Irix 45mm F1.4

Conclusion

Until about a decade ago, normal primes close to 50mm were mostly similar in design. Nowadays, designers aim for higher performances and create larger, more heavily corrected lenses. The Irix 45mm F1.4 is a fine example of this.

Following Irix's design scheme found on their previous products, the 45mm is a solid, rugged lens with weather sealing and a hefty build inspiring confidence. It is very well assembled with no wobbly parts. The focus ring operates fluidly, with superb dampening, and the locking ring can also serve to tune the friction of the focus ring. The fine engraving enhances the general appearance. The rubber on the focus ring doesn't quite match the elegance of the rest of the lens body, but is easy to grip and operate. The lens does not offer an aperture ring, aperture control is done via the camera.

The focal length is an interesting choice. 45mm is almost a "perfect normal" and makes the lens extremely versatile. There is little that a skilled photographer cannot do using this focal length, especially on full frame.

Optically, our observations are mostly positive. Sharpness beyond F2 is excellent, with impressive uniformity across the frame. Bokeh is beautiful, even though the highlights' shape changes with aperture. Distortion is essentially absent. Flare and ghosting are present but well controlled. Chromatic aberration is present but discrete and will often be without impact on images. Colors are right and tonal gradations are subtle and gradual. This makes the 45mm an ideal portrait lens.

The Irix 45mm is not without some flaws, of course. Vignetting is present at wide and medium apertures on full frame. We also observe some exposure inconsistencies at wider apertures.

The main point of discussion is the results wide open. At F1.4, resolution is visibly worse and there is a general decrease in contrast, mainly noticeable in the center. This, coupled with a general, "dreamy" softness and some field curvature, means that the lens' rendering wide open and stopped down is vastly different. The softer results at F1.4 are not without interest: this aperture can be used creatively. Users looking for edge-to-edge sharpness will be well served with this Irix, simply not at F1.4.

Note that we reached out to Irix to confirm that we did not have a sub-optimal unit; the company confirmed that our lens performed within expectations.

The Irix 45mm's specs pitch it against the Pentax D FA* 50mm. The latter is a superior lens, considering its performances wide open and its autofocus. It is also twice as expensive. In that regard, the Irix has excellent value. Compared with other modern 50mmm like the Rokinon/Samyang 50mm F1.4, the Irix has a comparable price, performs better optically, and offers weather resistance. This makes it a compelling product worthy of consideration. Lastly, when compared with Pentax's own FA 43mm Limited, the Irix does offer more uniform sharpness, without quite proposing the same "pop" which make the FA Limited so well regarded.

Pros

• Robust, trustworthy build
• Excellent sharpness at most apertures except wide open, impressive uniformity
• Smooth and pleasing bokeh
• Distortion almost absent
• Well dampened focus ring, includes focus lock
• Low vignetting on APS-C
• Well-controlled flare and ghosting
• Weather resistant
• Reasonable price

Cons

• Strong vignetting on full frame
• Loss of resolution and contrast wide open
• Some CA
• Field curvature impacts perceived sharpness at wider apertures

Pricing

The Irix 45mm F1.4 carries a street price of $595 as of Winter 2021.

Rating

Ratings are format-specific. Handling will be influenced by the lens dimensions and weight, in particular for smaller APS-C camera bodies.

APS-C

Full frame

Who Is It For?

Less expensive than the D FA* 50mm F1.4, weather resistant, with excellent uniformity and featuring a focus lock, the Irix 45mm is actually an excellent lens for landscape or cityscape photography. With its lower contrast wide open and manual focus, it can serve for portraits but might not be the best choice for all. Anyone looking for a normal lens, and willing to deal with manual focus will be well served by the Irix.

The Bottom Line

One must not put too much emphasis on performances wide open: at other apertures, the Irix 45mm is a solid product with what is possibly the second-best sharpness delivered by any "normal" lens on K-mount right now. 

Be sure to check the user reviews or post your own if you already own this lens.