, which clearly demonstrate that this is in fact a very sharp lens.