Value For Money

The Irix 150mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 Dragonfly lens is priced at £589.

There are very few directly comparable lenses, but looking at 150/180mm macro lenses gives us the following alternative choices:

Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro, £779
Sigma 180mm f/2.8 EX APO DG OS HSM Macro, £1239
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L USM Macro, £1269

The alternatives are of course AF lenses, but to be fair, much macro photography is done using MF anyway. The Irix price looks very fair.

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For more options have a look at the Top 13 Best Macro Lenses.

Irix 150mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 Verdict

There is no doubt that there will be many photographers who will be delighted by the arrival of the Irix 150mm f/2.8 Macro lens. The greater reach of 150mm will be welcomed, and indeed is highly sought after already as photographers search for legendary long macro lenses from the days of film.

Manual focus can often be the method of choice for macro work, depending upon the techniques needed, but at least can be regarded as a little impediment. This is an excellent addition to the options available, especially perhaps for Pentax users who have had no option at all before this.

A specialised lens to some degree, but one that can be Highly Recommended.

The Irix 150mm f/2.8 Macro lens is an excellent manual focus macro lens with a usefully longer than average focal length.

With thanks to CliftonCameras who provided the Canon EOS 5DS R used for testing. 

Own this lens? Let us know what you think of it in the EQDB.