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Canon launches RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye APS-C lens for VR production

Canon launches RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye APS-C lens for VR production. (Source: Canon)
Canon launches RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye APS-C lens for VR production. (Source: Canon)
Canon has launched the RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye APS-C lens for VR content production. A 144 degree, wide-angle view enables VR bloggers to easily create 3D content. The lens is compatible with the Canon EOS R7 mirrorless camera.

Canon has launched the RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye APS-C lens for VR content production. The lens enables VR bloggers to easily create 3D content from an arm's length and is compatible with the Canon EOS R7 mirrorless camera on firmware 1.5.0 or higher.

The lens has a 144 degree, wide-angle view equivalent to approximately a 7mm fisheye lens on a full-frame 35mm camera. The two 3.9 mm lenses use a 60 mm PD (interpupillary distance), closely matching the distance between human pupils in adults for VR images that are comfortable to view with less chance of blurry vision, eye strain, and headaches.

The lenses are driven by a gear-type stepping motor (STM) for autofocus, with fine-tuning of each possible. The lens can only be manually focused during movie filming, and image stabilization is not available.

Each stereo lens is covered with a Canon Air Sphere Coating to reduce ghosting before light passes through a 7-blade aperture. The fisheye lenses have an aperture of f/3.5 to f/16 adjustable in either 1/3 or 1/2 stops with a minimum focusing distance of 0.66 feet (0.2 meter). The Dual Fisheye can take 30.5 mm screw-on filters and has a rear-mounted gelatin filter holder. Each lens has 11 elements in 8 groups with two ultra-low dispersion (UD) elements in a folded-optical design to reduce chromatic aberration for sharp VR images. The Dual Fisheye measures 4.4 x 3.3 x 2.1 inches (112.0 x 83.7 x 54.6 mm) and weighs 10.2 ounces (290 grams).

The RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye will be available on June 27, 2024 at an MSRP of $1,099. Readers itching to create new content for Meta Quest and other AR/VR/XR headsets should also pick up a Canon EOS R7 mirrorless digital camera.

The Canon EOS R7 mirrorless camera is the only compatible model for the Dual Fisheye lens. (Source: Canon)
The Canon EOS R7 mirrorless camera is the only compatible model for the Dual Fisheye lens. (Source: Canon)

Canon Unveils the Future of Everyday VR Content Creation With New Dual Fisheye Lens

MELVILLE, NY, June 10, 2024 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has announced the new RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye lens, bringing ease, affordability and quality for social media creators interested in exploring VR content creation. The RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye lens is compatible with the EOS R7 camera* and will be available in June 2024.

The new RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye lens makes VR content creation with a mirrorless camera more accessible and efficient than ever. Engineered to empower creators of all types, this lens offers a perfect balance between clarity and usability for vlog-style VR creation. This APS-C Stereoscopic VR lens’ ability to achieve a 144º wide-angle view and utilize equidistant projection makes it ideally suited for every day, virtually hassle-free VR production. Also designed for versatility, this lens permits multiple methods of camera handling, from hand-holding, mounting on a gimbal, or tripod-mounting. Canon’s available EOS VR Utility software (separately available with a paid subscription) is designed for a smooth editing process.

"The RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye lens offers a solution to the growing demand for more affordable and accessible tools in the VR market,” said Brian Mahar, senior vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Whether you’re a social creator looking to expand your content into VR, or a filmmaker interested in making the jump from 2D to 3D content, this lens enables creators of all levels to comfortably explore VR content creation and generate amazing content.”

Get to know the RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye lens:

  • One-shot AF and Left/Right focus Adjustment with Focus ring, helping to create effortless and precise shooting in virtually any environment.
  • An Air Sphere Coating (ASC) is a first for Canon non-L Series lenses and helps to minimize ghosting and facilitate pristine image quality.
  • Rear filter holder that accommodates both 30.5mm screw-on filters and sheet-type filters, i.e. gelatin or polyester filters.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye lens is scheduled to be available in June 2024 for an estimated retail price of $1,099.00**. For additional information, please visit www.usa.canon.com.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $29.4 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc., as of 2023 has ranked in the top-five overall in U.S. patents granted for 38 consecutive years†. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To learn more about Canon, visit us at www.usa.canon.com and connect with us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/canonusa.

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† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

* Firmware update is required for EOS R7 camera’s compatibility with RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye lens

** Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2024 06 > Canon launches RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye APS-C lens for VR production
David Chien, 2024-06-24 (Update: 2024-06-24)