Irix 150mm f2.8 Macro 'Dragonfly'

**pepperberry farm** · 01-11-2020, 07:41 AM

Originally posted by TimR

pepperberry farm great photos and thread.
You are very talented. Thanks for sharing.
I am going to have to put this lens on my dream list.

thank you, Tim!

**pepperberry farm** · 02-03-2020, 04:00 AM - **7 Likes**

zzeitg · 02-03-2020, 08:26 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

a fairly-new lens, but kinda surprised that it isn't represented here (yet)

So - what are your impressions?

LBA striking back… Shall I...?

**pepperberry farm** · 02-03-2020, 08:36 AM

Originally posted by zzeitg

So - what are your impressions?

LBA striking back… Shall I...?

all the things you could want in a mid-length macro: sharp, color, even smooth bokeh....

I've been using it hand-held, and it can be ponderous.. but it seems to be worth it...

Unregistered User · 02-04-2020, 04:12 AM

I concur with the crowd, they're great pictures. One objection, though, those are not "gears" - gears mesh with other gears, not chains - those are "sprockets".

I already have an Irix wide angle lens, and am really happy with it. So I'd have bought their macro lens if I didn't already have the Pentax 100. I'm not as sensitive to the size and weight of lenses as other people are. But I am frugal, and would have prefered to spend half of what I did.

**JensE** · 02-04-2020, 04:51 AM - **1 Like**

Does anybody know, or could please measure, the free working distance at 1:1 between the lens (hood) and focal plane? Any comparison to the DFA100WR? Being an internal focus lens, i wonder how much the IRIX adds. IRIX reported something like 93mm focal length at 1:1, if I remember correctly.

**pepperberry farm** · 02-04-2020, 05:56 AM

Originally posted by JensE

Does anybody know, or could please measure, the free working distance at 1:1 between the lens (hood) and focal plane? Any comparison to the DFA100WR? Being an internal focus lens, i wonder how much the IRIX adds. IRIX reported something like 93mm focal length at 1:1, if I remember correctly.

I can try to get that measurement tonight...

SharkyCA · 02-04-2020, 03:42 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

a fairly-new lens, but kinda surprised that it isn't represented here (yet)

Hey Pepperberry,

Nice shots! I am thinking about acquiring this lens but as you said "it would be nice to see a review on Pentaxforums". Did a further search and found there is a review on PentaxForums!

I have it in my "Wish List" now and will probably order it in the coming days!
IRIX 150mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 Lens for Pentax K IL-150DF-P B&H

Link Here to Review!: Irix 150mm F2.8 Macro 1:1 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

PentaxForums have a review via this link:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/articles/review-news/irix-150mm-f28-macro-review-posted.html

**pepperberry farm** · 02-04-2020, 05:04 PM

Originally posted by SharkyCA

Hey Pepperberry,

Nice shots! I am thinking about acquiring this lens but as you said "it would be nice to see a review on Pentaxforums". Did a further search and found there is a review on PentaxForums!

I have it in my "Wish List" now and will probably order it in the coming days!
IRIX 150mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 Lens for Pentax K IL-150DF-P B&H

Link Here to Review!: Irix 150mm F2.8 Macro 1:1 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

thank you...

I will be writing up a review, but not until I use the lens in the Single In Challenge first....

SharkyCA · 02-04-2020, 05:33 PM - **1 Like**

Just ordered this lens!

Should have it in my hands by the weekend! Will share some shots and a review when I can!

**pepperberry farm** · 02-04-2020, 06:17 PM

Originally posted by JensE

Does anybody know, or could please measure, the free working distance at 1:1 between the lens (hood) and focal plane? Any comparison to the DFA100WR? Being an internal focus lens, i wonder how much the IRIX adds. IRIX reported something like 93mm focal length at 1:1, if I remember correctly.

as I re-read your request, I'm not really sure what measurement you are looking for...

from the front edge of the hood to the focal plane is 9 1/8 inches, or a smidge over 23cm...

**JensE** · 02-05-2020, 02:23 AM - **1 Like**

Thanks for the measurement - but I'm afraid you measured the image (sensor) side, where I meant the object-side distance (object as in objective - the lens). Sorry for the confusion, but it's still useful - read on.

What I meant is the free working distance between the lens hood and the thing being photographed at 1:1 (minimal distance - maximum magnification). I wrote 'focal plane', because for non-flat objects, parts may stick out. So I simply hold a ruler under the lens+camera and move the camera forwards towards a piece of paper taped to my door until I reach focus, sliding along on the ruler. Not overly precise, but within about +/- 2mm for sure.

The practical relevance is the ability to light your object, which you want to photograph, and the 'comfort distance' of insects etc., of course. I'm working frequently at 1;1 ratio, so the distance at this magnification would be of interest to me.

Given that the minimum focal distance of the IRIX is specified as 34.5cm, based on your measurement, there should be 34.5cm - 23cm = 11.5cm free working distance from the hood.

For comparison, on the DFA 50mm Macro has 5cm, with the front of the lens nearly flush with the hood. On the DFA 100mm WR Macro it is 12.5 cm from the hood, with the lens front recessed a bit more than 9mm, so without the hood the free distance would be about 13.4cm.

