Irix 45mm f/1.4 Dragonfly: 10 Reasons Why You Need this lens

Irix USA takes pride in offering photographers and cinematographers the highest quality optics at prices that don’t require a second mortgage. Since its release, our 45mm f/1.4 still photography lens is quickly catching up to its predecessors in popularity and in this article, we’ll explain some of the reasons why.

A Bit of Irix 45mm History

This focal length made its debut as an addition to the Irix Cine line of lenses about a year ago. Solid reviews from video and movie makers started coming in right away – and they continue to come.

Still photographers were quick to ask about a version for their cameras and in a few months’ time, that became a reality. “O.M.G. YOU WILL LOVE IT…” and similar reactions have come in from both pro and amateur photographers since then.

So, what’s all the hubub about a 45mm lens?

The fact is, there’s just a lot to love about it. It’s got everything our customers have come to expect from Irix: quality, versatility, durability, speed, and so much more! If we’re really going to show you why you need this lens, though, you’ll need some specifics. Never fear, we’re here to deliver them!

1. It’s Fast.

Let’s start with the f/1.4 maximum aperture. If you know your photography basics, you know that means great low-light performance and the ability to deliver shallow depth of field for incredible subject isolation and easy bokeh.

2. Bokeh is the Bomb!

While we’re on the subject of bokeh, let’s talk about the aperture construction of the Irix 45mm f/1.4. Nine curved diaphragm blades produce a nice, round aperture that creates amazing effects with background blur. It will open up a whole, new world of possibilities!

3. The Other End of the Aperture Scale

At the narrow end of the aperture scale, you can stop this lens down to f/22, giving you the ability to maximize your depth of field when you want to. It also creates amazing starbursts!

4. The Irix 45mm f/1.4 is sharp. Really Sharp.

Irix lenses have earned a reputation for incredible sharpness and this lens is no exception! 11 elements of the highest quality optical glass produce a crisp, clear image. Since it’s a prime lens, those elements don’t shift through a focal length range, which helps ensure that sharpness.

5. This Lens is Ready for Nasty Weather.

Here’s a lens that you don’t have to worry about using in the rain, snow and wind. With weather sealing in 4 key places, you can keep shooting when the weather turns. (No, you shouldn’t drop it in the lake or wash it.)

6. Ergonomic, Comfortable, Locking Focus

With a rubberized grip and convenient tab, the wide focus ring is almost effortless, but offers enough resistance for smooth, careful adjustment. What’s more, there’s a separate locking ring to let you maintain the setting between shots!

7. It’s Rugged, but Lightweight.

The innovative, hybrid Dragonfly exterior of our 45mm f/1.4 lens is a design like no other. We combined a rugged, metal alloy with lightweight composite components, so it’s extremely durable, easy to grip and won’t add a lot of weight to your bag or pack. It’s a breakthrough in lens housing construction. It’s the same housing we used for our popular Irix 150mm f/2.8 Dragonfly Macro lens.

8. It Bridges the “Normal Lens” Gap

With 35mm as the “standard” lens for crop-sensor cameras and 50mm for full-frame, the Irix 45mm f/1.4 bridges the gap between the two. It’s at home on both form factors with only minimal re-framing in the process. This is only one of the many reasons our lens is so versatile.

9. It’s One of the Most Versatile Lenses Ever.

A 45mm focal length is suitable for a surprising number of photographic genres. That versatility is one of the most important features of this lens. You’ll find it’s useful for just about anything, from landscape and night photography to portraits and events. It’s a great walkaround focal length for the street photographer, too!

The 45mm f/1.4 is an ideal lens to take on location. Check out Ernesto Sue’s latest video about “Creating Environmental on Location with his Canon EOS R and the Irix 45mm.

10. You Can Afford to Own It.

Let’s be honest. One of the most difficult things about photography is finding affordable gear. That’s why Irix was founded, by photographers, dedicated to creating the highest quality products at the most reasonable price possible.

Are You Ready Yet?

There’s much more to know about the Irix 45mm f/1.4 Dragonfly than we’ve had space to tell you about here. Come and see for yourself! You’ll find everything you need to know about it right here: https://www.irixusa.com/irix-45mm-f1-4-dragonfly.

When you get yours, be sure to share your amazing photos with us! The Irix USA team loves to share the images our customers capture with out lenses.
Tag @irixusa on Instagram or Facebook.
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Post to the Irix Shooters group on Facebook.

See you next time!