Since its announcement at SHOT Show 2024 with promises of advanced IR performance at a budget price, shooters have eagerly waited for the IRIS to become available. The flagship IRIS-3 is finally shipping, and its sister models are close behind. 

In this article, we will cover the specs and features of all four of Holosun’s new IRIS lasers starting with the IRIS-1 and working our way to the full-featured IRIS-4. 

The IRIS-1, being the lightest and most compact laser in the group, weighs only 4.6 ounces thanks to the 7075 T6 aluminum construction. A single AA battery powers the unit’s solitary laser.

Models are available with a 5mW red, 5mW green, or 0.7mW IR laser. The unit is Crane plug compatible and can switch between low and high power.

The IRIS-2 features two slaved emitters in either red and IR or green and IR. The unit runs on a single CR123A battery and comes with a small remote switch. Other than that, this unit is basically the same as the IRIS-1 just with two lasers instead of one. 

This is the unit we have been anticipating since last year and now it is finally available for purchase. The IRIS-3 is likely to be the most popular in the series because of its three-emitter design. Each unit contains a 0.7mW IR laser, a 5mW red or green visible laser, and a 60mW VCSEL IR illuminator. 

In the past, the largest drawback to cheaper civilian legal IR lasers has been the poor IR illuminator performance. This was due to restrictions from the FDA that limited how strong an IR laser can be.

VCSEL technology does not fall prey to the same regulation but until recently it was only available in premium units that fall more in the $3000+ price range. Thanks to Holosun this technology is now available in a more affordable unit.

Apart from the output of the illuminator, another defining feature is the top-mounted slider lever for focusing the beam. Older models utilized a knob on the back of the unit to manage focus but the slider lever seems much more ergonomic and quick to adjust. 

The IRIS-4 retains all the same features as the IRIS-3 but with the addition of a white light and a more powerful 18650 battery. While the largest of the group, it only weighs 8.5 ounces.

I am generally not a fan of combo units that include a white light because the light is typically trash but this one actually seems alright. With 1000 lumens and 25,000 candela, the IRIS-4 positions itself as a good option for SBRs or subguns where rail space is limited. 

The rate at which IR lasers have improved over the last few years is astonishing and Holosun has certainly been a frontrunner as they bring these advanced units to market at an affordable price. The IRIS-3 is currently available with a street price of around $900 and the other models should ship by the end of the year. 

Check out the HOLOSUN website for more information on the IRIS line or to find a dealer near you. 

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