So, the IRIX lens is on the way.

I struggle with illogical purchases, even bargains, even massive bargains.

They tend to force a need in me to make sense of them even if that does not make sense, but I think I can deal with this one.

The 150 is a Macro, which is a specialist lens, likely the only one you need for an entire project of some sorts, but very limited for others.

It is, like most macro lenses perfectly corrected for close work, but also like most macro lenses, the longer range imagery is still very good, because it is so well corrected. I used to always buy macro lenses automatically in my previous gear lists, because they were so good.

Canon FD 100 f4, EF 50, 100mm and even the massive 180 f3.5 for a short while, the OM Olympus 90mm f2 (a special lens), the even the EM 60 and 35mm lenses, that ended up going back or my father in law scored (spider expert, felt right).

Often bigger, slower (max aperture) and dearer than the same lens in regular configuration, they had that other thing, that macro thing, which I used occasionally. Most importantly, they were very well behaved.

M43 broke me of the macro habit because most M43 lenses focussed close enough for my needs without any help, even some long and wide ones. A quarter life size was usually reached, sometimes even closer.

Back in full frame for video (mostly), I have hit the wall hard in a few areas, as expected. Lens size, cost and weight, poor close focus, distortion, soft corners, vignetting and all the other monsters that M43 lenses usually avoid are all back in fashion it seems.

The 7Artisan lenses are allowing me the cinema look with minimal outlay ($800 for three lenses) thanks to some lucky buys, but the Irix will add superior quality where it is needed, for closeups, tight shots and commercial work, hopefully while offering the cine magic for other applications.

In full frame it is not too crazy tight, basically matching my favourite M43 lens the 75 f1.8, but with S35 (crop) as an option, I have another 50% of reach at the same close focus.

Projects are coming to mind.

It is spring here and gardens and nature are literally buzzing with life. I have a desire to do some closeup flower and insect shots for a project called “perfection”, celebrating the symmetry and spectacular sights of nature.

My tools;

• G9Mk2 with up to 300fps slo-mo in 1080, 120 in 4k.

• S5 and G9II/G9I with 4k/50/422 (crop on S5) in Log.

• 9mm Mft close focus wide angle (18mm at a few cms).

• 300 Mft close focus tele with up to 2x crop in 1080 (1200mm at less than 1m).

• 150 FF/S35 Irix macro at 1:1 or 1:1.5 at S35.

• Several close focus lenses such as the 7Art 12mm (Mft), 35 T2 (ff), and most MFT lenses such as the 12-40, 25, 12-60 etc.

Looking for 1080 output, I will shoot both 4k and 1080 for capture.

In this scenario, the Irix fits in perfectly, allowing the S5 to play with the little guys.