Anton Simon on the Versatility of the IRIX 15mm f2.4 Firefly Lens
Image: @Viennamakros
About the IRIX 15mm f2.4
The IRIX 15mm f2.4 wide-angle lens comes in two versions: Firefly and Blackstone. Both are known for their high optical quality but differ in weight and materials. I use the Firefly version for Canon cameras, which at 568g is slightly lighter than the more robust Blackstone at 647g. While the Blackstone has an all-metal body ideal for harsh environments, the Firefly features a rubberized focus ring design and a lighter body, making it more comfortable for extended photo sessions.
As I primarily work with the IRIX 150mm f2.8 macro lens, which is excellent for close-ups, choosing the lighter Firefly was logical for me. In my opinion, the optical performance of both models is identical, but the Blackstone clearly scores in terms of robustness and durability. Professional photographers working in extreme environments might prefer the Blackstone. I, however, appreciate the lower weight of the Firefly, especially during long nature photography trips.
Nature Photography with the 15mm Wide-Angle Lens
I photograph almost exclusively in nature, often during twilight or early morning when the light is particularly soft and atmospheric. This is where the full potential of the IRIX 15mm f2.4 shines, as its wide-angle perspective allows capturing the entire expanse of a landscape. Whether at sunrise, in bright midday light, or late at night, the lens always performs excellently. I particularly value the 15mm for astrophotography. With an aperture of f2.4, it's possible to take clear and detailed starry sky shots that show impressive depth without light pollution.
I've also photographed plants and animals with this lens, including my daughter's Sheltie. Although the 15mm lens isn't necessarily intended for portraits or animal photography, it allows for creative shots that focus on both the subject and its surroundings. In animal photography, subjects that come very close, like turtles or calm pets, can be well-staged, even though most animals in the wild are too fast for the wide-angle.
Different Worlds: 150mm Macro vs. 15mm Wide-Angle
Photography with a 150mm macro and a 15mm wide-angle lens are two completely different disciplines. While the macro lens serves to depict very small subjects in extreme detail with a pleasantly blurred background (bokeh), the wide-angle lens opens up the possibility of sharply depicting both the main subject and its surroundings. This narrative depth is one of the greatest advantages of the 15mm lens.
Especially in landscape photography, the IRIX 15mm f2.4 offers an excellent opportunity to put the foreground in the context of the entire image. You can create a scene where the viewer is guided through the image from front to back, which is not the case with a macro lens that shows strongly isolated subjects. With the right composition, you can tell a story that integrates both the vastness of the landscape and small details.
Image: @Viennamakros
Creative Possibilities and Challenges
Although the IRIX 15mm f2.4 has very low distortion for a wide-angle lens, some image curvature is inevitable, especially at the edges of the image. However, this distortion can also be used deliberately as a creative stylistic device. Especially in close-ups of objects, such as plants or architecture, the perspective creates interesting effects that give the image an unusual dynamism. However, it takes practice to align the lines in the image so that they don't appear disturbing.
A good example of this challenge is converging verticals, which occur when shooting from bottom to top. This can be avoided by photographing from a higher position and making sure to align the camera as parallel to the ground as possible. If this is not possible, converging verticals can be corrected in post-processing, for example with Photoshop or Lightroom.
I recommend that every photographer working with a wide-angle lens familiarize themselves with these techniques to improve image composition. Despite the correction possibilities in post-processing, one should always try to choose the best possible starting position when photographing to spend less time on the computer later.
Weather Resistance and Use in Adverse Conditions
Although I normally use the IRIX 15mm f2.4 Firefly in good weather, I've also had the opportunity to test it under extreme conditions. I had a particularly impressive experience at a waterfall that carried a lot of water after heavy rain. The spray was so strong that my entire equipment was soaked within seconds - as if I had sprayed it with a garden hose. Nevertheless, thanks to its solid sealing, the Firefly lens continued to function without problems. This experience showed me that the lens works reliably even in wet conditions.
Of course, I haven't done any long-term shots in heavy rain or snow yet, but this episode has given me a lot of confidence in the weather resistance of the IRIX 15mm. The seals seem to be well-made and offer sufficient protection against moisture, which is especially important for nature photographers who regularly expose their equipment to extreme conditions.
Image: @Viennamakros
My Conclusion: A Lens for Diverse Applications
In summary, I can say that the IRIX 15mm f2.4 Firefly is a very versatile wide-angle lens that has proven itself in a variety of photographic situations. It is particularly well-suited for landscape photography, but can also impress in astrophotography or even in close-ups of plants and animals. The light body and rubberized focus ring design of the Firefly make it a good choice for photographers who are on the go for long periods and need to watch their weight.
Although I mostly work with a 150mm macro, the 15mm wide-angle has taken on a permanent role in my equipment. It allows me to capture moments that I couldn't implement with the macro. For anyone who wants to seriously engage with wide-angle photography, the IRIX 15mm f2.4 is an excellent choice - whether in the Firefly version or in the more robust Blackstone variant.
Tips for Using the IRIX 15mm f2.4:
- Experiment with perspective: Play with distortion and use it creatively for dynamic image compositions.
- Avoid converging verticals: Try to align the camera parallel to vertical lines or use post-processing.
- Take advantage of weather resistance: Don't be afraid to use the lens in adverse weather conditions - it's well sealed.
- Tell a story: Use the wide-angle perspective to show subjects in their environment and create a visual story.
Anton Simon Instagram: www.instagram.com/viennamakros/
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