Canon Announces RF 5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye Lens For VR

RF 5.2mm f/2.8L
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The lens no rumor mill saw coming is here: the RF 5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens for virtual reality applications. The Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens is scheduled to be available in late December 2021 for an estimated retail price of $1,999.

The RF 5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens will be part of the EOS VR system and capture stereoscopic 3D 180-degree images. A firmware update to support the lens on the EOS R5 will follow and a software to edit the images and convert and process them for viewing on VR devices will also be released.

Canon press release:

Virtual Reality Through a New Lens: 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.

“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.

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 electro-magnetic 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

The Canon RF 5.2mm 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.

Canon Patent: RF 180mm f/3.5 Macro And RF 200mm f/4 Macro

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And here is a new Canon patent application and as most of them are, this one too is for RF-mount lenses.

asobinet.com spotted Canon patent application 2021-152568 (Japan). The patent application discusses optical formulas for both RF 180mm f/3.5 Macro and RF 200mm f/4 Macro lenses. The former lens might replace the EF 180mm F3.5L Macro USM, a lens that has already been discontinued.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical system which is suitable for a macro lens and can suppress aberration fluctuation.

The optical system of each embodiment has an aperture aperture SP2 as a main focus aperture that determines (limits) the light beam of the open F number (Fno), and a positive refractive power arranged on the object side of the aperture aperture SP2. It has a front focus group LPF, a rear focus group LPR having a positive refractive power arranged on the image side of the aperture aperture SP2, and a negative refractive power arranged on the image side of the rear focus group LPR. It has a posterior group LN. The “group” as used herein means each group of lenses whose spacing changes during focusing.

Embodiment 1:

  • Focal length 171.00
  • F number 3.50
  • Half angle of view (°) 7.21
  • Image height 21.64
  • Overall length of optical system 194.49
  • BF 47.67
  • Magnification ∞ β = -1

Embodiment 2:

  • Focal length 174.43
  • F number 3.50
  • Half angle of view (°) 7.07
  • Image height 21.64
  • Overall length of optical system 189.49
  • BF 13.73
  • Magnification ∞ β = -1

Embodiment 3:

  • Focal length 140.00
  • F number 3.50
  • Half angle of view (°) 8.78
  • Image height 21.64
  • Overall length of optical system 177.49
  • BF 35.17
  • Magnification ∞ β = -1

Embodiment 4:

  • Focal length 194.00
  • F number 4.00
  • Half angle of view (°) 6.36
  • Image height 21.64
  • Overall length of optical system 202.49
  • BF 39.36
  • Magnification ∞ β = -1

More Canon patents are listed here. Some particularly interesting patent applications we think might get into production are these:

Is Canon Set To Release a RF 5.2mm f/2.8 Lens?

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Not sure if this is a typo or if it is real. Canon might release a RF 5.2mm f/2.8 lens for the EOS R system, a usually very reliable rumor source suggests.

Nokishita tweeted that Canon might be set to release a RF 5.2mm f/2.8 lens. A fish-eye lens, I guess. Nokishita says:

Canon’s next RF lens will be 5.2mm f/2.8L. Check Canon’s latest accessory list for unreleased lens caps 5.2.

As far as I know, such a lens has never been rumored. What do you think? Real, or something got lost in translation?

Canon Patent: RF 16-30mm f/4-5.6 Lens For The EOR System

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Here is another Canon patent application for an RF-mount lens, as usual spotted by asobinet.com.

Canon patent application 2021-148949 (Japan) discusses optical formulas for what seems to be a RF 16-30mm f/4-5.6 lens for the EOS R full frame mirrorless system. From the patent literature:

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small and wide angle-of-view zoom lens having high optical performance in the entire zoom range, and an image pickup device and an image pickup system having the same.

[…] In recent years, a zoom lens used in an imaging device is required to have high optical performance in the entire zoom range, to be compact and to have a wide angle of view, as the imaging device becomes more sophisticated. As a zoom lens that is small and relatively easy to widen, a negative lead type zoom lens in which a lens group having a negative refractive power precedes (is located closest to the object side) is known. As a negative lead type zoom lens, Patent Document 1 discloses a zoom lens composed of first to fourth lens groups having negative, positive, negative, and positive refractive powers arranged in order from the object side to the image side. ing. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a zoom lens composed of first to fifth lens groups having negative, positive, positive, negative, and positive refractive powers arranged in order from the object side to the image side.

If it hits the market, this is going to be an affordable lens for the EOS R system, like the recently released RF 16mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens.

Embodiment 1:

  • Zoom ratio 1.79
  • Wide-angle intermediate telephoto
  • Focal length 16.48 22.05 29.50
  • F number 4.12 4.79 5.61
  • Half angle of view (degrees) 55.80 44.90 35.80
  • Image height 21.64 21.64 21.64
  • Lens total length 100.88 99.27 100.51
  • BF 14.00 16.25 19.80

Embodiment 2:

  • Zoom ratio 1.79
  • Wide-angle intermediate telephoto
  • Focal length 16.48 22.05 29.50
  • F number 4.12 4.12 4.12
  • Half angle of view (degrees) 55.20 45.00 36.20
  • Image height 21.64 21.64 21.64
  • Lens total length 110.07 105.92 108.00
  • BF 12.80 17.50 21.37

More Canon patents are listed here. Some particularly interesting patent applications we think might get into production are these:

A Praise For The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L Lens

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L review rf mount canon eos r
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Another review that highlights the virtues of the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2l lens for the EOS R full frame mirrorless system.

