Optical new-comer TH Swiss has announced pricing for the two versions of its Irix 15mm F2. 4 manual focus lens designed for full frame cameras. The lens was originally announced in March this year, but the company now says the lenses are ready for sale and will be priced from €475 (about $535) for the Firefly model.
There are two versions of the lens, the Blackstone and the Firefly. The Blackstone offers a more solid build and better water resistance, while the Firefly is said to be lighter and more affordable. The Blackstone version will cost €695 (about $780).
The company claims that the lenses offer exceptional protection from flare and color aberrations via its ‘neutrino’ coatings and 'sophisticated optical construction. ' Both lenses feature electronic aperture control via the camera body and a click-stop indicator at the infinity focus mark on the focusing ring. The lenses can be focus-calibrated to match individual camera bodies if needed, offer a focus lock at any focus position and the Blackstone version uses fluorescent paint in the body markings to make operation in low light easier.
Users will need 95mm filters to screw into the mount around the forward element and the petal-shaped lens hood has a sliding door to allow access to filters that need rotating. Those who prefer rear mounted filters will find a square holder behind the rear element. TH Swiss says that the nine-bladed iris provides attractive out-of-focus highlights too.
The lens will be available initially in Canon EF and Nikon F mounts, but we should expect Pentax K users to be accommodated by the end of the month.
For more information, including full specification, MTF charts and optical schematics, see the Irix Lens website.
Press release
Irix 15/2. 4 is ready for sale!
First deliveries of Blackstone and Firefly are on their way to distributors and retailers.
“The Irix 15mm f/2. 4, both the Blackstone and the Firefly versions, is ready for sale”, announces TH Swiss Company. Starting from today, first deliveries of products have been shipped to distributors and retailers. Soon the customers will be able to enjoy the quality of Irix.
Irix 15mm f/2. 4 lens is designed to deliver the best optical performance and match the demands of full frame DSLR cameras. Providing a focal length of 15mm, this new lens model is ideal for outdoor and indoor photography whether it is photojournalism, landscapes or architecture. The new special features such as focus lock, infinity click! and focus scale calibration set a new level of manual focus lens functionality. Thanks to sophisticated optical construction and special neutrino coating formula, colour aberration, ghosting and flare effects have been reduced to the absolute minimum. With a minimum focusing distance of 0. 28 metre (0. 92 ft) and 9 rounded shaped aperture blades, the lens stands for supremely smooth out-of-focus areas. The design of the lens allows the use of 95 mm screw-in filters at the front and gelatin filters at the back of the lens.
Blackstone, the Premium version, has durable body made with aluminium-magnesium alloy, that ensures foolproof protection of the lens, even in extreme situations. Its construction is equipped with four seals, that protect the camera mount and focusing mechanism against the dust and moisture, as well as front or side accidental water splashes. Engraved fluorescent markings enable easy read-out and operation in low light conditions.
Firefly is the standard version equipped with three seals that protect camera mount and focusing mechanism against dust, moisture and side accidental water splashes. Ergonomic focusing ring with rubber grip offers the freedom to operate with the camera. It is the most lightweight lens in its class.
Recommended retail prices are:
695 EUR for Irix Blackstone
475 EUR for Irix Firefly
Both versions are available for Canon EF and Nikon F cameras. By the end of September there will be also a Pentax K mount available.
2016-9-7 03:06