Irix 11MM F/4 Nikon Lens Review
INTRODUCTION
Hello my friends here I am again, once again to talk you about camera lens. As you know is the second review I'm making for Irix Lens, Irix is a European lens manufacturer that contacted me to find out if I was interested in reviewing the brand's lens, which I accepted the challenge, I will review all Nikon Mount Lenses, 11mm, 15mm, 45mm, 150mm Macro and expect the brand to launch the Sony mount.
Last review I made for Irix, Italked about the 15mm F/2.8, wich I recomend you to read it, it's a wounderfull lens, this the link. Today I will talk you about 11mm F/4 Blackstone.
Irix have two types of lens contrution:
- The Firefly – Lightweight composite construction, with an embossed rubber focus ring, allowing for smooth and precise focusing. Included with the lens is a soft pouch.
- Blackstone – Reinforced full-metal construction. All lens markings are engraved and filled with a UV-reactive paint enabling easy focusing in dark enviornments. Included with the lens is a hard case.
All Irix lenses are manual focus lenses, if autofocus is one of your requirements, then this lens will not satisfy you.
ABOUT IRIX
THEIR IDEA
The Irix design pays particular attention to detail to create lenses that combine classical design with maximum functionality. They have used the latest technology to ensure exceptional precision whilst maintaining the intuitive manual advantages that analogue photography can bring.
PASSION IN PRACTICE
As photographers they keep an eye on many things. It is not only the picture in front of they that is important, but also its surroundings. Whether it is shooting landscapes, news reports, sports or capturing architectural curves and circles. They offer lenses that are solid, intuitive, accurate and handy. Irix has it all.
FORESEEING THE FUTURE IS OUR PRESENT DAY
Swiss precision and Korean ingenious solutions make a powerful mix. Irix lenses are designed to deliver top optical performance and match the demands of full frame matrix cameras. When others give you none, Irix give you two. Irix lenses offer a large aperture whilst maintaining the best image quality, regardless of focal length. Supreme optical performance and the high precision mechanism allow you to make the best of photography.
PERFECTLY SHAPED AND FITTING ONE ANOTHER
Think of Irix as one and many. Think of Irix as a whole. Elegant and classic on the outside, visionary and modern in the inside. Precise fitting and complementary elements. The same look and feel. Each Irix product seamlessly fits another, for smooth and swift photography.
By: Irix Webpage
PACKAGING AND UNBOXING
The lens comes in a common cardboard box, with a black and white print, in the first print I think it's time to make a refersh the image, but when I opened the box I was surprised, inside comes a metal box of very good taste, in the Blackstone model comes with a hard case.
In the Box:
- Metal Box;
- Irix 11mm f/2.4 Blackstone Lens;
- Irix Front Lens Cap;
- Irix Rear Lens Cap;
- Irix Hard Lens Case;
- Limited 2-Year Warranty.
QUICK DESCRIPTION
- Irix 11mm is made by an aluminum and magnesium alloy is a manual focus lens;
- This lens have an advanced optical design that features aspherical, low-dispersion, and high-refractive index glass elements to control various aberrations and distortions, Irix uses the Neutrino coatingminimize thel lens flare and ghosting;
- The sealing system has been designed to protect the inside of the lens from moisture, dust, and sand;
- Wide-angle prime designed for full-frame but can also be used on APS-C models where it provides a 16.5mm equivalent focal length;
- Three aspherical, four high-refractive index, and two extra-low dispersion elements are featured within the optical design to limit both spherical and chromatic aberrations, as well as color fringing and distortion, for improved clarity, sharpness, and even illumination;
- Hard click stop in focus ring indicates the infinity position on the focus ring for easy use in low-visibility conditions;
- Large depth of field scale benefits using hyperfocal;
- Rounded nine-blade diaphragm helps to smooth bokeh;
- Possiblity of using filters in the rear of the lens and accepts 30 x 30mm cut gel filters.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Focal Length: 11mm;
- Maximum Aperture: F/4;
- Minimum Aperture: F/22;
- Lens Mount: Nikon F, Canon EF, Pentax K;
- Format Compatibility: Full-Frame;
- Angle of View: 126°;
- Minimum Focus Distance: 27.5 cm;
- Optical Design: 16 Elements in 10 Groups;
- Diaphragm Blades: 9 Rounded;
- Focus Type: Manual Focus;
- Image Stabilization: None;
- Filter Size: Gel Filter (Rear);
- Dimensions (ø x L) 11.81 x 10.32 Cm;
- Weight: 790 Gr;
- Package Weight: 1.39 Kg;
- Box Dimensions (LxWxH): 17.01 x 15.11 x 14.35 Cm;
CAMERA COMPATIBILITY AND FORMAT
I reviewing the Nikon f mount, and this lens is available in Canon ef, and Pentax k mounts. I know that Irix is working in news lenses mounts.
