Irix has expanded on its Cine line of lenses by introducing a new 30mm T1.5 lens based on a completely new optical design.Designed for shooting with Ultra HD 8K cinema cameras, the new lens includes three Extra-low Dispersion glass elements, two High Reflective elements, and one Aspherical lens. All in all, 13 elements in 11 groups deliver what the company claims are crisp details, vibrant colours, and an impressively low - 0.95% distortion.
An image circle of 43.3mm (diagonally) should comfortably cover every sensor size from Full Frame 35 down to 1/3” sensors, while the circular, 11-blade iris construction, should provide a pleasant background blur and a smooth adjustment in range from T1.5 to T16.
With practically no focus breathing (below 1.5 degree in full range from 0.3m to infinity) and a weather-sealed construction, this is the fifth lens in the fledgling company's line-up. It's good to see the company responding to feedback as well, a new flat lens cover meaning that you can leave the lens upside down on a surface without it wobbling. Sometimes, it's the small things...
The housing of the 30mm T1.5 is made of a lightweight aluminium-magnesium alloy, meaning the lens comes in at around 1.1 kilograms (2.4lbs), the same weight as the rest of the Irix range. This makes them a good fit for use on smaller cameras and handheld rigs or stabilizers. All the Irix Cine lenses are equipped with a lens support foot which can be attached to the lower or upper part of the lens to provide better stabilization and comfort while working with follow focus systems.
Again, common across the entire line-up is Irix's Magnetic Mount System, which allows users to connect accessories such as magnetic filters from the Irix Edge line up or a lens hood (not included in the kit) quickly and easily.
The new glass will be available in the seven most popular industry mounts (Canon EF, Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z, Olympus MFT/ Panasonic MFT, and Arri PL-mount) and will be available 'in a few weeks' for €1195/$1195 (add another €100 or $100 for the PL-mount version).