Irix Dragonfly Series: durability and elegance in one

Irix Dragonfly Series: durability and elegance in one

The Irix Dragonfly lens series is a middle‑ground solution between the lightweight Firefly constructions and the fully metal Blackstone bodies. It combines durability with sensible weight, offering robustness close to professional models while maintaining greater mobility. This line is designed for those who need a durable tool for intensive fieldwork – without unnecessary quality compromises and without overloading the gear.

Check out the Dragonfly lens lineup

Design and common features of the Dragonfly lens series

The Dragonfly lineup is a set of high‑quality lenses from Irix, aimed at enthusiasts and professionals seeking durable and reliable equipment. Dragonfly lenses provide excellent dust and moisture sealing while keeping a relatively low weight. Each model in the series features internal focusing, meaning the lens length doesn't change during focus, and the focus ring offers a precise 140° throw (270° on macro). The Focus Lock function allows you to lock the focus ring at a chosen position, crucial for night, macro, or landscape photography. The optics in all models are designed for maximum sharpness and minimal distortion, and rounded aperture blades ensure pleasing background bokeh.

Irix 15 mm f/2.4 Dragonfly – precise ultra-wide angle

The 15 mm f/2.4 (Sony E‑mount only) is an ultra‑wide lens with approximately 110° field of view, designed for landscapes and architecture. Thanks to its fast aperture and geometric distortion correction, this lens performs excellently both outdoors and in tight interiors. Its optical design includes 15 elements in 11 groups, featuring aspherical and low‑dispersion elements, ensuring high resolution and contrast. Distortion is limited to about 2%, allowing realistic straight‑line rendering. It supports 95 mm round filters as well as square filters via IFH‑100 system compatibility. The build is solid – sealed barrel, ergonomic focus ring, and switchable aperture click‑to‑smooth make the 15 mm Dragonfly one of the most versatile tools in its focal length.

Irix 21 mm f/1.4 Dragonfly – light, space, control

The 21 mm f/1.4 is a wide‑angle lens offering a field of view near 90°, with a very bright aperture ideal for shooting in challenging lighting. Its complex optical formula comprises 15 elements in 11 groups, including eight special elements – four low‑dispersion, four high‑refractive, and two aspherical. This delivers excellent sharpness and chromatic aberration control. Distortion is kept around 2%, making it especially useful for architectural photography. The 11‑blade aperture yields smooth, rounded bokeh. The barrel is sealed and the ergonomic focus ring allows precise operation even with gloves. It supports 105 mm filters through the included adapter and square systems. The lens communicates electronically with the camera for aperture and PASM modes.

Irix 30 mm f/1.4 Dragonfly – versatility with character

The 30 mm f/1.4 is a standard focal length with a universal character, ideal for street, portrait, or documentary photography. Its optical layout includes 13 elements in 11 groups, with UD, HR, and aspherical elements. The lens features low distortion (<1%) and excellent resolution at all apertures. The 11‑blade aperture ensures attractive background bokeh. Mechanically built from robust composite and metal materials, the barrel is fully sealed. Like other models, the 30 mm offers focus lock, electronic aperture control, and partial EXIF communication with the camera. The 140° focus ring throw ensures smooth and precise focusing. It supports 86 mm round and square filters.

Irix 45 mm f/1.4 Dragonfly – classic with perfect rendering

The 45 mm f/1.4 is a classic standard lens featuring low distortion (~0.5%) and excellent sharpness from wide open. Its large aperture enables low‑light shooting and creamy portrait bokeh. The optical design is optimized for f/1.4 to f/16, and the nine‑blade aperture produces aesthetic bokeh. The body is made of metal and composite materials, fully sealed. It offers internal focusing, focus lock, electronic aperture control, and EXIF data recording. With a 140° focus ring throw, it delivers precise manual focus. Compatible with 77 mm round and square filters, the 45 mm focal length is suitable for a wide range of applications—from documentary to studio photography.

Irix 150 mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 Dragonfly – precision at 1:1 scale

The 150 mm f/2.8 is a dedicated macro lens offering 1:1 magnification without extension tubes. Its optical design is optimized for maximum sharpness and minimal distortion (<0.1%). It features an 11‑blade aperture for smooth bokeh. The focus ring has a 270° throw for precise focusing in macro. The lens is fully sealed and weather‑resistant. Included is a sturdy tripod collar with Arca‑Swiss mount. It supports electronic aperture, PASM modes, and EXIF. Compatible with 77 mm round and square filters. Perfect not only for macro photography but also for portraits and product shots requiring extreme sharpness.

Purpose-built gear for a specific job

The Dragonfly series is made for intensive use in any conditions. The lenses combine precision optics with a robust fully sealed barrel, and each model offers thoughtful mechanical features: internal focusing, focus lock, ergonomic rings, and compatibility with round and square filters. It's gear for those who expect not only exceptional image quality but also full control and reliability in the field.