Best Lens Filters for Irix 15mm f/2.4
Finding the right glass for an ultra-wide lens like the Irix 15mm f/2.4 can be a nightmare due to the massive 95mm front element and the risk of nasty vignetting. Most wide-angle lenses force you into bulky, expensive adapter systems, but Irix smartly included a front thread and a rear slot. After testing various setups in the field, I’ve found that the Irix Edge series offers the most seamless performance, though a few third-party gems provide incredible value for landscape enthusiasts.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Lens Filters for Irix 15mm f/2.4: Detailed Reviews
Irix Edge CPL 95mm View on Amazon View on B&H
If you own the Irix 15mm f/2.4, the Irix Edge CPL is essentially a mandatory companion. Because this lens is so wide, standard 95mm filters often creep into the frame, creating dark shadows in the corners. Irix designed this filter specifically for their glass, utilizing an incredibly slim frame that avoids vignetting entirely. In my experience, the color saturation it brings to skies and the way it cuts through water reflections is superb without adding any noticeable color cast. The glass is multi-coated with a water-repellent layer, which I found invaluable when shooting near waterfalls or in misty conditions. It also features a clever design that allows you to rotate the filter through a small window in the lens hood. While it is a premium-priced filter, the peace of mind knowing it won’t ruin your wide-angle compositions makes it the definitive choice for professionals.
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Haida NanoPro MC CPL 95mm View on Amazon View on B&H
Haida has built a massive reputation for offering professional-grade optics at a price point that doesn’t hurt quite as much as the boutique brands. Their 95mm NanoPro MC CPL is a fantastic alternative for the Irix 15mm. The “NanoPro” coating is the star here; it’s remarkably easy to clean fingerprints or dust off the surface, which is a frequent task with a front element this large. In terms of performance, it provides a very neutral color balance—I didn’t notice the warm or cool shifts that often plague cheaper circular polarizers. While it is very slim, it is just a hair thicker than the native Irix Edge, so you might see the absolute tiniest hint of vignetting if you are pixel-peeping at f/2.4, though stopping down to f/5.6 usually clears this up. It’s a rugged, well-built piece of kit that represents the sweet spot between performance and price.
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Irix Edge Gelatin Filter Set View on Amazon View on B&H
One of the coolest features of the Irix 15mm f/2.4 is the rear gelatin filter slot, measuring 30x30mm. If you want to dive into long exposure photography without spending hundreds on 95mm glass or square filter systems, this set is your golden ticket. The pack typically includes several Neutral Density (ND) filters (ND4, ND8, and ND16). Because they sit at the rear of the lens, they have absolutely zero impact on vignetting or flare from front-light sources. I’ll be honest: they are a bit “fiddly” to install, and you have to be extremely careful with tweezers to avoid fingerprints, but once they are in, they work brilliantly. They are made from high-quality film that preserves sharpness surprisingly well. It’s the most cost-effective way to get that silky water effect or blurred cloud movement that characterizes professional wide-angle landscape shots.
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Irix Edge IFH-100-PRO Holder View on Amazon View on B&H
For those who demand ultimate control over light, the IFH-100-PRO square filter holder is the peak of the Irix ecosystem. This system allows you to use 100mm square filters, such as Graduated NDs, which are essential for balancing a bright sky with a dark foreground. What makes this “Pro” version special is the integrated circular polarizer that you can rotate independently using a small external dial. This is a game-changer because you don’t have to choose between a polarizer and a square filter—you can use both simultaneously. The build quality is exceptional, featuring lightweight aluminum that feels rugged but doesn’t add excessive weight to your kit. It’s designed specifically to avoid vignetting on the 15mm lens, which is a rare feat for 100mm systems at such a wide focal length. It’s a significant investment, but for serious landscape work, it’s the best way to achieve “in-camera” perfection.
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Hoya 95mm Fusion Antistatic UV View on Amazon View on B&H
If you’re taking your Irix 15mm into harsh environments—think sandy beaches or dusty trails—you might want a “protector” filter. The Hoya Fusion Antistatic UV is my top choice for this. The 95mm front element of the Irix is a magnet for dust, and cleaning it constantly can eventually degrade the lens’s own coatings. Hoya’s antistatic technology actually works; it creates a microscopic field that repels dust particles, meaning you have to wipe it down much less frequently. It’s a low-profile filter, so it plays nice with the ultra-wide 15mm focal length. The light transmission is virtually 100%, so you won’t lose any image quality or see unwanted ghosting. It’s an “install and forget” piece of equipment that provides a very cheap insurance policy for your expensive wide-angle glass.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose Filters for Irix 15mm f/2.4
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irix Edge CPL | Pro Landscapes | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Haida NanoPro | Overall Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Irix Gelatin Set | Budget ND | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Irix IFH-100-PRO | Professional Use | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Hoya Fusion UV | Protection | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a standard 95mm filter cause vignetting?
Yes, many standard 95mm filters have frames that are too thick for a 15mm ultra-wide lens. This results in dark, clipped corners in your images. To avoid this, you must look for “slim” or “thin” profile filters. The Irix Edge series is specifically designed with an ultra-thin frame to ensure that even at f/2.4, the filter remains invisible to the sensor, maintaining the full 110-degree field of view.
How do I use the rear gelatin filter slot?
The rear slot is located at the base of the lens (the mount side). You simply take a 30x30mm gelatin filter and slide it into the small metal bracket. I highly recommend using clean tweezers to handle these, as fingerprints on a rear filter will drastically reduce image sharpness. It’s a fantastic, cost-effective way to use ND filters without needing a massive 95mm piece of glass on the front.
Can I use square filters with the Irix 15mm?
Absolutely, but you need a 100mm holder system. While some third-party holders like the NiSi V7 can work with a 95mm adapter, the Irix IFH-100-PRO is the most reliable option. It is specifically built to ensure that even when using two square filters and a polarizer, you won’t see vignetting. Square filters are essential for using Graduated NDs to balance bright skies in landscape photography.
Is a UV filter necessary for this lens?
While not “necessary” for image quality, the Irix 15mm has a large, bulbous front element that is quite exposed. A UV filter acts as a physical barrier against scratches, salt spray, and dust. If you frequently shoot in tough environments, it’s much cheaper to replace a $100 filter than to repair the front element of a professional lens. Just ensure the UV filter is high-quality to avoid flares.
What is the benefit of the “filter window” on the lens hood?
Irix designed their lens hood with a small sliding window. This allows you to reach in with your finger and rotate a Circular Polarizer (CPL) without having to remove the hood. This is a brilliant feature for landscape photographers who want to block stray light with the hood while still fine-tuning the polarization effect to darken skies or remove reflections from water.
Final Verdict
For most users, the Irix Edge CPL 95mm is the smartest investment, as it’s tailor-made for this lens’s unique geometry. If you’re a hardcore landscape pro, the IFH-100-PRO holder system is the way to go for graduate filter control. However, don’t overlook the Gelatin set if you’re just starting with long exposures—it’s a clever, high-quality solution that takes advantage of the Irix’s unique rear-slot design.