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    Canon Introduces Their First Dual Fisheye Lens for Stereoscopic 3D 180° VR Capture in 8K

    By Updated:102 Comments5 Mins Read Canon Lens News
    rf51vrfisheye - Canon Introduces Their First Dual Fisheye Lens for Stereoscopic 3D 180° VR Capture in 8K

    MELVILLE, NY, October 6, 2021 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has introduced its first product designed to empower the next generation of immersive storytellers. The new RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens brings stereoscopic 3D virtual reality (VR) capture* to the EOS R5 camera as part of the EOS VR System, which also includes a future firmware update for the EOS R5 camera to support use of this lens with new VR shooting specific functions, as well as new upcoming Canon EOS VR software solutions for conversion and processing. As the world’s first digital interchangeable dual fisheye lens capable of shooting stereoscopic 3D 180° VR imagery to a single image sensor** the complexities of virtual reality production and the ability to view the content in full capacity are greatly streamlined for seasoned professionals and newcomers to the craft. In order to truly experience the captured content by this system in its truest form, a compatible VR headset is recommended for use such as the Oculus Quest 2, allowing the viewer to immerse themselves in the content — by simply moving their head to provide a vivid, incredibly wide view.

    Preorder: Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye Lens

    “At Canon, we innovate so creators can push artistic boundaries, and this commitment to innovation is what led us to introduce the new RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens. As Canon’s first entry into the world of virtual reality image capture, the EOS VR System represents an important milestone in our company’s rich history as a lens manufacturer and welcomes a bright future for VR content creation,” said Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, executive vice president and general manager of Canon U.S.A.’s Imaging Technologies & Communications Group. “This new RF lens produces a stunning 8K virtual reality image and sets itself apart through its simplified workflow. Our goal is to make immersive storytelling more accessible for all.”

    The RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye features high-quality L-series optics engineered with an interpupillary distance of 60mm for delivery of 3D imagery in VR with natural parallax closely resembling human vision when viewed through a compatible headset. With a 190 degree field of view captured from two separate optical systems they deliver outstanding results for 180° VR viewing platforms. With subwavelength coating technology offering impressive flare control in backlit conditions, VR creators can have freedom to shoot regardless the time of day, or position of the sun. The dual fisheye design provides versatile exposure control with a maximum aperture of a bright f/2.8 to a deep depth of field of f/16 with electronically controlled apertures allowing the dual fisheye lens to operate just like other RF mount lenses. Between the dust and water-resistant sealing and fluorine coating of the lens and the robust build of the EOS R5 camera, this System delivers peace of mind even in challenging weather conditions. Canon’s free Camera Connect app and Canon's EOS Utility program both will be updated in the future to offer remote-control live view functionality for monitoring purposes while on-the-go.

    Preorder: Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye Lens

    The EOS VR System’s convenient workflow is a standout feature. Accomplished by recording left and right fisheye images to a single full-frame image sensor, this design helps to solve common VR challenges of stitching and synching, by outputting one single image file. Canon is currently developing two paid subscription-based software solutions as available options for completing the post-production process. Canon’s EOS VR Utility will offer the ability to convert clips from dual fisheye image to equirectangular and make quick edits, as well as select the resolution and file format before export. With the EOS VR Plug-In for Adobe® Premiere® Pro, creators will be able to automatically convert footage to equirectangular, and cut, color, and add new dimension to stories with Adobe Creative Cloud® apps, including Premiere Pro.

    Compact, lightweight, and portable, the RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye is easily packed in a camera bag to help the creator tell unlimited virtual reality stories.

    Additional features of Canon’s first interchangeable, stereoscopic 3D 180° VR 180 lens include:

    • Close-focusing distance of 7.87-inches/0.2m is possible – max magnification is 0.03x.
    • Aperture range of f/2.8 to f/16 with a 7-blade aperture and simultaneous electromagnetic diaphragm for both left and right lenses.
    • Built-in Gelatin Filter Holder – allows ND gel filters to be used in bright environments if a bright aperture is desired.
    • Fluorine Coating on the front lens elements, with a dust and water-resistant design.
    • Extremely compact size – allowing it to be used in different types of productions.

    Pricing and Availability

    Preorder: Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye Lens

    The Canon RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens is scheduled to be available in late December 2021 for an estimated retail price of $1,999.00***. In addition to the lens, both of Canon's EOS VR Software solutions (EOS VR Utility and the EOS VR Plug-in for Adobe Premiere Pro) are currently scheduled to be available in late December 2021. Both software solutions will be available as a paid subscription based model, but will offer free trial periods (details to be disclosed at a later date) as well as the ability to process still images and certain clip lengths for free. For additional information, please visit usa.canon.com.

