Irix has announced a new 21mm f/1.4 lens for Canon, Nikon, and Pentax DSLRs. The lens is based on the 21mm T1.5 cinema lens the company announced in February.
The company says that the 21mm f/1.4 is the latest lens it has made that is derived from its Cine line of optics. It previously released a 45mm f/1.4 lens for Fujifilm GFX cameras as well as a 30mm f/1.4 lens for the same trio of DSLRs that the new 21mm f/1.4 has been made for: Canon EF, Nikon F, and Pentax K.
This new manual focus lens is constructed of 15 elements in 11 groups and features four ultra-low dispersion elements, four high reflectance elements, and two aspherical elements. The company says that the optical structure fulfills two major goals. The first is that distortion is very well minimized to the degree that it is not visible. Irix says that the lens is therefore ideal for photographing subjects where distortions can ruin an image, like with architecture. The second is coma, which Irix says the lens keeps minimized which allows it to be used for astrophotography.
The 21mm f/1.4 has an 11-bladed diaphragm which Irix says provides a unique bokeh despite the wide focal length. Additionally, the company says the lens was designed to work with the latest-generation, full-frame, high-resolution sensors.
Dragonfly Construction
Irix says the new 21mm f/1.4 lens uses the Dragonfly construction, a standard it had previously used in earlier Irix models. This designation means it uses a reinforced internal structure based on metal parts, a scratch-resistant lens finish, anti-skid sharpening ring, engraved marking filled with UV-reactive ink, water and dust resistance, and an included rigid carrying case. The lens also has Irix’s focus lock feature which allows the photographer to lock the focusing ring in a specific position.
The lens does include a digital connection to the camera as PASM modes are supported and EXIF data can be recorded. While the lens is only available in DSLR mounts, Irix notes that it can be used with mirrorless cameras when combined with the appropriate adapter.
Below are a series of photos taken with the lens:
Pricing and Availability
The Irix 21mm f/1.4 lens is available immediately from Irix directly for 675 euros, or about $745.
Author: Jaron Schneider
Source: Petapixel
