IRIX Edge UV Protector CIR-PL Filters

Features and Handling
Performance
Verdict

The IRIX Edge range of filters are designed specifically for the Irix 15mm wide-angle lens, and are circular 95mm screw-on filters. There are a range of ND filters, a UV filter, and a Circular Polarizing filter. Here we're looking at the UV / Protective filter and the Circular Polarizing (CIR-PL) filter.

IRIX Edge UV and Circular Polarizing Features and Handling

Irix Edge from left to right: Protector, CIR-PL, ND

We used the IRIX Edge filters with the Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens, with the 50mp Canon EOS 5DS R.

The filters come in a protective case, with ample foam padding to protect the filters during transit. They are designed to minimise vignetting when used with ultra-wide lenses. The filters feature a multi-layer nano coating, low-profile durable aluminium frame with knurled grips, and clear labelling on the side. The finish is matte to aid grip.

There is a screw thread on the front of the filter, so that if you want, you can stack the filters, or use a circular polarizing filter on top. There's a waterproof and oil repellent coating - giving protection from stains and fingerprints. There's also a double sided anti-reflective coating on the circular polarizing filter, or CIR-PL shortened.

They're available in 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77, 82mm sizes. The Irix 15mm lens hood features a filter window which will help access the circular polarizing filter so that you can turn it when needed.

Key Features

• Low-profile durable aluminium frame
• Multi-layer anti-reflective nano coating - double sided (CIR-PL)
• Waterproof and oil repellent coating (CIR-PL)
• 3.5mm thick frame (UV) / 5.1mm thick frame (CIR-PL)
• 99.3% transmittance (UV)
• 38.6% transmittance (CIR-PL)

IRIX Edge UV and Circular Polarizing Performance

The performance section is where we look at the image quality of the product. Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings. Here's a quick "Behind the Scenes" look at where we were set up for shots of the waterfall in a local river:

Irix Edge UV + CIR-PL Results

None | 1/6 sec | f/8.0 | 15.0 mm | ISO 100

Protective | 1/6 sec | f/8.0 | 15.0 mm | ISO 100

The Protective UV filter has had no noticeable effect on the exposure of the photo, with the same aperture, shutter speed and ISO speed being used. There is also no visible difference in image quality, as well as no signs of vignetting. This is the result you are looking for when using a protective filter, and will be cheaper to replace than having to have the lens repaired or replaced if there was any damage.

With Circ-Pl | 0.4 sec | f/8.0 | 15.0 mm | ISO 100 - The same image shot with the circular-polarizer fitted reduces the shutter speed, and reduces reflections on the water.

No Cir-Pl | 1/80 sec | f/8.0 | 15.0 mm | ISO 200

With Cir-Pl | 1/50 sec | f/8.0 | 15.0 mm | ISO 200 - In this shot, the sky is a darker, with a more saturated blue, and the leaves on the trees are brighter and more saturated, giving the image much more impact and punch.

We didn't see any signs of vignetting, ghosting, or hot spots when using these filters. We also didn't spot any flare, although the position of the sun (and other bright light sources) will affect this.

The shutter speed is slower with the CIR-PL, as the filter blocks some light. The Circular Polarizing filter boosts foliage, and removes reflections from leaves, and other plants. Gives stronger saturation to skies, boosting blues and giving clouds more definition and contrast. You can also use it to cut down relfections in glass. The CIR-PL cuts down reflections in water, and makes a great additional filter to use with an ND filter, and you can see results when using in combination with an ND filter, in our Irix Edge ND Filters review. We also used this CIR-PL filter with the Irix Edge Gelatin filter set, which improved colours, contrast, as well as the saturation and colour in surrounding foliage.

Value For Money

The Irix Edge CIR-PL 95mm filter is available for £99, which is actually quite good value for money for a branded filter. The Irix Edge UV 95mm protective filter is available for around £75, which is reasonable value for money, compared to other branded filters.

IRIX Edge UV and Circular Polarizing Verdict

Up until the Irix Edge 95mm filter range, Irix lens users have been left "high and dry" when trying to purchase a filter for their new lens, due to the lack of filters of this size. The Irix Edge range solves this problem with a range of specifically designed filters. The filters perform well, particularly the CIR-PL, which is a must-have lens filter for reducing reflections in water, and on foliage.

The UV filter, may provide more protection than no filter, however, I think the debate over whether UV and protective filters are needed will continue. If you're someone who wants a protective filter, then the Irix Edge UV filter is a good choice, and ideal for the Irix 15mm lens.

The IRIX Edge UV and Circular Polarizing filters perform well and are perfectly suited to the Irix 15mm lens.

With thanks to CliftonCameras who provided the Canon EOS 5DS R used for testing.