Irix Edge IFH-100-PRO Review
by Robert Goodlight Photography
Table of Contents:
- Irix Edge IFH-100-PRO Filter Holder Features
- Mounting the IFH-100-PRO Filter Holder
- What Filters can I use with the Irix Edge IFH-100-PRO?
- Mounting Filters on the IFH-100-PRO Filter Holder
- Vignetting with the Irix IFH-100-PRO
- Build quality of the Irix Edge IFH-100-PRO
- Conclusion and sample photos
- Sample photos taken with the IFH-100-PRO
- 1. Three Sisters; Katoomba; Australia
- 2. Landslide Lookout; Katoomba; Australia
- 3. Witches leap falls; Katoomba; Australia
- 4. Prince Henry Cliff Walk; Katoomba; Australia
- Availability and pricing of the Irix Edge IFH-100-PRO in the US
I have been working for two years with the Irix 15mm f/2.4 and couldn’t be happier. I bought it mainly for astrophotography, but it quickly became my favorite lens for landscape photography in general, with low distortion, sharpness over the whole image, and great size/weight for traveling.
With this, Irix has just released a new filter holder, the Irix Edge IFH-100-PRO, and they have asked me to test it.
So let’s have a closer look.
Irix Edge IFH-100-PRO Filter Holder Features
- 100mm Square Filter Holder that can hold 1.1mm and 2mm filters
- Compatible with lenses from 52mm to 95mm in diameter (adapters sold separately)
- Adapter for Irix 15mm f/2.4 included
- Two filter slots, plus a dedicated polarizing filter (externally adjustable with knob)
- A secured mounting system for the 100mm filter and the polarizing filter
- Ultralight: 0.21lb (98g)
I’m currently working with a Nikon D800 and an Irix 15mm f/2.4 in combination with:
- Irix Edge IFH-100-PRO (with CPL and Irix 15mm f/2.4 adapter)
- Irix Edge Full ND1000 Filter
- Irix Edge Reverse Gradual Filter ND8
- Irix Edge Soft Gradual Filter ND16
- Irix Edge Hard Gradual Filter ND8
The lightweight IFH-100-PRO is barely recognizable in your camera bag, which is very important. I mostly do long walks, so light and compact equipment is necessary. Another thing I like about this filter holder, is its simplicity, as I can set up the whole filter system in seconds.
Mounting the IFH-100-PRO Filter Holder
Secure the adapter ring on the lens by twisting it on the lens hood contraption. No time-consuming thread here! Once it’s in place, you can attach the IFH-100-Pro.
Note: If you don't have the Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens, you will need to screw one of the Irix adapters on the filter thread of your lens.
Next: Attach the holder. There is a little lip on the bottom side, just hook it on the adapter ring. Then simply push the IFH-100-PRO firmly against the lens. The filter holder snaps on the adapter and is secured by a spring-loaded mechanism.
The Irix Edge IFH-100-PRO filter holder is now attached and swings freely to change position depending on your needs. I have used a few filter systems before, but I always got annoyed about the setup process. It took ages to attach the filter holder to the lens, which was the reason why I ended up not using filters at all.
The IFH-100-PRO is different. It is so easy and quick to set up. Furthermore, you can put on your lens cap while the filter holder is on your lens. When I go out shooting, I mostly leave it attached to my lens, so I don’t have to set it up every time I want to take a photo. You will be much quicker and will not miss beautiful conditions in the field.
Another thing I would like to point out is the adapter ring for the Irix 15mm f/2.4 doesn’t have a thread, making it much easier to attach. Try to get the threads lined up at 5 AM in wintertime, and you will appreciate a simple and efficient system.
To remove the filter holder, simply release the spring-loaded mechanism by pulling the little blue screw at the top. One second - done.
What Filters can I use with the Irix Edge IFH-100-PRO?
The IFH-100-PRO comes with two 100mm filter slots. You can use 1.1mm and 2mm thick filters. Interchangeable filter slots are included in the package. There is even a small screwdriver.
Besides that, you get a built-in polarizing filter which means you can use up to three filters simultaneously. I like to have the option of using the polarizing and gradual Filters together, especially when shooting woodland or waterfalls. There, it is significant in reducing shiny surfaces and keeping all the information in shadows and highlights. You can also use your existing 100mm filter from other brands with this filter holder.
Mounting Filters on the IFH-100-PRO Filter Holder
You will find two screws on the IFH-100-Pro. The Black screw is to hold your 100mm filter in position. Once you are satisfied with the position of your filter, you simply tighten up the screw. Consequently, the position is locked, and you don’t have to worry about it while you are shooting.
The blue screw is for your polarizing filter. After loosening the screw, you can move the filter slot to the side and pop in your polarizing filter. Once the filter is in place, you tighten up the screw. You can adjust the polarizing filter with the external adjustment knob on the side.
The external knob for adjusting the polarizing filter allows you to stay focused on the viewfinder or the display, so you can easily adjust to the desired strength. It’s a great pleasure to use.
You can change the 100mm filter smoothly with one hand. So far, I have never changed the position of my camera by accident. This is important if you do focus-stacking for example.
Vignetting with the Irix IFH-100-PRO
I have tested the IFH-100-Pro with my Irix 15mm f/2.4 and had no problems with vignetting at all. That is a great feature. No vignetting with an ultra-wide-angle lens is outstanding quality proof (See example photos below).
Build quality of the Irix Edge IFH-100-PRO
The IFH-100-Pro is resistant to compression, shocks, and extreme temperature variations while being extremely lightweight at the same time. It’s not just the IFH-100-Pro. I got this same feeling of reliability from all Irix products so far. My 15mm f/2.4 has worked great for two years under all weather conditions and still provides top-quality photos. The same happens with the filter and filter cases.
Conclusion and sample photos
Let me put it this way. Irix is a team of active photographers who have put all their experience together in one filter holder. If you look closely at the IFH-100-Pro, you can tell they have been doing photography for a long time. Only with a lot of experience in the field is it possible to create a product that is so easy and quick to use. There are hundreds of filter holders out there, and they probably all do a decent job, but it is the handling, the efficiency, and the small details which make all the difference.
My favorite features have to be:
- The adapter for the 15mm f/2.4 without a thread
- The super quick spring-loaded mechanism to set up and release the IFH-100-PRO
- The build-in polarizing filter
- The weight: only 98g
- The smoothly changeable filters
- The external knob for adjusting the polarizing filter
Everything is designed to stay focused on your photography and not get overwhelmed by complicated filter settings, which for me, is the most important thing. Hence, I have my needs for landscape photography covered. I can work creatively with up to 3 filters at the same time. The combination of polarizing and graduated is unbeatable and gives you endless opportunities to capture outstanding photos. I am more than happy with the IFH-100-Pro.
Sample photos taken with the IFH-100-PRO
The following principle applies to all my sample images. The first two pictures are straight out of the camera, without editing at all. It will show you the difference between no filter and a filter. The third photo is the edited version, my final image.
All photos were taken with the IFH-100-PRO, Irix 15mm f/2.4, and Irix Edge Filters.
1. Three Sisters; Katoomba; Australia
2. Landslide Lookout; Katoomba; Australia
3. Witches leap falls; Katoomba; Australia
4. Prince Henry Cliff Walk; Katoomba; Australia
All text and images © Robert Goodlight Photography.
IG: @robert_goodlight_photography
FB: @RobertGoodlight
Availability and pricing of the Irix Edge IFH-100-PRO in the US
More information about the Irix products in the US can be found on the official US website.
The IFH-100-PRO is available through the Irix USA website or through our list of official Irix Lens resellers in the US.