Canon announces the new RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE, an APS-C virtual reality (VR) lens joining the EOS R System, in addition to the existing RF 5.2mm F2.8L DUAL FISHEYE. This new lens makes it even easier for anyone, including newcomers to the craft, to create high-quality 3D VR footage.

Dual fisheye lenses incorporate two separate lenses positioned side by side to simulate human binocular vision. Each lens captures an image from a slightly different perspective, creating two separate images corresponding to the views from the left and right eyes. This stereoscopic effect enables depth perception in VR, making the experience more immersive.

The RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE provides a left and right perspective, neatly combined into one compact dual fisheye optical design, and expands the range of cameras in the EOS VR System. More so, this new lens enters the market at a more attainable price point than its predecessors, rendering high-quality immersive content creation more accessible while retaining the high optical performance of the EOS R System.

The new 144-degree recording angle provides a narrower field of view than VR180 shooting. This, alongside the large depth of field, makes it easy for users to set up and keep attention on their subject, with less concern about supporting equipment, such as lighting or tripods, making it into the shot. The focus ring, which can be assigned to another function, such as aperture or ISO, for practical shooting solutions, helps users stay fully immersed in the action. The RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE is the first 3D lens with Autofocus (AF) from Canon, with a One Shot Autofocus (AF) setting to simplify the creation process further.

It is the first non-L Series lens to feature a premium-quality Air Sphere coating, which prevents aberrations, such as flare and ghosting. It also utilizes two UD elements per lens, helping to produce sharp images. The f/3.5 aperture guarantees high-quality footage when shooting in various indoor and outdoor locations. No setting is off limits for creative 3D storytelling, from dimly lit forests to brightly lit stadiums. For even greater creative flexibility, the RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE has a rear-mounted filter holder for both screw-on and gelatin filters.

When it comes to viewing the content captured on the RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE in a headset, the 3D stereoscopic lens brings high levels of realism. The 144-degree viewing angle results in a natural, forward-facing view that uses peripheral vision to immerse the viewer fully. When viewed through a compatible headset, simulations also benefit from the lens’ 60mm interpupillary distance, which closely resembles human vision – providing a realistic 3D effect for subjects.

With the demand for VR content creation increasing at pace (the market is projected to grow to more than 22 billion U.S. dollars by 2025), the latest lens makes creating 3D content – from gaming and education to tourism, documentaries, and entertainment – more achievable. The lens is designed to work with Canon’s EOS R System, providing an efficient workflow for VR content creators.