We’ve covered IRIX a few times, as it keeps expanding its affordable cinema lens line with unique focal lengths.
The IRIX 21mm T1.5 Cine lens was an original lens design that offered low distortion in a somewhat wide focal length, especially on full-frame.
Now, IRIX continues to take its cinema foundation and transfer it into photography lenses, with all the features one might expect. The 21mm f/1.4 is another step to fill out both lens families.
IRIX 21mm f/1.4 Photography Lens
Derived from the cine line of IRIX lenses, the 21mm f/1.4 has not only been rehoused, it's been transformed to fit a photography workflow. Here are some specs at a glance:
IRIX 21mm T1.5 Specs
- Fast f/1.4 aperture
- Ultra wide-angle 21mm focal length (89.7 ° FOV)
- Distortion below 2%
- Internal focusing
- Weather-sealed design and reinforced internal structure
- Aperture control via camera
- In-camera focus confirmation
- Full EXIF data
- "Focus Lock" function
- 140-degree rotation angle of the focus ring
The optical structure of the cine design offers extremely low distortion. According to IRIX, it’s just under 2% and won’t be visible, unless you’re an eagle-eyed pixel peeper.
This makes the 21mm f/1.4 ideal for architecture photography, while the super-fast aperture and low comatic aberration are great for astrophotography.
21mm f/1.4 Optical DesignCredit: IRIX
The 11-blade diaphragm also provides some unique bokeh effects even with the wide 21mm focal length.
Build wise, the 21mm is a continuation of the Dragonfly manufacturing standard from previous IRIX lenses. It has been internally reinforced and given a scratch-resistant finish. The engraved markings are also filled with UV-reactive ink for all those nighttime shoots you’ll probably be doing.
The Focus Lock Function
A hallmark of IRIX lenses, the Focus Lock function, does what it says on the tin. It locks the focus in a specific position.
But why?
Focus LockCredit: IRIX
Locking your focus comes in handy when you need to keep a specific distance for zone-focusing or when you need perfect focus at infinity in landscape or astrophotography.
When focus is critical in these moments, bumping the focus ring can be frustrating, and it’s nice to see this feature in a lens.
Should You Get It?
The IRIX 21mm f/1.4 is a photography lens at the end of the day, even if it has a beating heart made of cinema glass. Consequently, it’s better suited for that type of workflow.
But as creatives jump from one medium to the next with the same camera set-ups, the photography version of the 21mm might be a more versatile option than its cinema counterpart. The unique features for different photography techniques make it stand out.
Also, it’s a few hundred dollars cheaper at $906.30.
Unfortunately, the IRIX 21mm f/1.4 is currently only available off its website.
IRIX 21mm f/1.4
- Fast aperture f/1.4
- Ultra wide-angle focal length with a 79.4 ° field of view
- Distortion below 2%
- Internal focusing
- Sealed design
- Aperture control via camera
- In camera focus confirmation
- Full EXIF data
- "Focus Lock" function
- 140-degree rotation angle of the focus ring
- Reinforced internal structure
- Mounts: Nikon F, Canon EF, Pentax K
If you're a creative who shoots video, narrative, and photography, this new lens might be a better fit for you and your kit. Its versatility is unmatched by IRIX's cinema line. But if you need dedicated cinema features on your lenses, this isn't the right lens for you.
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