NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: stenrasmussen on September 30, 2016, 14:15:31

Title: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on September 30, 2016, 14:15:31
Off to collect a sample...will post samples later.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Jan Anne on September 30, 2016, 16:02:01
Excellent, very interested in your findings.

If the optics can match the feature set you should have a winner  :)
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: bjornthun on September 30, 2016, 17:31:23
It'll be nteresting to see how a production sample works.

Sten, did you get the Irix 15mm from a Norwegian dealer?
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on September 30, 2016, 18:40:41
So far:
Beautiful packaging, sexy little lens bag, Zeiss-like construction. Very handy infinity focus click "stop".
Slight barrel distortion (nothing like the Samyang's Poirot one).
Ready to check coma behaviour soon.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on September 30, 2016, 18:43:11
It'll be nteresting to see how a production sample works.

Sten, did you get the Irix 15mm from a Norwegian dealer?

I got it from my dealer here in Stavanger. They have 1 in Nikon and 2 in Canon mount left.
Btw, this is the Blackstone version.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Tristin on September 30, 2016, 19:00:14
Would love to find out that all the smples thus far were from bad samples, looking forward to your results.

Also, do let us know how serviceable the lens seems to be.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Harald on September 30, 2016, 21:43:11
Oh. :) Waiting for your "Review".

Harald
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 01, 2016, 11:31:14
First out the obligatory product shots and a comparison to the Samyang 14/2.8:
As said, the workmanship is stellar. The focus lock mechanism is a neat feature...although I am not sure it will be used much.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 01, 2016, 11:33:34
Distortion at close range (around 1.5m). Same processing, the Samyang has a different (warmer) color rendition.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Jan Anne on October 01, 2016, 11:46:12
The focus lock mechanism is a neat feature...although I am not sure it will be used much.
With the Samyang 14/2.8 I used to tape the focus to fixate infinity focus for startrails. The slightest tough on the focus ring would move it away from infinity resulting in soft images, a rather unpleasant surprise after an hour of waiting.

The focus ring on the Irix lenses have a click at infinity though, if thats works as designed setting the focus at infinity can be done blindfolded. I suspect though that the Irix lenses can overshoot infinity focus because there will be some focus shift under extreme temperatures, if so the focus lock might prove helpful once more.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Jan Anne on October 01, 2016, 11:49:52
Distortion at close range (around 1.5m). Same processing, the Samyang has a different (warmer) color rendition.
Like with the 11mm Irix there's some barrel distortion but this is easily fixed in post processing.

The Sammy on the other hand has some extreme moustache distortion which is harder to fix, in nature shots this never bothered me btw.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 01, 2016, 11:50:18
With the Samyang 14/2.8 I used to tape the focus to fixate infinity focus for startrails. The slightest tough on the focus ring would move it away from infinity resulting in soft images, a rather unpleasant surprise after an hour of waiting.

The focus ring on the Irix lenses have a click at infinity though, if thats works as designed setting the focus at infinity can be done blindfolded. I suspect though that the Irix lenses can overshoot infinity focus because there will be some focus shift under extreme temperatures, if so the focus lock might prove helpful once more.

You are absolutely right about infinity fixing JA. The Irix does enable beyond infinity focus. I need to explore the lens a little more before making any judgement. Will head out to the beaches tonight for some dusk/night shots.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 01, 2016, 11:51:43
Like with the 11mm Irix there's some barrel distortion but this is easily fixed in post processing.

The Sammy on the other hand has some extreme moustache distortion which is harder to fix, in nature shots this never bothered me btw.

Yup!
The Irix is the Obelix shape whereas the Sammy is Hercule Poirot's facial hair thingy. Obelix is easy, Poirot not so much.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Erik Lund on October 01, 2016, 12:48:26
Irix distortion is barrel type yes but only for the far corners as far as I could see at Photokina.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Fons Baerken on October 01, 2016, 13:03:53
The size of it, huge, dwarfs the Df :)
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: bjornthun on October 01, 2016, 13:41:03
The front element is much smaller on the new Irix 15/2.8, and the distortion seems lower. is now the simple barrel type. All in all this is a leap forward for super wide angles, but does the image quality stack up?

