Here is a new Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens review.
At a glance:
RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/16
Captures Stereoscopic 3D 180° VR imagery
Two Ultra-Low Dispersion Elements
Super-Spectra & Sub-Wavelength Coatings
Fluorine Coating
Weather-Sealed Construction
7-Blade Diaphragm
Coming from immerVR, the Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8L review below covers a lot of information about the lens.
We review the brand new Canon RF 5.2mm f2.8 L Dual VR180 lens on the Canon EOS R5. We compare it to other virtual reality cameras and show images shot through the HMD Meta Quest 2 (formerly: Oculus Quest 2) to show the perceived difference in image quality. Furthermore, we tease our upcoming VR app suited for watching VR180 and VR360 images.
You can order the Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye at $1,999: B&H Photo and Adorama. World-wide orders:
Canon announced the development of Kokomo, a virtual reality (VR) platform for an “immersive virtual reality experience“. To use Kokomo you need a Canon camera, a VR headset, and a smartphone. The recently announced Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens will be used for an “ImmersiveCall” demonstration at CES 2022.
Kokomo gives people a new way to be together, catch up, and explore new places. The Kokomo app combines the immersive 3D experiences of virtual reality, with the ease and excitement of video calling. Make eye contact, travel to incredible destinations, and connect with family and friends on a whole new level.
Canon lists the EOS M200 and the EF-M 15-45mm among the Canon gear to use with Kokomo. The video below gives a complete introduction to Kokomo, the app and how Canon wants the 3D experiences of VR to be combined with the ease of video calling.
A Real “Together” Experience Canon Enters The Virtual Reality Platform Software Market By Introducing An Interactive VR Experience With Immersive Calling
Introducing The Kokomo Software By Canon, A First-Of-Its-Kind VR Platform Software for the Company, Currently Being Developed by Canon1
MELVILLE, NY, January 4, 2022 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today showcases a first of its kind immersive virtual reality experience, the Kokomo Software by Canon. Kokomo is a software platform (currently in development1) designed to change human communication by combining virtual reality with an immersive calling experience.
This innovative software is being designed to provide users with a way to meet friends and family virtually “in-person” by using a compatible Canon camera, a VR headset and a compatible smart phone. Kokomo will allow users to see and hear one another in real time with their live appearance and expression, in a photo-real environment, while experiencing a premium virtual reality setting in captivating locations like Malibu, New York, or Hawaii.
The app uses Canon cameras and imaging technology to create realistic representations of users, so calls feel like you are interacting face-to-face, rather than through a screen or an avatar. This creates a Real“Together”Experience.
“With Kokomo we’re tapping into Canon’s innovative spirit and heritage of high-quality imaging to enable people to have real, authentic interactions when they get together in VR. Every ImmersiveCall should be a memorable experience,” said Kazuto “Kevin” Ogawa, president and CEO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Kokomo will enable people to create memorable, meaningful connections.”
CES® attendees will be amongst the first to try out the Kokomo software (currently in development) by Canon during the ImmersiveCall demonstration which will feature the Canon RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye Lens. Kokomo will be available in 2022 and the company plans to add new destinations, functionalities, and features to the Kokomo app, along with expanded compatibility with Canon cameras.
Today Canon announced the RF 5.2mm f/2.8L dual fisheye lens for VR. Here is a Canon patent for a head mounted display for VR applications.
Various Canon patent applications that deal with VR applications have been spotted by asobinet.com. Likely they are related to the RF 5.2mm f/2.8L lens.
Canon patent application 2021-89382:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic device capable of more preferably displaying a VR image captured by using a plurality of optical systems.
[…] to obtain a wide-angle image with parallax using two optical systems, known technique for displaying a VR (Virtual Reality) image having a stereoscopic effect by displaying maps on the virtual sphere. A twin-lens VR camera for capturing an image with parallax has two optical systems oriented in the same direction, and captures two images with parallax by one imaging operation. As a twin-lens VR camera, a camera that captures a wide range of 180 degrees (hemisphere, 90 degrees in all directions from the center of an image) or more in each optical system is known. In addition, as a VR display method, “single-lens VR display” that displays one image by transforming the VR image into a virtual sphere, and VR images for the left eye and the right eye are displayed side by side in the left and right areas. “Binocular VR display” is known.