This is a full frame camera lens, but can be used in aps-c sensor, in aps-c sensor became with 16.5mm focal length.
COMPATIBLE WITH FILTERS
Irix 11mm F/4 have the possibility of using only the rear filters, in front the hood is coupled to the lens, it may be possible to use a 150x150 filter, with a specific holder, but I don't know any.
Every landscape photographer uses filters, the graduated filters are easily dispensed for those who know in post prodution use the blending mode, or making Hdr photography, but the ND filters are really indipensable, Irix, has a very affordable gel filters for sale in a kit. Irix Egde Gelatin Filter Set consists of fifteen gelatin filters with three density factors: 0.6 (ND4), 0.9 (ND8) and 1.2 (ND16).
One negative point of this lens, sometimes the Landscape, Seascape Photographers need the polarization filter, in this lens without a holder is impossible.
Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
OPTICS THAT GUARANTEE SHARP IMAGES
Creativity, ideas, and the effort that’s put into the final image would be nothing without the right lens. Thanks to many years of experience in optical design, Irix lenses are characterized by their excellent resolution, minimal distortion (3.13%), and almost no vignetting. The Irix 11mm f/4.0 lens consists of 16 elements arranged in 10 groups: 4 refractive elements, 2 ED elements and 3 aspherical elements. The focus distance is only 28cm, which in combination with its f/4.0 f-stop and 9 rounded aperture blades, makes this lens stand out with extremely smooth bokeh from an incredible perspective.
By: Irix Web Page
READY FOR ANY CONDITIONS
It doesn’t matter if you’re traversing the blistering Saharan dunes, or trekking across the frigid and desolate Antarctic – Irix lenses can handle any challenge.
Round rubber O-Rings seal and protect the lens from moisture, dust, and sand. The lens has an internal focusing mechanism, allowing the lens body to stay the same size and length througout its focus range.
The lens body is built strong, solid, and sturdy, ready to operate in all conditions.
By: Irix Web Page
INTELLIGENT LENS DESIGN
The Irix 11mm f/4.0 lens has a module that allows you to control the lens’ iris directly from the camera, thanks to which popular semi-automatic modes (PASM) and data recording in EXIF format are available.
The use of electronics also enable the lens to be equipped with a focus confirmation system – the camera will announce the correct focus setting (either in the form of an icon in the viewfinder or with a sound), every time you set the focus correctly – it’s easy and convenient!
It’s worth noting that Irix lenses have the appropriate correction profiles that are pre-loaded and readable by software (such as Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photogshop), that will make your shooting experience even more enjoyable.
FEATURES
1- BUILD CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS
The build quality of the lens is very good as the lens is as a metal construction looks very robust, this lens is made of aluminum and magnesium. The lens elements are clearly machined with precision. The Irix also aplayed an anti scrach matte paint.
Irix made a awsome work in the part of the weather sealing, they made it to be durable and strong to the worst weather conditions, in the interior they aplay four interior rubber seals that protect both the camera mount and focusing mechanism against dust and moisture.
As i told before they others wide angle lens reviews, the biggest problem in this kind of lens is the inability of use front filters, and this one isn't diferent. This lens have a non removel hood, it may be possible to use a 150x150 filter, with a specific holder, but I don't know any, the good this is that Irix designed a slot on the rear that make's it possible to use gelatin filters.
This lens is also design with Neutrino coating that helps this lens in flare and ghosting performance.
As i told before they others wide angle lens reviews, the biggest problem in this kind of lens is the inability of use front filters, and this one isn't diferent. This lens have a non removel hood, it may be possible to use a 150x150 filter, with a specific holder, but I don't know any, the good this is that Irix designed a slot on the rear that make's it possible to use gelatin filters.
This lens is also design with Neutrino coating that helps this lens in flare and ghosting performance.
Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
2 - FOCUS
The first thing that draws me the attention like the older brother was the smoth focus. like the The minimum focal range of 0.275 meters. All the Irix lens are manual focus but they designed an electronic control of aperture settings.
