Get to know the Irix 45mm T1.5 Cine lens with commercial director Serj Zotov!
Hey everyone! It's Serj Zotov back again - film and commercial director, cinematographer, screenwriter, and producer, joining you from Cyprus! With over 15 years in the film and video industry under my belt, you can read more about my journey in my previous article where I discuss my experiences with the Irix 21mm T1.5 Cine lens, here!
In this article, we're diving into the Irix 45mm T1.5 Cine lens.
What makes the Irix Cine 45mm stand out from other standard cine lenses?
I must point out the exceptional optical performance, sturdy build quality, and relatively accessible pricing of the Irix Cine 45mm lens. Its superb sharpness, minimal distortion, and excellent color rendition make this dependable tool my preferred choice when I need a reliable and versatile lens.
What are the main uses of this lens in film production?
This question gets really interesting when I talk about the 45mm lens. I find this focal length extremely versatile because it’s just a bit wider than what’s considered the classic human field of view. A 45mm lens captures images that are close to how we see the world naturally, but with slight differences in perspective and shape. This makes it ideal for creating natural-looking images with well-balanced perspectives and proportions. Thanks to these features, this lens was my go-to for a long time, from commercials to short films. I’ve shot everything with it, from wide shots to detailed close-ups, to cover a scene fully.
Can you tell us about the technical specifications of the Irix Cine 45mm? What are the most important parameters?
To avoid getting too technical - a lot of which you can find on the official lens page - I'll just highlight a couple of key points that matter to me. Both the 21mm and the 45mm lenses share a few standout features. First off, they're really fast with an aperture of T1.5, which is crucial for shooting in low light situations, especially when you need to work quickly and don't have time to adjust lighting, like in documentary filmmaking. Second, they have a front diameter of 95mm, making them an industry standard that can be used with many matte boxes without needing any adapters. This is not only convenient but also saves time on set.
How does the Irix Cine 45mm handle distortion and vignetting control?
In my view, the Irix Cine 45mm lens does an exceptional job with these nuances. To be honest, I don't see any obvious distortions that are visible to the naked eye. Vignetting is practically nonexistent around the perimeter of the lens, which makes the image very evenly illuminated throughout.
What are your impressions of the image quality and sharpness of this lens?
The image quality of the Irix Cine 45mm is truly outstanding. It produces sharp and detailed images with excellent contrast. Plus, the lens keeps its sharpness from the center all the way to the edges of the frame.
How does Irix Cine 45mm deal with chromatic aberration?
The Irix Cine 45mm lens manages chromatic aberration really well. Its advanced optical design and high-quality glass elements reduce both longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberration, delivering clean and crisp images even in high-contrast scenes.
Have you used the Irix Cine 45mm in difficult lighting conditions? How did it work?
Yes, I've shot several low-key scenes with the Irix Cine 45mm lens, and unlike many other lenses, I find its aperture range from t/1.5 to t/2.8 quite usable. Of course, for more controlled work with movement within the frame, I recommend using higher aperture settings, but if you need to capture static shots in low light, this range can be very effective. I also want to highlight the beautiful image rendition this lens provides.
What are your feelings about the ergonomics and build of this lens?
The lens boasts a very sturdy build, on par with premium-class lenses. Its ergonomics are top-notch: smooth and precise focusing and aperture rings make for professional and comfortable use during shoots. It also integrates perfectly with focus control systems without needing an extra snap-on follow focus gear ring, ensuring seamless compatibility with gear motors.
Can you share your favorite photos or clips shot with Irix Cine 45mm?
I've included some images from my videos in this article. You can also follow my social media accounts, where I regularly post photos and videos shot with Irix lenses.
How do you rate the value for money of the Irix Cine 45mm compared to other lenses in this category?
The Irix Cine 45mm really offers great value. It has the performance and build quality of more expensive cine lenses but at a more budget-friendly price. It's a solid choice for both amateur and professional filmmakers looking to get the most for their money.
Do you have any advice or tips for filmmakers who are considering purchasing this lens?
Fellow filmmakers, let me tell you this: the 45mm is the first lens you should grab if you're considering IRIX's line of cine lenses. As I've mentioned before, you can shoot almost anything with it. Sure, there are some technical limitations, but you can practically cover any scene with this lens. That’s incredibly important when you're picking your first prime lens. Also, keep in mind that you’ll need a follow focus right off the bat because manually turning the gears is quite a challenge. Plus, it's compatible with many matte boxes without needing adapters, which is definitely a plus.
How do you rate the ergonomics of using the Irix Cine 45mm during long filming sessions?
This lens is built for professional use and features smooth, precise control rings that make long shoots more comfortable. Its sturdy construction also shields it from moisture, sand, and dust.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sezotov/