Irix 150mm Macro 1:1 F2.8 Dragonfly review

This Irix 150mm Macro 1:1 F2.8 Dragonfly is a revamped manual-focus but ‘smart’ macro lens for Sony E-mount cameras

Irix 150mm Macro 1:1 F2.8 Dragonfly
(Image: © Matthew Richards)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The new Sony E-mount version of the Irix 150mm Macro takes an excellent DSLR-based lens for Canon, Nikon and Pentax cameras, and makes it even better. With a generous 150mm focal length, premium magnesium alloy build, excellent handling characteristics and the addition of an aperture control ring with switchable click/de-click options, it looks and feels a top-quality lens. That’s backed up by fabulous image quality in every respect. Unlike some competitors, it lacks autofocus and has no optical image stabilization. We certainly don’t think that’s a deal-breaker for macro photography. We really like this Irix and think it’s great value at the price.

Pros

  • +

    Excellent build quality and handling

  • +

    Superb image quality

  • +

    Tripod collar included

Cons

  • -

    No autofocus

  • -

    Lacks optical image stabilization

  • -

    Quite weighty at 900g

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

The original, full-frame compatible Irix 150mm Macro 1:1 F2.8 Dragonfly has been available since 2018 in Canon EF, Nikon F and Pentax K mount options. Keeping up with the mirrorless times, a new version is now also available in Sony E-mount, while the DSLR-based Canon and Nikon editions are compatible with EOS R and Nikon Z system mirrorless cameras via their respective mount adapters.

As its name suggests, the Irix gives full 1.0x or 1:1 macro magnification at its shortest focus distance. The 150mm focal length is around 50 per cent longer than in most mainstream macro lenses, along with a greater minimum focus distance of 34.5cm, or 13.6 inches. That potentially gives you a more comfortable working distance, especially when shooting timid bugs.

(Image credit: Matthew Richards)

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

TOPICS
Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.