In the world of landscape photography, a good polarizing filter is as essential as a good lens. A few weeks ago, the team at Irix Lens invited me to test their new range of polarizing filters, and in this review I’ll share my real experience using the new Irix Revo CPL in 67mm and 82mm versions.
The Role of the Polarizer in Landscape Photography
When we talk about landscape photography, we often focus on light, composition, or lens choice. But there’s one element, simple yet powerful, that can make a big difference in your images: the polarizing filter.
This type of filter acts like a tool that “cleans up the scene.” It doesn’t add color, nor does it apply artificial effects. It simply removes what you don’t want (if you choose to) and lets the elements shine on their own.
Field Use of the New Irix Revo CPL
The first thing you notice when using a polarizer like the new Irix Revo CPL is how unwanted reflections disappear. Water stops acting like a mirror and becomes transparent. Leaves, especially when wet, recover their natural texture. And skies, even on clear days, gain a blue depth that editing software can hardly replicate with the same natural look.
For example, in a forest after the rain, where leaves glisten with moisture and puddles reflect the sky, everything changes once the polarizer is adjusted to its sweet spot. Greens become richer and more saturated, reflections nearly vanish, and the image gains contrast and vibrancy.
When photographing coastal scenes, the filter lets me see the seabed and eliminates reflections from the sky. This isn’t just an aesthetic improvement—it’s a visual transformation that allows me to show what the human eye perceives but the camera without a filter cannot capture.
Using a polarizer for landscapes is one of those things that, once you try, you simply can’t do without. And with the Irix Revo CPL, the experience is even more rewarding thanks to the precision of its effect, the neutrality of its glass, and how easy it is to clean and handle in the field.
First Impressions: What’s in the Box?
The new Irix Revo CPL comes in compact, simple, and well-protected packaging. The first surprise appears as soon as you see the box: it’s white, whereas Irix Lens products are usually presented in their classic black and blue design.
Inside, the filter is securely held in place by a foam insert. No gimmicks, no unnecessary extras—just careful, robust packaging that does its job: protecting the product.
Filter Details
Packaging Details
Holding it for the first time, the build quality stands out immediately. The machined aluminum frame feels both robust and elegant. Its ultrathin profile of only 4 mm prevents vignetting even on wide-angle lenses—already a strong indication of its professional design.
The glass is clear, pristine, and completely neutral. It doesn’t introduce color casts, which is crucial in landscape and architectural photography. From the very first impression, the Irix Revo CPL communicates exactly what this line of filters aims for: simple, solid, and built to last.
Professional Construction: High-End Materials and Technology
The Irix Revo CPL is made with Japanese AGC optical glass, well-regarded in the industry for its excellent light transmission and durability. But what truly elevates this filter are its 18 layers of coating:
- Anti-reflective: improves contrast and reduces flare.
- Water and stain resistant: repels droplets and smudges.
- Oil resistant: keeps grease away.
- Scratch resistant: ideal for outdoor use.
This combination makes the filter a reliable tool for demanding photographers, whether in the mountains, on the coast, in the city, or in the studio.
My Personal Experience with the Irix Revo CPL
Over several weeks I tested the filter in different environments: damp forests, waterfalls and rivers, and seaside sunsets. In all cases, the filter delivered consistently: effective, precise, and natural.
What did I notice?
- Colors became richer, but without looking artificial.
- Unwanted reflections in water, glass, or shiny surfaces were effectively reduced.
- Skies gained depth without becoming overly dark.
- Water droplets slid off the glass easily.
- Fingerprints and dust wiped away effortlessly, even in the field.
One detail I particularly loved: the filter’s rotation is firm yet smooth, with no jumps or loose movements. This lets you fine-tune the polarization effect with complete precision.
Practical Comparison: With and Without Polarizer
To better understand the effect of the Irix Revo CPL, nothing beats seeing it in action.
In the shot without the filter, you can clearly see reflections on the water and somewhat muted colors.
With the CPL activated, those reflections almost vanish and the colors become noticeably more vivid.
The difference is obvious: the scene gains contrast, saturation, and a sense of “cleanliness” that is impossible to achieve without a polarizer.
Creating Sunstars
In these photos taken at the stunning Fervenza de Narahío and Praia de Campelo, I managed to capture brilliant sunstars with well-defined rays and no distracting flares—an effect that gave the composition extra punch.
