Irix Edge MMS True Color VariND 2-5

Smooth light control. No X-pattern. No color shift.

Variable ND is one of the most widely used tools in cinema production — and one of the hardest to engineer well. The Irix MMS True Color Vari ND 2-5 is the next generation of the proven Irix Edge MMS Vari ND 2-5, engineered with a focus on even better color neutrality and greater color predictability across the full working range. It maintains a natural color balance and generates no X-pattern artifacts, even at higher density settings. MTF testing returned 97% center-frame sharpness with the filter versus 91% without it. That’s a number worth paying attention to. The existing Vari ND 2-5 model remains available for users who value a proven solution at an attractive price point.

Designed with filmmakers and photographers in mind

Irix MMS True Color Vari ND 2-5 is designed for filmmakers and photographers who need precise light control, dependable color consistency, and fast operation on set. It gives you smooth variable ND adjustment in a practical 2–5 stop range, allowing you to adapt quickly to changing conditions without interrupting your workflow. Whether you want to keep aperture wide open in bright daylight or slow shutter speed for more cinematic motion, this filter gives you the control you need to shape the image exactly the way you want.

What makes this filter especially powerful is the combination of creative flexibility and technical reliability. It is engineered to maintain a natural, true-to-life color balance while reducing light evenly across the frame, helping you preserve the look of the scene without unwanted visual distractions. Testing also confirmed the absence of X-pattern artifacts, even at stronger settings, which is critical for filmmakers who need confidence throughout the entire adjustment range.

Just as important, the filter delivers its creative control without compromising image quality. Laboratory tests showed outstanding center-frame MTF performance, no measurable drop in sharpness or contrast, and no added vignetting. That means you can use the Irix MMS True Color Vari ND 2-5 with confidence whenever exposure control is essential, knowing your image remains clean, sharp, and consistent.

Key Benefits

• True Color — color neutrality backed by measurements Color temperature shift across the full adjustment range measured between -270 K and -330 K relative to the reference — a controlled, stable value. Corner-to-corner color differences remained at 0.5–1.45 K, indicating exceptional chromatic uniformity across the frame. For context: many popular variable ND filters (including models from PolarPro and B+W) exhibit noticeable color shift in the middle of their operating range, requiring correction in post. The True Color version builds on the color performance of the previous Irix Edge Vari ND 2-5 — which was already praised for neutral color rendition — and pushes it further with improved coating technology optimized specifically for color consistency.
• No X-pattern — across the full range X-pattern is a structural problem in many variable ND filters, caused by interference between two polarizing layers. Lab testing of the Irix MMS True Color Vari ND 2-5 explicitly confirmed the absence of this artifact, even at settings approaching maximum density. This is a critical advantage for filmmakers who need confidence throughout the entire adjustment range.
• 2–5 stop range: the optimal balance between flexibility and image quality Irix deliberately limited the range to 2–5 stops. The reason is purely optical: the wider a Vari ND’s range, the higher the risk of artifacts, sharpness loss, and color instability. The 2–5 EV range covers the vast majority of cinema exposure scenarios (maintaining 1/50 s shutter at 25 fps, shooting wide open in bright light) while keeping optical quality intact. Maximum measured light reduction reached 4.64 EV — closely matching the declared working range.
• Construction: 24 coating layers, 4.5 mm frame profile Built from two polarizing layers, each with 12 multi-functional optical coatings (24 layers total). This is one of the most advanced variable ND constructions available in a magnetic format. At 4.5 mm frame thickness (5.5 mm total), Irix positions it as approximately 51% thinner than most competing variable ND filters on the market.
• MTF: 97% with filter vs. 91% without (Canon EOS 5DS R, 50 MP) MTF analysis (iQ-Analyzer) returned 97% center-frame with the filter, compared to 91% without — tested on a 50-megapixel sensor, one of the most demanding full-frame platforms available. Siemens star analysis confirmed no measurable loss of sharpness, resolution, or contrast. The lab report explicitly states that the filter can be used without concern for image degradation.
• No additional vignetting Imatest measurements: with filter sides -1.09 to -1.14 EV, corners -3.24 EV (corner mean -2.82 EV); without filter sides -1.1 to -1.21 EV, corners -3.71 EV (corner mean -2.94 EV). Values with the filter show no deterioration — corner performance is actually more favorable.
• Color measurements with Sekonic L-800 — per-corner precision Color temperature was measured using a Sekonic L-800 in all four corners and at the center, for each density setting (min, 3, 5). Average color temperature shift: -325 K at min, -300 K at setting 3, -270 K at setting 5. Diagonal differences: 0.5 K to 1.45 K — confirming exceptional chromatic uniformity and absence of X-pattern.

Magnetic Mount System — full compatibility with the Irix Cine ecosystem 

The MMS magnetic mount eliminates traditional threads, enabling one-handed filter changes. Combined with stackability (e.g., Vari ND + UV as a protective base), it provides full configuration flexibility without tools.

Ultra-thin filter profile

 The slim 4.5 mm frame reinforces its compact, professional design and makes it a practical tool for everyday production use.

Verified by lab tests

MTF (iQ-Analyzer, Canon EOS 5DS R): 97% center-frame with filter vs. 91% without. Siemens star analysis: no measurable loss of sharpness, resolution, or contrast. Exposure testing: smooth reduction from approx. 1 EV (1/250 s) to 4.64 EV (1/20 s) at 1/500 s reference — confirming practical 2–5 stop working range. Color testing: temperature shift from -270 K to -330 K, corner differences 0.5–1.45 K, no X-pattern. Vignetting (Imatest): no additional EV drop. Hydrophobic coating and scratch resistance verified in lab documentation.

Control exposure without losing color or sharpness. Irix MMS True Color Vari ND 2-5 — a variable ND with no X-pattern and lab-verified color neutrality.

European Brand

The Irix Edge brand has its roots in Europe – this is where they are designed, tested and improved by our research team, using the latest measurement equipment and under rigorous quality control. All the effort put into the product development makes us sure that you can trust them in any, even the most demanding conditions.