Canon Unveils RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye Lens for Enhanced VR Content Creation

Explore New Dimensions in VR Blogging with Canon's Latest Innovation

NEWS  Photography  June 24, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

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Canon has announced the launch of the RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye APS-C lens, designed specifically for VR content production. This groundbreaking lens empowers VR bloggers and creators to effortlessly generate immersive 3D content, all from the convenience of an arm's length.

   

Compatible with the Canon EOS R7 mirrorless camera equipped with firmware 1.5.0 or higher, the RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM opens new doors for capturing and sharing virtual reality experiences.

At its core, the lens boasts a wide-angle view of 144 degrees, equivalent to a 7mm fisheye lens on a full-frame 35mm camera. This expansive field of view is ideal for creating captivating VR environments that draw viewers into rich, lifelike worlds. Key to its design are two 3.9mm lenses spaced at a 60mm interpupillary distance (PD), mimicking the natural spacing of human pupils in adults. This ensures VR images are comfortable to view, reducing potential issues such as blurry vision, eye strain, and headaches.

The RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM lens features a gear-type stepping motor (STM) for autofocus, offering precise control over focus adjustments. While manual focus is available during movie filming, the lens does not support image stabilization, a consideration for users in dynamic shooting environments.

 In terms of optics, each stereo lens incorporates Canon's Air Sphere Coating to minimize ghosting and flare, enhancing image clarity even in challenging lighting conditions. The lenses feature an aperture range from f/3.5 to f/16, adjustable in precise increments of 1/3 or 1/2 stops. With a minimum focusing distance of just 0.66 feet (0.2 meters), the RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM accommodates close-up shots with remarkable detail and clarity.

Crafted with 11 elements in 8 groups, including two ultra-low dispersion (UD) elements, the lens adopts a folded-optical design to effectively reduce chromatic aberration. This ensures sharp, true-to-life VR imagery that captures every detail and nuance. Compact and lightweight, the Dual Fisheye lens measures 112.0 x 83.7 x 54.6 mm and weighs just 290 grams, making it highly portable and versatile for extended shooting sessions.

  Scheduled for release on June 27, 2024, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,099, the RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye lens promises to be a game-changer for VR enthusiasts and professionals alike. 

 IMAGES CREDITS: CANON