Canon USA today announced the release of the RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE virtual reality lens. The lens will cost $1,099 US dollars, and will be available from June 27th, 2024. Online orders are now available from Canon’s website here.
What is the RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE Lens
As the newest member to the EOS VR System, this lens, when paired with the EOS R7 (firmware 1.5.0+) and one of Canon’s VR software solutions, creates immersive 3D that can be experienced when viewed on compatible head mount displays including the Oculus Quest 2 and others. Viewers will be able to take in the scene with vivid, engaging images by simply moving their head. This lens was designed with APS-C sensors in mind, and carries on the tradition of its big brother (RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE) of lenses that can capture stereoscopic 3D 180° VR imagery to a single image sensor.
Features (quoted from the Canon website)
- Newest addition to the Canon EOS VR System designed with APS-C sensors in mind.
- This new lens features an interpupillary distance of 60mm, and a 144º field-of-view for creating 180º content, much easier for capturing content where you don’t have to worry about the tripod or your feet ending up in the frame.
- For Autofocus, a gear-type STM actuates both left and right lenses similtaneously to acheive autofocus similar to any regular RF Lens. Autofocus only operates in still photo mode, but is a great way to pre-focus before shooting video. Utilizes equidistant projection, ideally suited for VR production.
- ø30.5mm filters can be mounted on the lens mount end, as well as pre-cut gel or polyester filters.
- Air Sphere Coating (ASC) is used in this lens to reduce ghosting. This is the first time ASC has been utilized on a non-L series lens within Canon.
- 2 UD elements and a 7-blade aperture speak to the quality of components used in this lens.
- A powerful solution for those that want to step-up from a compact 180º VR cams without breaking the bank.
- Exclusively compatible with EOS R7 APS-C 32.5MP camera with the firmware 1.5.0+
Canon’s EOS VR System
Canon’s EOS VR System is expanding and you now have two options of camera and lens combinations, but let’s not forget the third tripod leg of the EOS VR system, which is the software. The EOS VR Software Applications — The EOS VR Utility and EOS VR Plug-in for Adobe Premiere Pro. This powerful and convenient combination provides much desired flexibility and efficiency, helping save you precious time accessing your content so you can prepare it and share it more quickly.
