Canon has announced its new RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE, an APS-C virtual reality (VR) lens that joins the existing RF 5.2mm F2.8L DUAL FISHEYE. This new lens was designed to make it even easier for anyone, including newcomers to create high-quality 3D VR footage.
Dual fisheye lenses incorporate two separate lenses which are positioned side by side to simulate human binocular vision. Each lens captures an image from a slightly different perspective, creating two separate images that correspond to the views from the left and right eyes. This stereoscopic effect enables depth perception in VR.
The RF mount and the folded optical design allow for a compactl lens design that’s easy to use in tight spaces. Weighing just 10.2oz
Key features
- Compatible with EOS R7 Mirrorless Camera
- APS-C | f/3.5 to f/16
- High-Quality VR Content Creation
- 6.2mm (Full-Frame Equivalent)
- Captures Stereoscopic 3D 180° VR Imagery
- STM Stepping Autofocus Motor
- 144° Field of View
- Air Sphere Coating
- 7-Blade Diaphragm
- 30.5mm Rear Filter Thread
Currently, the lens is only compatible with the EOS R7. The RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE provides a left and right perspective, combined into one compact dual fisheye optical design. This new lens enters the market at a more attainable price point than predecessors.
The new 144-degree recording angle provides a narrower field of view compared to VR180 shooting. The focus ring can be assigned to another function, such as aperture or ISO. The RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE is the first 3D lens with Autofocus (AF) from Canon, with a One Shot Autofocus (AF) setting.
It is also the first non-L Series lens to feature premium quality Air Sphere Coating which prevents aberrations, such as flare and ghosting. It also utilizes two Ultra Low Dispersion (UD) elements per lens, helping to produce sharp images.
The RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE has a rear mounted filter holder for both screw-on and gelatin filters.
When it comes to viewing the content captured on the RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE in a headset, the 3D stereoscopic lens offers a 144-degree viewing angle results in a natural, forward-facing view that uses peripheral vision to fully immerse the viewer. When viewed through a compatible headset, simulations also benefit from the lens’ 60mm interpupillary distance, which closely resembles human vision, providing a realistic 3D effect for subjects.
With the demand for VR content creation increasing at pace (the market is projected to grow to more than 22 billion U.S. dollars by 2025), the latest lens makes creating 3D content – from gaming and education to tourism, documentaries, and entertainment – more achievable.
RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens
Canon also announced today that it is working on the development of the RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens for capturing spatial video for use with Apple’s Vision Pro.
The RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens features a field angle that is similar to a person’s field of view, which enables videographers to naturally capture memorable moments. The lens is also equipped with a high-speed autofocus mechanism, so users of all levels can record amazing spatial video.
Pricing & availability
The RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE is priced at $1,099 USD and it is scheduled to be available in late June.