So in terms of being 'longer' at nominal 150mm, at close distances the internal focusing is eating up that advantage towards the 1:1 range. It's what you can expect from their statement that focal length at 1:1 would be slightly below 100mm.

SharkyCA · 02-05-2020, 11:25 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by JensE

Thanks for the measurement - but I'm afraid you measured the image (sensor) side, where I meant the object-side distance (object as in objective - the lens). Sorry for the confusion, but it's still useful - read on.

What I meant is the free working distance between the lens hood and the thing being photographed at 1:1 (minimal distance - maximum magnification). I wrote 'focal plane', because for non-flat objects, parts may stick out. So I simply hold a ruler under the lens+camera and move the camera forwards towards a piece of paper taped to my door until I reach focus, sliding along on the ruler. Not overly precise, but within about +/- 2mm for sure.

The practical relevance is the ability to light your object, which you want to photograph, and the 'comfort distance' of insects etc., of course. I'm working frequently at 1;1 ratio, so the distance at this magnification would be of interest to me.

Given that the minimum focal distance of the IRIX is specified as 34.5cm, based on your measurement, there should be 34.5cm - 23cm = 11.5cm free working distance from the hood.

For comparison, on the DFA 50mm Macro has 5cm, with the front of the lens nearly flush with the hood. On the DFA 100mm WR Macro it is 12.5 cm from the hood, with the lens front recessed a bit more than 9mm, so without the hood the free distance would be about 13.4cm.

So in terms of being 'longer' at nominal 150mm, at close distances the internal focusing is eating up that advantage towards the 1:1 range. It's what you can expect from their statement that focal length at 1:1 would be slightly below 100mm.

A lot more technical than I usually get into, perhaps this link may answer some of your questions? The link is to a "PDF file"

https://irixlens.com/new/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Irix_Product_Catalog_Autumn_2018.pdf

zzeitg · 02-05-2020, 11:54 AM - **1 Like**

So I bought the lens yesterday. Now I need a slightly better weather to be able to go out and play with this new toy

**JensE** · 02-05-2020, 12:38 PM

Originally posted by SharkyCA

https://irixlens.com/new/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Irix_Product_Catalog_Autumn_2018.pdf

Unfortunately not, that's why I'm asking here, but I took the 34.5cm minimal focusing distance out of the data sheet :-)

02-04-2020, 03:42 PM - 1 Like	#38
SharkyCA Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 806	Originally posted by pepperberry farm a fairly-new lens, but kinda surprised that it isn't represented here (yet) Hey Pepperberry, Nice shots! I am thinking about acquiring this lens but as you said "it would be nice to see a review on Pentaxforums". Did a further search and found there is a review on PentaxForums! I have it in my "Wish List" now and will probably order it in the coming days! IRIX 150mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 Lens for Pentax K IL-150DF-P B&H Link Here to Review!: Irix 150mm F2.8 Macro 1:1 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database PentaxForums have a review via this link: https://www.pentaxforums.com/articles/review-news/irix-150mm-f28-macro-review-posted.html Last edited by SharkyCA; 02-28-2020 at 09:44 AM. Reason: Add link to PentaxForums Review

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01-11-2020, 07:41 AM	#31
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,679 Original Poster	Originally posted by TimR pepperberry farm great photos and thread. You are very talented. Thanks for sharing. I am going to have to put this lens on my dream list. thank you, Tim!

02-03-2020, 04:00 AM - 7 Likes	#32
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,679 Original Poster

02-03-2020, 08:26 AM - 1 Like	#33
zzeitg Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: South Bohemia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,017	Originally posted by pepperberry farm a fairly-new lens, but kinda surprised that it isn't represented here (yet) So - what are your impressions? LBA striking back… Shall I...?

02-03-2020, 08:36 AM	#34
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,679 Original Poster	Originally posted by zzeitg So - what are your impressions? LBA striking back… Shall I...? all the things you could want in a mid-length macro: sharp, color, even smooth bokeh.... I've been using it hand-held, and it can be ponderous.. but it seems to be worth it...

02-04-2020, 04:12 AM	#35
Unregistered User Guest	I concur with the crowd, they're great pictures. One objection, though, those are not "gears" - gears mesh with other gears, not chains - those are "sprockets". I already have an Irix wide angle lens, and am really happy with it. So I'd have bought their macro lens if I didn't already have the Pentax 100. I'm not as sensitive to the size and weight of lenses as other people are. But I am frugal, and would have prefered to spend half of what I did.

02-04-2020, 04:51 AM - 1 Like	#36
JensE Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Leipzig Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,969	Does anybody know, or could please measure, the free working distance at 1:1 between the lens (hood) and focal plane? Any comparison to the DFA100WR? Being an internal focus lens, i wonder how much the IRIX adds. IRIX reported something like 93mm focal length at 1:1, if I remember correctly.

