Best Lens Filter for Irix Lenses
Finding the right filter for Irix lenses can be a headache due to their unique designs, like the massive 95mm front threads on the 15mm f/2.4 or the rear gelatin slots on the 11mm f/4. I’ve spent years testing wide-angle glass, and Irix lenses require specific slim-profile filters to avoid vignetting. While third-party options exist, the Irix Edge series remains the gold standard for compatibility. In this guide, Iβll help you navigate the best circular and square systems for your Irix kit.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Lens Filter for Irix Lenses: Detailed Reviews
Irix Edge CPL SR 95mm View on Amazon View on B&H
When you’re shooting with the Irix 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone or Firefly, the Irix Edge CPL SR is the most logical choice. I find the 95mm diameter intimidating at first, but this filter is remarkably slim. The “SR” stands for Super Resistant, featuring a nano-coating that repels oil and water, which is a lifesaver when you’re shooting near waterfalls or in dusty environments. What truly sets this apart is how it integrates with the Irix lens hood; there is a small “filter window” that allows you to rotate the CPL with your finger without removing the hood. This prevents stray light from hitting the glass while you dial in the polarization. The color neutrality is superb, with no noticeable warm or cool shifts even in high-contrast scenes. It’s a premium investment, but for Irix users, the seamless workflow is worth every penny.
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Hoya NXT Plus UV Filter View on Amazon View on B&H
If you have the Irix 150mm f/2.8 Macro or the 45mm Dragonfly, you need a high-quality protector that won’t degrade your sharpness. The Hoya NXT Plus is my favorite “set it and forget it” filter. It uses Schott glass and a low-profile aluminum frame that prevents vignetting on wider focal lengths. In my testing, I noticed that the 10-layer HMC coating does an excellent job of minimizing ghosting and flares, which is crucial when shooting macro subjects under bright studio lights. The “Plus” version adds a waterproof top coat, making it much easier to wipe away fingerprints compared to the older NXT series. While it doesn’t have the “Super Resistant” hardening of the Irix brand filters, it offers about 95% of the performance at a significantly lower price point. It’s the perfect balance of quality and affordability for enthusiasts.
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Urth UV Filter Plus+ View on Amazon View on B&H
Urth (formerly Gobe) has made a name for themselves by offering high-quality glass while planting trees for every purchase. Their “Plus+” range uses professional-grade SCHOTT B270 glass, which is essential for Irix lenses known for their high resolution. For the 95mm size required by the Irix 15mm, finding a budget filter that doesn’t ruin your image quality is tough, but Urth delivers. The 30-layer nano-coating provides excellent light transmission and makes the glass surprisingly scratch-resistant. You might notice a very slight increase in flare when shooting directly into the sun compared to the Irix Edge, but for most daily shooting, it’s indistinguishable. The ultra-slim magnalium rim is specifically designed to prevent mechanical vignetting, making it a safe and sustainable choice for those who spent their whole budget on the lens itself.
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NiSi V7 100mm Filter System View on Amazon View on B&H
For serious landscape work with an Irix 15mm, a circular filter often isn’t enough; you need graduated NDs. The NiSi V7 is the premier square filter system. It comes with a 95mm adapter ring that fits the Irix 15mm perfectly. I love the integrated True Color CPL, which can be rotated using a small wheel on the back of the holder. Unlike older systems, the V7 allows you to use three square filters plus the CPL with zero vignetting at 15mm. The optical glass is world-class, offering no color cast, which is vital when stacking 10-stop ND filters. It is a bulky system and definitely requires a dedicated bag, but if you’re chasing the “golden hour” and need to balance a bright sky with a dark foreground, there is no better tool for your Irix glass.
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Irix Edge Gelatin Filter Set View on Amazon View on B&H
The Irix 11mm f/4 doesn’t have a front filter thread, making it nearly impossible to use standard filters. That’s where the Irix Edge Gelatin Filter Set comes in. These are tiny 29x29mm square ND filters that slide into a slot at the rear of the lens. The set includes ND4, ND8, and ND16 densities. Using rear filters is a bit of a learning curveβyou have to remove the lens from the camera to change themβbut they are the only way to maintain the 11mm’s ultra-wide field of view without massive, expensive 150mm square systems. Iβve found these especially useful for long exposure clouds or softening water when shooting architecture. They are thin, so you must handle them with tweezers (usually included) to avoid oily smudges, but they are an essential accessory for 11mm and 15mm owners alike.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Filter for Irix Lenses
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irix Edge CPL SR | Landscape/Irix 15mm | β β β β β | Check |
| Hoya NXT Plus UV | 150mm Macro Protection | β β β β β | Check |
| Urth UV Filter Plus+ | Budget Protection | β β β β β | Check |
| NiSi V7 System | Pro Square Setup | β β β β β | Check |
| Irix Gelatin Set | Irix 11mm Users | β β β β β | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a 95mm filter for the Irix 15mm?
Yes, the Irix 15mm f/2.4 has a 95mm front thread. Using a step-down ring to a smaller size like 82mm will cause massive vignetting, effectively ruining your wide-angle shots. Itβs better to invest in a single high-quality 95mm filter or a 100mm square system with the correct adapter to maintain the full field of view provided by the lens.
What is the benefit of the Irix “SR” coating?
The Super Resistant (SR) coating is a specific hardening process used on Irix Edge filters. It makes the glass significantly more resistant to physical impact and scratches. For landscape photographers who often work in harsh conditions, this provides peace of mind that a stray branch or accidental drop won’t immediately shatter or ruin the expensive 95mm glass surface.
Can I use square filters on the Irix 11mm?
The Irix 11mm f/4 has a built-in petal hood that cannot be removed, which prevents standard 100mm holders from mounting. You would need a massive 150mm square filter system with a specialized adapter. For most people, the rear gelatin filters are a far more practical and affordable way to use ND filters on this specific ultra-wide lens.
Will a standard UV filter affect my Irix lens sharpness?
Irix lenses are known for their extreme sharpness (some of the best in their class). Using a cheap, non-coated UV filter will absolutely degrade that resolution and introduce flares. That is why I recommend the Hoya NXT Plus or Urth Plus+ series; they use high-quality optical glass that matches the resolving power of the Irix sensors.
How does the Irix hood filter window work?
On the Irix 15mm hood, there is a small sliding door. When you have a circular polarizer (CPL) screwed into the lens, you can keep the hood on for flare protection and still reach the edge of the filter through this window. This allows you to rotate the filter and adjust polarization without having to take the hood off and on repeatedly.
Final Verdict
If you own the Irix 15mm f/2.4, the Irix Edge CPL SR is the clear winner for its integration with the lens hood. For those shooting with the 150mm Macro, the Hoya NXT Plus offers the best balance of protection and clarity. If you’re a professional landscape shooter who needs graduated ND filters, the NiSi V7 system is the only way to go. No matter which you choose, always prioritize slim frames to keep your Irix shots looking sharp from corner to corner.