Irix 150mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1: A Durable Macro Lens with Near-Zero Distortion

The European lens brand Irix has unveiled the new 150mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 telephoto macro lens for full-frame cameras.

Developed for the Nikon F, Canon EF, and Pentax K mount, the new lens allows photographers to shoot tiny subjects and objects from further away than when using macro lenses with a shorter focal length. This helps eliminate shadows and allow for different types of lighting.

Irix says the new 150mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 has near-zero distortion. While the company’s 11mm f/4 lens has a “minimal distortion” of 3.13%, the 150mm f/2.8 has a distortion level of just 0.1%.

The lens features an 11-blade rounded aperture for pleasing bokeh when shooting wide open and reduced diffraction when stopping down.

There’s weather-sealing at key points that allow the lens to be used in adverse weather conditions such as rain and snow.

The wide focus ring features a slightly protruding “rubber handle” to provide precise adjustments with a 270-degree rotation. There’s also a Focus Lock feature that locks the ring in a specific position.

Irix says the 150mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 is its first lens with a new “Dragonfly finish” — the aluminum frame of the lens has been enclosed in an external structure that’s made of aluminum-magnesium alloys and composite elements. The materials give the lens lightness, solidity, mechanical strength, and weather resistance.

Here’s a sample photos captured with the new 150mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1:

Other features and specs include a 12-element 9-group design, a 1:1 scale of reproduction, an internal focusing system (the lens doesn’t change size while focusing), a CPU and AE module for camera aperture control and semi-automatic modes (PASM), EXIF data recording, a deep lens hood, and a detachable Arca Swiss lens collar.

Pricing and availability for the Irix 150mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 have yet to be announced.