Irix introduces an 11mm f/4 manual focus lens suitable for cameras with a full-frame sensor. The manufacturer makes variants for DSLRs from Canon, Nikon and Pentax and claims that the curvilinear distortion is only 3.13 percent.
The lens has a lens construction of sixteen elements in ten groups with a diaphragm consisting of nine blades. At the back is a filter slot for the use of galetine filters with dimensions of 30x30mm. The 11mm f/4 doesn’t have autofocus, but it does communicate with cameras to pass on EXIF information. Irix posted a photo on Flickr that was taken with a pre-production model of the lens.
The 11mm f/4 has an angle of view of 126 degrees when used on a camera with a full-frame sensor. Only Canon has a comparable lens in its range, but that is a zoom lens that costs more than three thousand euros: the EF 11-24 mm f/4L. Most ultra-wide angle lenses from other manufacturers have a focal length of at least 12mm.
There will be two variants of the Irix 11mm f/4: the Blackstone and the Firefly. The former is a heavier model with an aluminum housing. The other version has a plastic housing. Both have seals against dust and moisture.
Euro recommended prices of the Irix 11 mm f/4 have not been disclosed, and it is also not clear when the ultra-wide angle will be on the market. On the American Irix website, the Blackstone is priced at $825 and the Firefly version for $595. Converted and including VAT, that would amount to approximately 964 euros and 682 euros.
The 11mm f/4 is the second Irix lens. The 15mm f/2.4 was previously released, also in a Blackstone and Firefly version. The lenses are made by TH Swiss, a manufacturer based in Switzerland and having its glassware made in South Korea.
Sample photo Irix 11mm f/4