One of the best feathers of this lens was "infinite click". When we position the lens in the infinite position there is a click on the ring that defines that position, it is that for landscape photographers it is a great asset, in the photograms usually even at night at sunset. It is also very useful for night photography.
One of the best feathers of this lens was "infinite click". When we position the lens in the infinite position there is a click on the ring that defines that position, it is that for landscape photographers it is a great asset, in the photograms usually even at night at sunset. It is also very useful for night photography.
Another feature that I liked very is the addition of the focus lock ring is particularly useful when you need to lock the focus once and don't have to worry about hitting your camera, which can adjust your focus on other lenses.
This lens provides a full DOF (Depth of Field) scale including engraved aperture marks covering f/8 through f/16, can be also used the provided hyperfocal setting marks.
This lens provides a full DOF (Depth of Field) scale including engraved aperture marks covering f/8 through f/16, can be also used the provided hyperfocal setting marks.
Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
3- DISTORTION
The Irix 11mm is a ultra wide angle lens, but isn't a fisheye, she have a big curvature, the consequence is a lot of barrel distortion, this is a normal in wide angle lens, i have the Samyang 14mm, Laowa 15mm and Sigma 14 24, and also have a big distortion for my surprise also present in Sigma 24-70 F/2.8.
The good thing is that it's very easy to correct the post processing program.
The good thing is that it's very easy to correct the post processing program.
NIKON D810 IRIX 11MM - Photos Without Lens Corretion - Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
NIKON D810 IRIX 11MM - Photos With Lens Correction - Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
By: Irix Web Page
4 - SHARPNESS
This is probably the most searched part of a lens review, and this lens surprised me by the positive, like the 15mm, this lens actually holds its own very well with image sharpness. I have been incredibly happy with the sharpness across the entire frame.
NIKON D810 + IRIX 11MM: Iso 64, 1/8 Sec, F/8 - Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
The sharpness in the corners not perfect at F/4 like others wide angle lens, and quickly go to great values between f/5.6 and f/8, and go optimal from F/8 upward.
NIKON D810 + IRIX 11MM: Iso 64, 1/8 Sec, F/8 - Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
The sharpness in the center sharpness is very good at f/4 and quickly gets to peak values between f/5.6 and f/8. It remains strong even at smaller apertures, but keep in mind the diffraction.
NIKON D810 + IRIX 11MM: Iso 64, 1/8 Sec, F/8 - Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
By: Irix Web Page
5 - VIGNETTING
Like the older brother this lens is not bad in the vignetting. It has a little bit of vignette especially at F/4 but as you go up to F/5.6 it almost disappear, and mostly gone in the forwards apertures.
I'm quite satisfied with the images directly outside the camera, but when you apply the lens profile to correct the image in post production, then the vignette practically disappears.
I'm quite satisfied with the images directly outside the camera, but when you apply the lens profile to correct the image in post production, then the vignette practically disappears.
NIKON D810 + IRIX 11MM: Iso 64 - Photos With Lens Correction - Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
6 - CHROMATIC ABERRATION
Other good feature of this lens is that Irix 11mm doesn't have any significant problems with chromatic aberration, I saw a little bit of cromatic aberration in the corners. The goog thin is that in oost production it's very easy to correct this issue.
NIKON D810 + IRIX 11MM: Iso 64, 1/8 Sec, F/8 - Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
7 - FLARE RESISTANCE
Irix use the neutrino coat technology doesn't make miracles but help a lot in cromatic aberration, and for flare resistance.
This lens is very consistent with other reputable lens, in ultra wide angle lens is very common have some flare resistance and this lens is not exception, in normal use almost didn't see flares, but when we have the sun direct and center, i noticed some flare resistance but they were still pretty clean.
This lens is very consistent with other reputable lens, in ultra wide angle lens is very common have some flare resistance and this lens is not exception, in normal use almost didn't see flares, but when we have the sun direct and center, i noticed some flare resistance but they were still pretty clean.
NIKON D810 + IRIX 11MM: Iso 64, 1/8 Sec, F/8 - Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
7 - FLARE RESISTANCE
Irix use the neutrino coat technology doesn't make miracles but help a lot in cromatic aberration, and for flare resistance.
