Irix Matte Box IQ in use
Image courtesy: Irix

Irix has launched a new matte box. The Irix Matte Box IQ is designed to be used with the company’s own magnetic filter range.

Build quality

The Matte Box IQ is constructed from what Irix describes as a lightweight and durable carbon fiber compendium. This means that it should be tough enough to stand up to use on set. The matte box has also been coated with a matte finish to prevent internal reflections. In addition, there is an adjustable top flag to further help control the light hitting your lenses and so improve contrast in your video footage.

Dimensions 

The Matte Box IQ is around 7.4 inches (18.7 cm) wide and 5.6 inches (14.2 cm) high. It is also around 2.2 inches (5.5 cm) deep, which should help reduce unwanted light entering your lens. However, as it is made from carbon fiber, the Matte Box IQ still only weighs 6.9 ounces (195 g). In addition, Irix says that you can use the matte box with lenses as wide as 15 mm on a full-frame camera without vignetting.

Compatibility

Irix Matte Box IQ
Image courtesy: Irix

Irix’s Matte Box IQ attaches to your camera by clamping around the front barrel of the lens. You fix it in place by tightening a single screw thread. The matte box is natively compatible with lenses that have an outer flange with a diameter of 95 mm. However, you can also purchase optional adapters for use with lenses with a diameter of 52 mm, 55 mm, 58 mm, 62 mm, 67 mm, 72 mm, 77 mm, 82 mm and 86 mm. This should cover most of the photographic lenses on the market.

Magnetic filters

The Matte Box IQ is compatible with Irix’s Magnetic Mount (MMS) filters. The MMS filter system was designed for use with Irix’s range of cine lenses. However, with the matte box, you can now use the MMS filters with any lens. The MMS filter range includes neutral density, UV and circular polarizing filters. 

What we think

Irix Matte Box IQ on a camera
Image courtesy: Irix

The new Matte Box IQ from Irix is an inexpensive and lightweight matte box. It can help improve the color and contrast of your video by reducing the effect of stray light across your lens. However, it only supports Irix’s MMS filters. This means you can’t use the more common 4”x4” or 4”x 5.65” filters as you can with competing products from Small Rig or Tilta. If that isn’t an issue for you, then the Matte Box IQ is worth a look.

Pricing and availability

The Irix Matte Box IQ is available now and costs around $80. If you need additional adapter rings for use with your lenses, then these cost $13.45 each.

Pete Tomkies is a freelance cinematographer and camera operator from Manchester, UK. He also produces and directs short films as Duck66 Films. Pete's latest short Once Bitten... won 15 awards and was selected for 105 film festivals around the world.