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    102 comments

    1. Will this lens work only with the R5 or will only some features(?) be available for the R5, while general usage is possible with all R camera bodies?

      I'm aware that using it with the RP or the R6 do not make much sense because resolution. But with the original R there would be left a more than 3K resolution per eye.
    3. Looking at 3:48 in that video, it seems that some of the image is lost due to each lens being visible in the image of its neighbour. Presumably that can be dealt with in post by cropping, but I wonder what the true resolution ends up being in the VR headset. It's surely not 8k.
    4. Canon delivers!

      Amazing! Much more compact than I expected. I really like the ability to adjust the distance between the lenses, and to have an aperture of F2.8 available in such an optic is fabulous. If this is remotely affordable I can see it becoming a huge seller.

      As an L lens, I’d expect very high sharpness, but I have some reservations about flare, which is apparent in the video, and means that the lens is probably best used when the front elements can be shielded from direct sunlight.

      Gimmee, gimmee gimmee!
    5. In the Canon USA video they sure mentioned "paid subscription service" a lot. And only provided 3rd party support for, you guessed it: a paid subscription service, from Adobe.
    6. Under $2k!?! cheaper than 2x 8-15mm fisheye
      Compact and dedicated SW!?!
      Would appear to be a sure winner for those in the niche area and cheap enough for newbies to play with it - at least for initial rental.
      love that the tripod needs a lateral post extension. I wonder how long it needs to be to avoid tripod legs in frame
    7. Canon delivers!

      Amazing! Much more compact than I expected. I really like the ability to adjust the distance between the lenses, and to have an aperture of F2.8 available in such an optic is fabulous. If this is remotely affordable I can see it becoming a huge seller.

      As an L lens, I’d expect very high sharpness, but I have some reservations about flare, which is apparent in the video, and means that the lens is probably best used when the front elements can be shielded from direct sunlight.

      Gimmee, gimmee gimmee!
      No lens hood for this one :)
      Hard to avoid the sun in frame as well.
      I imagine that most of the adult content will be indoor though
    8. This is what innovation looks like!
      Looking forward to seeing real world results, but this lens alone could justify choosing the Canon system over the competitors.
      The creative possibilities seem very enticing.
    9. Interesting for sure. I was thinking this was going to be some gimmick, but apparently it’s a high quality lens sporting the L branding. It looks intriguing, but I’m not the target market for this product. It would get used for the sake of getting used, then just gather dust on a shelf.
    10. This is what innovation looks like!
      Looking forward to seeing real world results, but this lens alone could justify choosing the Canon system over the competitors.
      The creative possibilities seem very enticing.
      Yes great porn lens.
    11. Looking at 3:48 in that video, it seems that some of the image is lost due to each lens being visible in the image of its neighbour. Presumably that can be dealt with in post by cropping, but I wonder what the true resolution ends up being in the VR headset. It's surely not 8k.
      Remember that 8k is only about 30mp....so there is room on that sensor for overlapping 8k fields from each lens.

      Brian
    12. Remember that 8k is only about 30mp....so there is room on that sensor for overlapping 8k fields from each lens.

      Brian
      The video shows two distinct image circles, and each circle fills less than half of the sensor. Once stitched together, converted to rectilinear and cropped I suspect you'll be probably able to export a 4K image, which is still great.
    13. Interesting lens and a fair price for its capability. Glad to see that Canon is innovating beyond the typical lenses. It is an interesting lens just not a lens that I am interested in. I see the software will be a subscription model similar to Adobe.
    16. The EOS VR Plug-In for Adobe Premiere Pro sounds interesting.
      I hope this puts to rest the claims of some on this forum that Canon and Adobe don't work together. Somehow, I doubt that it will, but I can hope.
    18. I hope this puts to rest the claims of some on this forum that Canon and Adobe don't work together. Somehow, I doubt that it will, but I can hope.
      One would be mistaken to think otherwise about any of the camera manufacturers. Of course they do.
    19. Under $2k? Can't wait to see how this is used. So interesting!

      ***We, on the forum, pretty much "screwed the pooch" on the price prediction for this lens.***
      Yes, I was certainly wrong about the cost. Can I buy one lens for $1,000? :)

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