02-04-2020, 05:56 AM	#37
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,679 Original Poster	Originally posted by JensE Does anybody know, or could please measure, the free working distance at 1:1 between the lens (hood) and focal plane? Any comparison to the DFA100WR? Being an internal focus lens, i wonder how much the IRIX adds. IRIX reported something like 93mm focal length at 1:1, if I remember correctly. I can try to get that measurement tonight...

02-04-2020, 05:04 PM	#39
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,679 Original Poster	Originally posted by SharkyCA Hey Pepperberry, Nice shots! I am thinking about acquiring this lens but as you said "it would be nice to see a review on Pentaxforums". Did a further search and found there is a review on PentaxForums! I have it in my "Wish List" now and will probably order it in the coming days! IRIX 150mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 Lens for Pentax K IL-150DF-P B&H Link Here to Review!: Irix 150mm F2.8 Macro 1:1 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database thank you... I will be writing up a review, but not until I use the lens in the Single In Challenge first....

02-04-2020, 05:33 PM - 1 Like	#40
SharkyCA Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 806	Just ordered this lens! Should have it in my hands by the weekend! Will share some shots and a review when I can!

02-04-2020, 06:17 PM	#41
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,679 Original Poster	Originally posted by JensE Does anybody know, or could please measure, the free working distance at 1:1 between the lens (hood) and focal plane? Any comparison to the DFA100WR? Being an internal focus lens, i wonder how much the IRIX adds. IRIX reported something like 93mm focal length at 1:1, if I remember correctly. as I re-read your request, I'm not really sure what measurement you are looking for... from the front edge of the hood to the focal plane is 9 1/8 inches, or a smidge over 23cm...

02-05-2020, 02:23 AM - 1 Like	#42
JensE Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Leipzig Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,969	Thanks for the measurement - but I'm afraid you measured the image (sensor) side, where I meant the object-side distance (object as in objective - the lens). Sorry for the confusion, but it's still useful - read on. What I meant is the free working distance between the lens hood and the thing being photographed at 1:1 (minimal distance - maximum magnification). I wrote 'focal plane', because for non-flat objects, parts may stick out. So I simply hold a ruler under the lens+camera and move the camera forwards towards a piece of paper taped to my door until I reach focus, sliding along on the ruler. Not overly precise, but within about +/- 2mm for sure. The practical relevance is the ability to light your object, which you want to photograph, and the 'comfort distance' of insects etc., of course. I'm working frequently at 1;1 ratio, so the distance at this magnification would be of interest to me. Given that the minimum focal distance of the IRIX is specified as 34.5cm, based on your measurement, there should be 34.5cm - 23cm = 11.5cm free working distance from the hood. For comparison, on the DFA 50mm Macro has 5cm, with the front of the lens nearly flush with the hood. On the DFA 100mm WR Macro it is 12.5 cm from the hood, with the lens front recessed a bit more than 9mm, so without the hood the free distance would be about 13.4cm. So in terms of being 'longer' at nominal 150mm, at close distances the internal focusing is eating up that advantage towards the 1:1 range. It's what you can expect from their statement that focal length at 1:1 would be slightly below 100mm.

02-05-2020, 11:25 AM - 1 Like	#43
SharkyCA Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 806	Originally posted by JensE Thanks for the measurement - but I'm afraid you measured the image (sensor) side, where I meant the object-side distance (object as in objective - the lens). Sorry for the confusion, but it's still useful - read on. What I meant is the free working distance between the lens hood and the thing being photographed at 1:1 (minimal distance - maximum magnification). I wrote 'focal plane', because for non-flat objects, parts may stick out. So I simply hold a ruler under the lens+camera and move the camera forwards towards a piece of paper taped to my door until I reach focus, sliding along on the ruler. Not overly precise, but within about +/- 2mm for sure. The practical relevance is the ability to light your object, which you want to photograph, and the 'comfort distance' of insects etc., of course. I'm working frequently at 1;1 ratio, so the distance at this magnification would be of interest to me. Given that the minimum focal distance of the IRIX is specified as 34.5cm, based on your measurement, there should be 34.5cm - 23cm = 11.5cm free working distance from the hood. For comparison, on the DFA 50mm Macro has 5cm, with the front of the lens nearly flush with the hood. On the DFA 100mm WR Macro it is 12.5 cm from the hood, with the lens front recessed a bit more than 9mm, so without the hood the free distance would be about 13.4cm. So in terms of being 'longer' at nominal 150mm, at close distances the internal focusing is eating up that advantage towards the 1:1 range. It's what you can expect from their statement that focal length at 1:1 would be slightly below 100mm. A lot more technical than I usually get into, perhaps this link may answer some of your questions? The link is to a "PDF file" https://irixlens.com/new/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Irix_Product_Catalog_Autumn_2018.pdf

02-05-2020, 11:54 AM - 1 Like	#44
zzeitg Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: South Bohemia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,017	So I bought the lens yesterday. Now I need a slightly better weather to be able to go out and play with this new toy

02-05-2020, 12:38 PM	#45
JensE Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Leipzig Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,969	Originally posted by SharkyCA https://irixlens.com/new/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Irix_Product_Catalog_Autumn_2018.pdf Unfortunately not, that's why I'm asking here, but I took the 34.5cm minimal focusing distance out of the data sheet :-)