A pleasant surprise was that the filter does not interfere at all with the creation of sunstars when shooting directly into the light. If you work with narrow apertures (f/11, f/16 or smaller) looking for that classic starburst effect, the Irix Revo CPL preserves it perfectly. No strange halos, no softening—something I have seen with other filters..
My Photos with the Irix Revo CPL: Real-World Results
Nothing shows how a polarizer performs better than real images. During my tests with the Irix Revo CPL in 67 mm and 82 mm, I used it in several natural environments. Here are some examples:
Reflections on the Water
In this scene, with the camera placed above the water, the CPL almost completely eliminated the surface reflections. Thanks to this, the riverbed and the underwater world filled with algae and surrounding details became much clearer. With the polarizer, the result is cleaner and much closer to what I actually saw with my own eyes.
Landscape After the Rain
Vegetation often shines excessively after rainfall. With the Irix Revo CPL, greens became more intense and the highlights were reduced, resulting in a richer and more natural texture. In addition, color saturation was more balanced, with no unwanted color casts.
Playing with the Sun
As I mentioned earlier, one aspect I really liked is that the Irix Revo CPL does not affect the creation of sunstars. In this image, the starburst effect remains sharp and well-defined, with minimal halos. This shows that the filter does not interfere with the optical quality of the shot.
Macro Photography with the Irix Revo CPL
I also tried the Irix Revo CPL in macro photography, and the results were impressive. Even at very close distances, the filter helped reduce reflections on shiny surfaces like leaves or water droplets. The colors remained natural and vibrant, and the fine details of the subject really stood out.
Using a polarizer in macro might seem unusual, but it’s a great tool to control highlights and enhance textures, giving your close-up shots a cleaner, more professional look.
Compared with Other Brands
I’ve worked with polarizing filters from several brands and across a wide price range. Honestly, the Irix Revo CPL holds its ground.
In practice:
- Same color fidelity.
- No loss of sharpness or contrast.
- Equally effective coatings.
- A much more affordable price.
Who Do I Recommend the Irix Revo CPL For?
After several weeks of use, I’m convinced: the Irix Revo CPL is a filter that works for many types of photographers. It’s not an accessory reserved only for professionals. It’s a simple tool that transforms your work from the very first shot.
If you’re a landscape photographer, you’ll notice the change instantly. Skies gain strength, clouds become more defined, water reflections disappear, and vegetation takes on richer tones. The scene gains depth and conveys the atmosphere of the place far more effectively.
Irix Revo Filters
Irix Revo Circular Polarizer 67mm
In urban and architectural photography, the effect is just as evident. Glass facades, shop windows, and wet pavements stop distracting with reflections. The viewer’s eye focuses instead on the geometry, the color, and the story you want to tell.
If your passion is traveling and documenting your experiences, this filter is also an excellent choice. It’s durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. It doesn’t introduce color casts or reduce sharpness, so you can keep it mounted at all times without worry.
In short, I recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable, neutral, and long-lasting filter. Landscape photographers, urban shooters, content creators, or travelers—all will find in the Irix Revo CPL a professional-quality tool at a very accessible price.
Conclusion: Is the Irix Revo CPL Worth It?
Absolutely yes.
If you’re looking for a professional-grade polarizer that’s durable, coated with advanced layers, and free from vignetting, the Irix Revo CPL not only delivers—it surprises.
In summary:
- Premium construction with Japanese AGC glass
- 18 layers of advanced coating (anti-reflective, waterproof, scratch-resistant)
- Results comparable to high-end filters
- Very competitive price
- Ideal for landscape, architecture, outdoor, and travel photography
Shots Using Irix Revo CPL Filters
Where to Buy the Irix Revo CPL
You can purchase the filter directly from the official Irix store (with a discount code) or from authorized distributors. Make sure to select the correct diameter for your lens (in my case, 67 mm and 82 mm) for the best fit and performance.
DISCOUNT ALERT!
To get the discount, simply enter the Irix store via one of the links in this article and use the codes IRIXFILTER_LOSTINWOODLANDS and IRIXPROMO_LOSTINWOODLANDS at checkout.
Want to Know More?
Got questions? Want to see more examples or just geek out over lenses? You know where to find me. And if you’ve tried this lens or something similar, let me know! I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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