This lens is very consistent with other reputable lens, in ultra wide angle lens is very common have some flare resistance and this lens is not exception, in normal use almost didn't see flares, but when we have the sun direct and center, i noticed some flare resistance but they were still pretty clean.
This lens is very consistent with other reputable lens, in ultra wide angle lens is very common have some flare resistance and this lens is not exception, in normal use almost didn't see flares, but when we have the sun direct and center, i noticed some flare resistance but they were still pretty clean.
NIKON D810 + IRIX 11MM: Iso 64, 1/8 Sec, F/8 - Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
NIKON D810 + IRIX 11MM: Iso 64, 1/8 Sec, F/8 - Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
8 - COMA
Like the youngest brother, I noticed a little bit of coma in the coners, as you move from center to the corners coma shows mosts readily, but have a reasonable result.
The amount of comatic distortion is fairly low. In 11mm it's more difficult to see the coma, becouse this is a realy ultra wide lens, but with some attention we find a little bit of a bulge in star points on the edge of the frame, but they don’t start to “grow wings”, and I felt the look was fairly non-offensive.
The amount of comatic distortion is fairly low. In 11mm it's more difficult to see the coma, becouse this is a realy ultra wide lens, but with some attention we find a little bit of a bulge in star points on the edge of the frame, but they don’t start to “grow wings”, and I felt the look was fairly non-offensive.
NIKON D810 + IRIX 11MM: Iso 1600, F/4, 15 Sec - Croped - Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
NIKON D810 + IRIX 11MM: Iso 1600, F/4, 15 Sec - Croped - Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
9 - BOKEH / MACRO
One ultra wide angle lens isn't designed for macro photography, with the minimum focus distance and the aperture of F/4 you will see a litte bit of blur of the far out of ficus but nothing expressive.
10 - SUNSTARS
Another great feature, the 9 aperture blades diaphragm makes magic, your sunstar will appear with a 18 brilliant points of light at the smaller apertures.
PRICE VS PERFORMANCE
I’m very impressed with the Irix 11mm f/4 lens. For the first lens created of the brand feel like Irix has done another great job.
Other good feature of this lens is the price, this lens cam be found in the Irix webstore at 745€ the blackstone model, and 555€ at firefly model.
Other good feature of this lens is the price, this lens cam be found in the Irix webstore at 745€ the blackstone model, and 555€ at firefly model.
CONCLUSION
This 11mm f/4 lens is a well-designed and appealing product in this deserted market segment. To my knowledge, this is the widest rectilinear prime lens available for full frame DSLR cameras. I hope that very soon that Irix will adapt this lens for new mirrorless mounts in the future, I'm waiting for that.
In terms of image quality, I was pleasantly surprised by the optical performance of this glass. The sharpness in the center is very good even at the widest settings, while the corner resolution improves significantly at f/5.6. Have a little bit of Vignetting and chromatic aberration at f/4 but they also decrease when stopping down the aperture.
Honestly i see similar ultra wide lens very more expensive than this one, with similar features, if you are looking for manual UWA lens and spent little money woth quality, this lens is a very good choice.
In terms of image quality, I was pleasantly surprised by the optical performance of this glass. The sharpness in the center is very good even at the widest settings, while the corner resolution improves significantly at f/5.6. Have a little bit of Vignetting and chromatic aberration at f/4 but they also decrease when stopping down the aperture.
Honestly i see similar ultra wide lens very more expensive than this one, with similar features, if you are looking for manual UWA lens and spent little money woth quality, this lens is a very good choice.
Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
WHAT I LIKED
- Superb sharpness and contrast especially centrally;
- Superb sharpness and contrast especially centrally;
- Wheatear resistance;
-Gorgeous sunstar effect;
- Excellent resistance to ghosting and flare;
- Very well controlled chromatic aberrations.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKED
- Inability of use filters on the front;
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKED
- Inability of use filters on the front;
- Could be more open than F/4;
- Edges soft at wide apertures when close;
- Coma in the edges at F/2.8.
NIKON D810 + IRIX 11MM: Iso 64, 5 Sec, F/8 - Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
NIKON D810 + IRIX 11MM: Iso 64, 2 Sec, F/8 - Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
NIKON D810 + IRIX 11MM: Iso 64, 2 Sec, F/8 - Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
NIKON D810 + IRIX 11MM: Iso 64, 2 Sec, F/8 - Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
NIKON D810 + IRIX 11MM: Iso 64, 2 Sec, F/8 - Photo By: Miguel Mesquita
