The new Canon RF5.2mm f/2.8L lens sets the EOS R5 up for VR content recording

The demand for virtual reality (VR)-specific content is emerging rapidly at present. However, Canon has pointed out that getting into this game might require dual cameras, due to the need to record in stereo in order to achieve the 3D effect required (by those with normal vision, at least). Now, however, the OEM has unveiled the RF5.2mm f/2.8L, a new lens that, beside making the EOS R5 look like it it's using binoculars, might make the camera an effective stand-alone VR-ready recording device.

Canon argues that making content for VR using conventional equipment requires 2 identical set-ups, in painstaking alignment and synchronization, with equally exacting additional processes such as as stitching and color-matching in editing, for the convincingly immersive headset-delivered 360° output.

With the RF5.2mm f/2.8L, on the other hand, the light data from the subject is split into two, which may make a shooting-for-VR project much easier with fewer steps. The lens is also rated for good low-light performance, thanks to its generous (dual) f/2.8 aperture. The new "dust- and drip-resistant" RF-line variant also boasts an electro-magnetic diaphragm (EMD) for auto-exposure correction, as well as jelly mounts for optional neutral density filters.

On the other hand, the user may have to use the new EOS VR Utility app, which converts its input into the equirectangular projection format that may be required for the all-around content in question. It also corrects for the parallax created by the dual fish-eye mode, and is also rated to apply LUTs and output in DPX (Digital Picture Exchange) or Apple ProRes.

This app is available to the aspiring VR content-creator at US$5 per month. There is also an EOS VR Plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro for another $5 monthly subscription. The RF5.2mm f/2.8L itself is priced at US$1,999 and can be pre-ordered from now.

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