Canon RF 5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye: New lens for VR shooting

Canon has introduced an exciting new lens for its mirrorless RF cameras. The RF 5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye offers a full two separate fisheye lenses that provide a 190-degree field of view and are specifically designed for three-dimensional VR shooting.

New to the EOS VR System

Canon is venturing into the VR segment with the RF 5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens, aiming to make capturing 3D VR shots much easier with the new EOS System. The RF 5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye is Canon’s first VR interchangeable lens and is said to noticeably simplify the setup and shooting of 180-degree VR videos and photos. The field of view turns out to be even larger than it should be, up to 190 degrees.

It is designed for Canon’s mirrorless RF system and can thus be used on the popular Canon EOS R5, for example. Thanks to two front-facing lenses, the RF 5.2 mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye allows two images to be projected onto the camera’s single sensor. The images are aligned and synchronized directly in the camera, which not only simplifies VR shooting compared to a two-camera system, but also results in a better image. Image quality and exposure in particular are said to benefit noticeably from the setup.

New VR software coming

Fittingly, Canon is launching new software. The EOS VR SYSTEM with EOS VR Utility plug-in for Adobe Premiere Pro automatically handles conversions to the 180-degree format, noticeably simplifying workflow. Even videos in 8K resolutions are possible with it, depending on the camera.

The lens features an optical folding design and the lens groups are spaced 60mm apart for natural-looking capture. In addition, this is a professional lens from Canon’s L-series, backlit shooting should not be a problem as lens reflections and flare are suppressed.

The Canon RF 5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens weighs about 350 grams and focuses from a distance of about 20 centimeters.

Price and Availability

The Canon RF 5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens is aimed primarily at VR creators, production companies and ambitious VR beginners. It is scheduled for release in December 2021, and the manufacturer’s MSRP is €2199.