Irix 30 mm f/1.4 review - Introduction

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Irix 30 mm f/1.4

16 March 2022

Maciej Latałło

1. Introduction

At the beginning of September 2021 Irix showed a new cinema lens, the Irix Cine 30 mm T1.5. Less than one month later its photographic equivalent, the Irix 30 mm f/1.4, was launched. As you see, the company's approach was different in this case; previously, they used to show photographic lenses first and then their casings have been modified to suit the needs of filmmakers.

In the case of the 30 mm focal length model the tactics was reversed. First, it was designed to suit cinema uses, without any limitations concerning physical weight and dimensions. There was just one priority – good image quality across the whole frame up from the maximum relative aperture.

Still, as you've already launched a specialistic cine construction and bore the costs of such a move, you can as well shoot two birds with one stone - make the barrel a bit lighter by taking parts needed only by filmmakers away, and offer a new model for photographers as well. An optically efficient lens will find happy buyers even if it is big, heavy, and lacks an autofocus system. After all a 30 mm device doesn't have to be used as a journalistic instrument that needs fast autofocus and moderate dimensions. It can be also a great addition to any professional studio or be used for nighttime shooting as good aperture fastness and image quality are the most important features in both cases. The lack of autofocus and significant weight won't be considered a big hindrance.

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When the photographic version of the new Irix hit the shelves we decided to check its performance by testing it according to our procedures and comparing to its direct rivals. Our impressions and results of our tests you can find in the following chapters- enjoy your lecutre!

We would like to thank the Next77, the sole distributor of the Irix brand name products in Poland, for lending us one specimen for testing purposes.

You are also invited to get acquainted with our test procedure, described in the article "How do we test lenses?" If you feel it’s still not enough, please go to our FAQ section where you can find some further explanation.