Canon RF 28-70mm F/2L at a glance:

  • RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2 to f/22
  • Ultra-Low Dispersion Elements
  • Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor AF System
  • Customizable Control Ring
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

Adorama posted a video where Pye Jirsa tests the RF 28-70mm f/2l and discusses what makes this lens so special to him and why he is so fond of it.

More Canon RF 28-70mm F/2L stuff is listed here.

Canon RF 28-70mm F/2L: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Click here to open the rest of the article

Canon RF 16mm f/2.8, RF 100-400mm, Accessories Product Description Leaked

rf 16mm f/2.8 STM review
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Courtesy of Nokishita, Here it is:

RF16mm F2.8 STM

Compact, versatile, speedy and affordable, the new RF16mm F2.8 STM lens is a terrific complement to any
EOS R series digital camera. Offering an ultra-wide angle of view and a bright f/2.8 aperture, it’s an
excellent choice whether taking interior photos in tight spaces, seeking out the perfect landscape, or as the
perfect webcam lens when used in combination with an EOS camera and EOS Webcam Utility on a video
call. With a 16mm F2.8 lens, you can experiment with enhancing perspectives, capturing starscapes, or with
the close focusing distance of 13cm, get up close to your subject while still keeping the background more
visible. Video users will find this ultra-wide lens a natural for vlogging, especially with its supremely light
weight.
With its remarkable combination of optical excellence and refined performance, all in a small package that’s
easy to bring most anywhere, the RF16mm F2.8 STM is a stellar companion to any EOS R series digital
camera.

RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM

Perfect for wildlife, sports, travel and more, the RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM is a compact, lightweight
telephoto lens for EOS R Series cameras, offering a versatile zoom range that brings subjects closer with
ease. The RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM is similar in size to the EF 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 IS II USM lens, but
not only reaches to 400mm, but also has fast Nano USM focusing and up to 6 stops of Coordinated IS when
used in combination with an EOS R series camera featuring In-body Image Stabilization like the EOS R5
and EOS R6, or 5.5 stops with an EOS R/RP camera. Using a single Ultra Low Dispersion lens element
towards the front of the lens group corrects chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range, making
your images look crisp and colorful with minimal color blur. The RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM lens can also
accept both the RF1.4x and RF2x tele extenders giving you the effective maximum focal length of 560mm
and 800mm respectively. With a control ring that allows for quick setting changes, including shutter speed
and aperture, the RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM lens puts quality, convenience and control in your hands.

DM-E1D

The Stereo Microphone DM-E1D is a compact microphone accessory for compatible EOS cameras that
include the multi-function shoe. The Stereo Microphone DM-E1D easily mounts to the multifunction
hotshoe creating a digital connection to the camera. This means that no internal battery or cable connecting
the mic to the camera’s mic port are required, helping you utilize the mic longer and also no impediment in
using the vari-angle screen to its full range. It features a number of directional controls to suit the
environment and your shooting needs. Shotgun mode keeps audio focused on a subject directly in front of the
camera, such as when interviewing someone for a documentary. Stereo (90°/120°) mode captures audio over
a wide area for more ambient sound, ideal for nature scenes or entire orchestras. Adjusting the mic controls
is as simple as pressing the menu button on the back of the microphone and using the touchscreen LCD on
the back of the EOS camera to change settings. Whether you’re looking to capture an interview, record a
concert or simply capture the sights and sounds of nature, the Stereo Microphone DM-E1D pairs
wonderfully with a compatible EOS digital camera to help you achieve impressive audio.

AD-E1

For a seamless transition from your current hot shoe accessories to the multi-function shoe, the
Multi-Function Shoe Adapter AD-E1 is the answer. The Multi-Function Shoe Adapter AD-E1 provides a
reliable connection for dust and drip proof Speedlite accessories that you may already own such as the
Speedlite EL-1, Speedlite 600EX II-RT, Speedlite 600EX-RT, Speedlite 580EX II, ST-E3-RT or OC-E3 flash
cord. The shoe adapter will also hold current accessories such as shotgun mics and on-camera LED panels
securely to the camera body with dual locking pins on the multi-function shoe side.

ST-E10

For wireless Speedlite setups requiring one or more off-camera flashes, the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10
delivers a transmitter compatible with EOS cameras that include the multi-function shoe. Since this
transmitter maintains a digital connection to the camera through the shoe, it does not require batteries,
making the design approximately 30% smaller and approximately 50% lighter (than the ST-E3-RT II).
Controlling and changing the 5 independent groups across 15 Speedlites is as easy as pressing the menu
button located on the transmitter and adjusting the settings from the vari-angle touchscreen on the back of
the camera, or with the flash setting screen when using the Canon Camera Connect app on your smartphone.
With full flash control at your fingertips, the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10 is an indispensable tool for
advanced, professional flash photography.