Is the filter diameter 95mm?
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Erik Lund on October 01, 2016, 14:08:19
What I was trying to point out is that is not simple barrel type distortion,,,
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: bjornthun on October 01, 2016, 15:08:45
Aah, I may have misread the image of Sten's bookshelf. The camera appears ever so slightly tilted downwards and swung slightly to the right.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Les Olson on October 01, 2016, 18:08:17
The peripheral light fall-off is severe.  Does anyone have images from this lens on a DX camera? 
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 01, 2016, 19:21:31
Aah, I may have misread the image of Sten's bookshelf. The camera appears ever so slightly tilted downwards and swung slightly to the right.

I see it is a little downward but the distortion is pretty even barrel. Look at the top of the shelves.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 01, 2016, 19:23:02
The peripheral light fall-off is severe.  Does anyone have images from this lens on a DX camera?

I intend to get the light fall off exemplified. I will be shooting this on my D500 as well.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 01, 2016, 19:24:48
A couple of shots at f/2.4. I had hoped to get me arse to the beach today but a beer took priority  ;D

Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Harald on October 01, 2016, 21:02:47
Hi,

Can you Upload both as Raw? After the Beer
.. ;)

Harald
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 02, 2016, 16:41:24
Hrmpf...
I thought the new kid would best the Sammy at most things. What is certainly does worse is controlling flare!
Here is an example with both lenses at full opening. I know, a bit unrealistic test but still...

Look at the series, f/2.4, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11 and f/16.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 02, 2016, 16:43:18
Hi,

Can you Upload both as Raw? After the Beer
.. ;)

Harald

Sorry Harald, saw this request just now. I cannot upload due to the fact that the image doesn't exist anymore. I reformatted the card. Will upload a new from later tonight :)
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 02, 2016, 16:46:37
For comparison, here's the Sammy at f/16.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 02, 2016, 17:01:03
One shot with the D500 at f/2.4.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Harald on October 02, 2016, 18:25:00
I am not impressed about Flare Resistance. Seems as worse as my 28-45 which is 40 years Old... :D

Harald
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Akira on October 02, 2016, 19:13:15
I love the Lord Of The Ring effect.  :D  But I may not buy the lens for the effect.  Apparently Irix handles the flare quite nicely, unless the strong light source is in the dead center.

I wonder why the sun image is smeared upwards and downwards when the lens is not stopped far down?
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: jhinkey on October 02, 2016, 19:57:02
Wow, I was about to comment about why Nikon can't make a super-wide prime like this, but they would never let a lens design get out the door with that kind of flare problem.  Also the sun stars pretty much suck, both of which would be reasons not to buy for me.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on October 02, 2016, 21:16:28
Wow, I was about to comment about why Nikon can't make a super-wide prime like this, but they would never let a lens design get out the door with that kind of flare problem.  ...

The venerable Nikkor QDC 15 mm f/5.6 had a similar flare, although "cleaner" as it was just a narrow blue circle not red + green.

Probably reflections off edges of an element inside.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 03, 2016, 00:39:52
For night time photography I actually like the Irix better than the Samyang.
Two Three shots from my test tour this evening:
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: jhinkey on October 03, 2016, 02:29:08
The venerable Nikkor QDC 15 mm f/5.6 had a similar flare, although "cleaner" as it was just a narrow blue circle not red + green.

Probably reflections off edges of an element inside.
Yes, but this new lens was most-likely computer designed while the 15/5.6 is how many years (decades) old and was likely hand-designed in the late 60's early 70's?
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 03, 2016, 07:49:24
Here are two shots with the D500. As can be seen in the first image the lens is a little soft at the right side.
Will try my dealer's second copy.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 03, 2016, 22:13:45
New copy is better.
Night shot at f/8, backed by the Df
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: aerobat on October 03, 2016, 22:18:08
Thanks for sharing your first impressions Sten.
I quite like the results. It certainly depends on usage.
What would your main usage be?
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 05, 2016, 10:40:00
Thanks for sharing your first impressions Sten.
I quite like the results. It certainly depends on usage.
What would your main usage be?

Night time shots is what my main intentions are. But as I now have a good copy I might expand on this. Here's a shot from this morning (f/4).
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 05, 2016, 11:05:08
A shot with the Irix on the D500.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Jan Anne on October 05, 2016, 11:31:55
Sten, are there any improvements in flare performance with the second copy?
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 05, 2016, 15:01:23
Sten, are there any improvements in flare performance with the second copy?