Canon patent application 2021-118415:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately dimm an external light entering between a head-mounted display (HMD) and a face.
In recent years, VR (Virtual Reality) technology that allows users to experience virtual reality and MR (Mixed Reality) technology that allows users to experience mixed reality by seamlessly fusing reality and virtual reality are known. .. There is a head-mounted display as one of the technologies that allows you to experience the above. If there is a gap between the head-mounted display and the face when the head-mounted display is attached to the head, the displayed image will be difficult to see due to the influence of external light, and the immersive feeling such as virtual reality experience will be reduced.
Canon patent application 2021-118426:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the compression rate of a moving image composed of a frame image having distortion of a lens and to suppress the processing amount.
Conventionally, a lens for stereoscopic photography has been used as an interchangeable lens system. By using a stereoscopic lens, a pair of left and right parallax images can be captured. When playing back a captured still image or moving image, the image for the right eye is displayed on the user’s right eye, and the image for the left eye is displayed on the left eye. As a result, an image having a parallax is projected on the right eye and the left eye, so that the user can visually recognize the image having a stereoscopic effect. As a related technique, a stereo adapter of Patent Document 1 has been proposed. The stereo adapter of Patent Document 1 has a left opening for capturing a left image and a right opening for capturing a right image, and is left in each region horizontally divided into two in the image pickup unit of the camera. The image and the right image are imaged at the same time.
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.
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 24th July 2017 – Canon Europe, world-leader in imaging solutions, today announces the UK launch of a World Press Photo virtual reality (VR) experience – an immersive virtual gallery, unique to every viewer. Ahead of the exhibition opening in Edinburgh on 4th August 2017, the experience celebrates Canon’s 25-year partnership with the world’s most prestigious photography contest.
The exhibition tour, which launched in Amsterdam in April, showcases 45 winning images from the 60th World Press Photo Contest1 – over half of which were shot on Canon2.
The VR experience
Building on the 25-year partnership with World Press Photo, and new for 2017, Canon has evolved the traditional public gallery experience by bringing the stories behind the award-winning shots to life through VR. In doing so, Canon is enabling millions to experience the famous exhibition on the most widely-used VR platform today.
In a bid to inspire a wider photography audience, users can explore the 45 best images of 2017 – and their incredible stories – at any time. The World Press Photo VR app is available for free download in the Oculus Store3.
Created by the makers of Canon’s photography management platform, irista, those who engage with the VR experience will see the winning photos displayed in a virtual gallery that evolves based on each users’ individual interaction with the photos. The unique VR experience, which provides a deeper insight into the stories behind the images, is narrated by Stuart Franklin, chair of the 2017 World Press Photo Content general jury.
Richard Shepherd, Pro Marketing Manager, Consumer Imaging, Canon Europe comments:
“Canon has been inspiring and enabling storytelling for 80 years, and this unique VR experience in collaboration with World Press Photo is part of our ongoing exploration of immersive storytelling. We believe virtual reality plays an exciting role in telling the incredible stories behind the winning images from this year’s World Press Photo Contest by creating an intimate, thoughtful and engaging experience that evolves the traditional gallery.”
Lars Boering, Managing Director, World Press Photo Foundation comments:
“The world, the press and photography itself are undergoing seismic changes. For the last 25 years, we have enjoyed a partnership with Canon that has supported visual storytelling. World Press Photo cherishes its heritage, while at the same time recognises that, with the rise of new technologies, there are now many ways to make and see images – including in virtual environments. Canon’s VR experience enables the world’s best photojournalism to be showcased in a new way, taking us to the stories behind these incredible pictures.”
Reflections Lectures
In addition to the new VR experience available in collaboration with World Press Photo, Canon Europe is extending the scope of its sponsorship to empower the future of the industry.
This year, local universities have been engaged to orchestrate 80 ‘Reflections Lectures’ – a series of talks, seminars and workshops for photography students – as the exhibition tours the world.
Designed to inspire the next generation of visual storytellers, the Reflections Lectures4 convey important messages about the role of photojournalism in today’s world agenda and allow students to connect with award-winning visual journalists. The topics covered within the Reflections Lectures range from press freedom to visual journalism, ethics and diversity.
The Reflections Lectures in Edinburgh will take place on 4th August 2017 at the Scottish Parliament.
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