Not much spare time at the moment due to sick wife, visitors, work etc. - the usual stuff of life. Pictures will have to come later. But some quick replies now.
- Aperture control is like any Pentax lens that doesn't have an aperture ring, it's done from the camera body in the usual way. If you need an aperture ring for what you want to do, the Irix isn't for you.
- The contacts on the lens mount are what you would expect for a Pentax lens. A lever opens and closes the aperture. The pictures on the Irix website are not the Pentax version.
- I don't have any extension tubes so can't check them out. I can't see why tubes wouldn't work with the Irix if they work with other lenses without an aperture ring. I've occasionally used the Pentax 1.4 TC with the old Sigma. Trying it with the Irix is on my list of things to do when time permits.
- I've not tried the Irix at non-macro distances yet other than a couple of shots to check it worked and see what it felt like. Again, it's on my list of things to do when time permits.
- Algi is, of course, right about the distance scale having very little space as you approach inf. But although the angle of turn between 1m and inf is about the same on the Irix as on the old Sigma, the barrel diameter is much bigger on the Irix and focussing seems smoother (at least with my hands). So I wouldn't be surprised if MF at longer distances is easier on the Irix, although still more difficult than with a non-macro 150mm.
- I'll try shooting into the sun when it puts in an appearance. Currently doing its best to hide behind cloud whenever I've got a free moment. I too am interested in finding out when the lens hood is really needed. The ePhotozine review includes a picture with a bright light at the top edge and the statement "Flare resistance is also very impressive and in fact, no evidence of flare is to be found.". So I'm hopeful.
- I've got some graphs of magnification vs. distance from front of lens to subject, for both the Irix and old Sigma. Currently sitting in a spreadsheet. I'll post them when I can work out how to put them in a format that can be posted.
- For Mike-P - I'm in the County Town. For those who don't know the County Town of Dorset - shame on you!!

Incidentally, the ePhotozine review says that focusing is down to 0.345m or 0.92 feet. That should be 1.13 ft. The distance on the lens is correct, the incorrect number presumably comes from copying what is on the Irix website. If you can't trust an ePhotozine reviewer, who can you trust...??

Steve

With all the excitement about the new Pentax lenses, has anyone noticed the new Irix 150mm macro?

I’ve acquired one because of niggling limitations of my film-era Sigma 105mm macro: not WR, fairly short working distance at 1:1 magnification and big extension when focussing. Buying a newly released lens is not usually my thing, but with a non-UK purchase the only current option and goodness knows what going to happen at the end of March, it seemed sensible to go for it now. John Riley’s ePhotozine review (not with a Pentax) appeared just in time to be a sanity check before pressing the ’buy’ button. It didn’t put me off, so the button was pressed. Here are some first thoughts.

The review is spot on. The lens seems well built, has all that a macro lens needs, handles well and sits nicely on a K3. Colours seem more accurate than the Sigma, presumably because of more modern lens coatings. It’s over twice the weight of the Sigma, but strangely doesn't feel like it on the camera. Lack of AF is not an issue for me, I never use it for macro. No front extension when focussing is a pleasure and WR is taken on trust – I am not going to run it under a tap to check it out!

Working distance is not so straightforward. At minimum focus distance (1:1 magnification), front of lens to subject is about 18cm for the Irix, 12cm for the Sigma (my measurements). However, the front element of the Sigma is well set back from the front of the lens so I rarely use a lens hood. The front element of the Irix is not set back so its lens hood may be needed. Minimum working distance from front of hood to subject is about the same as for the Sigma without lens hood. Of course, as distance to subject increases and magnification decreases, the presence of the Irix lens hood becomes less significant.

The Irix now sits next to the Sigma on my lens shelf. Time will tell which one I reach for most. But all in all, the Irix seems to be a worthwhile addition to the macro repertoire for Pentax.

Steve
PS: My first post in 10 years. Something vaguely useful to say at last!

Hi

My name is Steve and I wish to confess my photographic sins:

- I take photographs, not digital images.
- I don't care about the ultimate in resloution and sharpness, only whether they are good enough.
- I would rather take a photo that is interesting than technically perfect.
- If I like it, that's good. If my family and friends like it, that's wonderful. The opinion of the internet doesn't interest me.
- I don't replace my camera whenever a new model arrives on the scene, old friends are usually the best.
- I don't lust after lenses that are better than my technique.
- One of my cameras is not a Pentax.

I get the feeling that there might be some people around here with similar weaknesses

Steve