In this patent application (2024-055909) Canon discusses quite a few embodiments of an dual fisheye 3D/VR lens similar to the RF5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye. The one of interest, is the APS-C embodiment as it's one that is rumored to be coming out soon.
Now generally, we have to go by half image height of lenses to determine what sensor size the lens is for, and dual fisheyes are a little more complex in this regard. Since the image circle has to fit into 1/2 of the sensor width, for full frame that is less than a 18mm image circle, and for APS-C that is less than a 12mm image circle. The half image height then would be half that number (9mm and 6mm respectively). So, we are looking for around 7 and 5mm for full frame and APS-C as we want to give a little room at the margins and in between the two images.
There is also one curious one which may indicate that Canon is looking at creating a VR compact camera as well as it's with a much smaller half image height which would correspond to a 1/1.2″ to a 1″ sensor size. I'm going to call that one a Powershot lens.
Canon RF-S 3.2mm F2.8 Dual Fisheye
Focal length 3.25
F Number 2.80
Half angle of view (°) 79.10
Image height 4.40
Lens total length 81.63
BF 14.73
Canon Powershot 1.8mm F2.8 Dual Fisheye
Focal length 1.80
F number 2.80
Half angle of view (°) 90.20
Image height 2.50
Lens total length 85.52
BF 13.12
As with all patent applications, this may never end up in actual products but it's a glimpse into Canon's research.
Japan Patent Application 2024-055909
0 comments