Canon expands VR Shooting with new EOS VR System DUAL FISHEYE Lens

Canon has announced the launch of the RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE lens, an addition to the EOS R System. This APS-C virtual reality lens joins the lineup alongside the existing RF 5.2mm F2.8L DUAL FISHEYE, to give users more possibilities for creating high-quality 3D VR content.

Canon's RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE lens features, as you might guess, dual fisheye lenses positioned side by side to mimic human binocular vision. This setup captures two slightly different images, which are then combined to create a stereoscopic effect, enhancing depth perception and making the VR experience even more immersive.

RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE mimics human vision

Key features of the RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE include:

• 144-Degree Recording Angle: Offers a narrower field of view compared to VR180, facilitating easier setup and focus on the subject with minimal equipment.
• Autofocus (AF): Canon’s first 3D lens with One Shot Autofocus (AF)makes the creation process simple and easy.
• Advanced Coatings: Features Air Sphere Coating to prevent flare and ghosting, and utilizes two UD elements per lens for sharp images.
• f/3.5 Aperture: Ensures high-quality footage across various lighting conditions, from dimly lit environments to brightly lit settings.
• Creative Flexibility: Includes a rear-mounted filter holder for both screw-on and gelatin filters.

When viewed through a compatible headset, the 3D stereoscopic effect provided by the 60mm interpupillary distance closely resembles human vision, delivering a realistic and immersive VR experience (you need to try it!).

With the VR content creation market projected to grow significantly, especially with the Apple Vision Pro now getting released outside of the US, the RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE lens aims to make 3D content creation more accessible across various fields such as gaming, education, tourism, documentaries, and entertainment.

You can preorder the Canon RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE Lens for $1099, and it should ship by the end of the month. Find more information here.

And talking of the Apple Vision Pro, the company has also announced it is developing the RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens for the EOS R7. Available later this year, it makes Canon the first camera manufacturer to introduce a dedicated, interchangeable lens that enables pro users to capture spatial video to experience on Apple Vision Pro.