Canon launches RF 5.2mm f/2.8L DUAL FISHEYE lens

The lens forms an integral part of Canon’s EOS VR System, designed to simplify the production of VR content

Canon Europe has unveiled an exciting addition to the EOS R System in the form of a new virtual reality capture solution that showcases the capabilities of the RF mount. The RF 5.2mm f/2.8L DUAL FISHEYE lens aims to revolutionise the production of VR content by simplifying workflows and making post-production editing more efficient. This comes at a time when demand for high quality and realistic 3D 180° VR content is on the rise from a whole range of sectors, including training, travel, sports, live events and documentaries.

The Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8L DUAL FISHEYE lens claims to be the world’s first lens for digital interchangeable lens cameras, designed for use with the EOS R5. It simplifies the set-up and capture of 180° VR video and stills by utilising two fisheye lenses with an ultra-wide 190-degree field of view. The image from these two lenses is projected onto the camera’s single sensor with perfect alignment and synchronisation. This removes some of the typical problems faced when using a two-camera system, such as variation in image quality and exposure as a result of using two different sensors.

An EMD (aperture) unit in each lens ensures that a consistent exposure is projected onto the sensor so that minimal grading is needed in post-production to synchronise left and right image output. The images from the left and right lens are synchronised and combined into one file so that it can be converted immediately into a standard 180° VR format using Canon’s new EOS VR Utility or EOS VR Plug-in for editing with Adobe Premiere Pro or for viewing on a VR headset.

Canon’s DUAL FISHEYE lens is a professional L-series lens, as indicated by its staple red ring design feature. It incorporates two UD elements per lens in order to produce high-resolution across the entire frame. A Subwavelength Structure Coating suppresses ghosting and sunlight flare, removing the typical optical aberrations that occur when including the sun in the shot – as is often the case for VR scenarios. When shooting in bright conditions, third party gelatin ND filters can be slotted into the gelatin holder across the rear elements to maintain ‘normal’ shutter speeds and apertures.

The RF 5.2mm F2.8L DUAL FISHEYE lens will retail at £2,099.9 / €2,399.99. For more information, please visit Canon’s website.