Not that I can see.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Harald on October 05, 2016, 15:26:48
Hi,

and your thoughts compared to the Samyang? :)

Harald
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 08, 2016, 10:08:51
Hi,

and your thoughts compared to the Samyang? :)

Harald

Except for the flare (which isn't a problem in most situations) I like it better than the Samyang. The lens is really at home on my D500. So I have a very good 22mm there.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Harald on October 08, 2016, 15:34:57
Hi Sten,

so i will have a try the next time. :) Thanks for sharing your experience!

Harald
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 12, 2016, 10:57:30
A few more with this lens.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Erik Lund on October 12, 2016, 11:15:10
Very nice samples Sten! Looks really good ;)

This is of cause also very dependent on PP - But It appears you also can see the high contrast and very saturated images from the lens as well as what we found at Photokina.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 28, 2016, 10:07:45
A few more with the Irix. The lens is slowly growing on me to the extent that I will keep it. Early trials also suggest is does really well in the infrared domain.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on October 28, 2016, 10:09:55
Seems your present copy is a good performer indeed. I'm worried about the maker's consistency and quality control though, as you got a bad sample first, didn't you?
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 28, 2016, 10:25:59
Seems your present copy is a good performer indeed. I'm worried about the maker's consistency and quality control though, as you got a bad sample first, didn't you?

It performs well. The first sample wasn't really bad but the nerd in me just wanted the best copy. One thing is for sure; the build quality is marvelous! I'll pop an IR image in here soon.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on October 28, 2016, 10:27:40
Well, the fact you perceive quality difference between samples should trigger an alarm bell or two.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 28, 2016, 10:55:01
Sorry about the repeating and boring scene...
Infrared 720nm modded D5300.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 28, 2016, 10:55:42
Well, the fact you perceive quality difference between samples should trigger an alarm bell or two.

Buyer beware... ;)
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on October 28, 2016, 10:57:28
I have the impression of an IR hot spot?
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on October 28, 2016, 11:22:22
I have the impression of an IR hot spot?

That must be the processing. Here's a shot at f/13 kept dark to try and emphasize a potential hot spot. But, with different lighting and a different camera it might happen.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Erik Lund on October 28, 2016, 11:47:00
Thanks for the updated information Sten! Enjoy ;)
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: longzoom on October 28, 2016, 14:06:45
This is very informative, Sten! Thank you!  LZ
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: stenrasmussen on November 07, 2016, 08:05:44
A little comparison of corner performance with the AF-S Nikkor 10-24/3.5-4.5 on the D500 and the Df. The scene was focused on manually via LV. The Irix wins.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Erik Lund on November 07, 2016, 09:30:58
Very clearly indeed! Thanks Sten
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Arninetyes on May 25, 2017, 23:52:41
For anyone who has An Irix 11 or 15 and uses Photoshop or Lightroom, lens profiles have been released. Here is the download page:  http://en.irixlens.com/downloads (http://en.irixlens.com/downloads)
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Tri-x on May 26, 2017, 11:31:06
Just seen someone here in NL offered his one for sale on Facebook.
Unfortunately the aperture control is done electronic so will not work on my F2AS :-\
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: David H. Hartman on May 26, 2017, 12:20:59
For night time photography I actually like the Irix better than the Samyang.
Two Three shots from my test tour this evening:

It may be just a test shot but I like the 3rd one very much. I think I'd take a thin slice off the top.
No I'd take a bit more off the top and make the photography a very wide landscape. The curve over the white building is very graceful.

Dave
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: John Harkus on September 15, 2017, 17:05:38
Apologies for digressing on the thread subject, but I've finally got round to buying the Irix 11mm f/4, lovely lens and pretty fine build quality (and it comes in a great tin!). Haven't used it for much yet but happy to share some initial shots if anyone's interested.

John
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on September 16, 2017, 06:59:59
Apologies for digressing on the thread subject, but I've finally got round to buying the Irix 11mm f/4, lovely lens and pretty fine build quality (and it comes in a great tin!). Haven't used it for much yet but happy to share some initial shots if anyone's interested.

John

Would like to see your results with the lens, especially architectural subjects if you have them.
Title: Re: Irix 15/2.4
Post by: Akira on September 16, 2017, 07:22:04
Apologies for digressing on the thread subject, but I've finally got round to buying the Irix 11mm f/4, lovely lens and pretty fine build quality (and it comes in a great tin!). Haven't used it for much yet but happy to share some initial shots if anyone's interested.

John

John, if you would share the images of your Irix 11mm f/4, it would be nice to start a dedicated thread for the lens.  I'm looking forward to that!