Irix 150mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1

£449/$495 A high-quality manual-focus macro with builtin electronics and more telephoto pulling power

Irix’s 150mm macro is an imposing F-mount full-frame compatible lens that weighs in at 831g, and comes complete with a tripod collar. This enables a much better balance in tripod-mounted shooting, especially in portrait orientation. Build quality and finish are impeccable, based on high-quality optical elements and a weather-sealed magnesium alloy barrel.

Unlike ‘dumb’ manual-focus lenses, the Irix comes with built-in electronics. As such, there are no restrictions on shooting in the full range of PASM modes, and lens-based EXIF information is recorded in image files. Unlike with the Laowa manual lenses on test, illumination of the camera’s focus assist and confirmation lamps are enabled in the viewfinder, along with a display of the aperture setting. The aperture itself remains very well-rounded when stopping down, thanks to an 11-blade diaphragm.

The focus ring has a very tactile feel and a raised ridge for extra purchase. There’s also a locking mechanism, if you want to fix the focus distance at a particular length, while Uv-reactive focus distance and magnification factor scales are clear to see. Ideal for shooting bugs, the 150mm focal length enables a generous working distance at 1.0x maximum magnification, measuring 17.5cm between the front of the lens and the subject.

Performance

The long-travel focus ring operates smoothly but ultrafine adjustments for macro shooting can be slightly fiddly. Image quality is excellent in all respects, with impressive sharpness out to the edges and corners of the frame, throughout the entire aperture range. Colour fringing and distortion are negligible. Overall, the Irix is a great choice if you are looking for a longer focal length and aren’t fussed about the lack of autofocus.