Iris Explorer S1

Iris Explorer Set

Manufacturer and Product

Der Iris Explorer is the result of a long-term development of the manufacturer Iris Lab . He started the development in 2003 and set himself the goal of developing the best possible equipment for iris photography using a SLR camera. Meanwhile, he has achieved his goal and delivers a product with a good price/performance ratio, which can be used with a standard Canon EOS camera.

Product Features

The controllable iris lighting fixture and the use of a high-quality Canon Macro lens allow iris captures in a quality that exceeds the requirements of most applications. The solution is compact and mobile - it can be taken with anywhere in a photo case.

Iris Explorer components

The Iris Explorer S1 set consists of the following supplied components:

• Iris Explorer lighting module: LED lighting module controllable by two buttons which are mounted on the edge of the unit. It creates an elliptical cone of light for lateral and even eye illumination. The intensity can be adjusted in steps to be able to adapt foe different iris types (light or dark irises). The module is battery powered (built-in replaceable 9V battery)
• Canon 60 mm macro lens: A quality lens for best results and compatibility with all Canon EOS camera models with APS-C sensor size (most EOS models)
• Extension Macro Tube: Extension ring mounted between the camera body and the lens, increasing the distance between the camera sensor and the end of the lens. This makes it technically possible to focus closer to the object (iris).
• Robust transportation case
• A camera is not part of the delivery

Sample captures

In the pictures above you can see some photos of the manufacturer for light and dark irises. We carried out our own test recording with a demo device in compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations for camera settings. We connected a Canon EOS 60D to the Iris Explorer and photographed the most difficult type of iris (dark brown) - then have cut off the area around the iris (black).



Below you can see a detail from the above capture:

System requirements

To operate the Iris Explorer, you need a Canon EOS camera - it must be an EOS camera model with sensor size APS-C (for example, Canon EOS 60D, 80D, 100D, 700D, 1000D, 1300D, etc.). EOS models with full-size sensors can not be used because the lens used is matched to their APS-C sensor size.

Iris Explorer technical support

In the following chapters you will find manufacturer information and video instructions for the correct operation of the Iris Explorer. Please read them carefully for the best results.

Camera settings

You must operate your camera in manual mode (set the mode dial to "M", see camera instructions). Depending on the iris color, the manufacturer recommends setting the settings according to the following table. If you are unsure, start a test scan with the medium setting (which you should also use as the default setting) and then gradually change the shutter speed/aperture.

Please note that manual mode operation is the only way to get high quality photos.

Building the Iris Explorer

The following manufacturer video shows how the three parts of the Iris Explorer are put together; the delivered parcel contains already the assembled system.

Camera settings for the Iris Explorer

The following manufacturer video shows you set up the camera to operate with the Iris Explorer.

Battery exchange

When the Iris Explorer LED flashes, it is a sign that you need to change the battery. The product includes a 2 mm Allen Key, which helps to change the battery. You need a standard 9V block battery. The following manufacturer video demonstrates the battery change.