Canon unveils a cheaper VR dual lens, bringing spatial video to more people

Canon has announced the release of its latest lens in the VR lineup: the RF-S7.8mm F4 STM Dual Lens. If this lens looks a bit different from the previous dual fisheye lenses Canon has made for VR, then you’re correct. This lens is designed to make high-quality, immersive 3D content creation more accessible to a broader range of creators.

It’s clearly aimed at filming spatial video content, especially for use on emerging platforms like Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3. It’s essentially Canon’s direct answer to the spatial video that the iPhone 15 and 16 can record.

The lens was shown as a prototype as far back as IBC 2023 and again previewed earlier this year at Apple’s WWDC 2024 keynote. Like the RF-S 3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye lens, the RF-S7.8mm F4 STM lens is designed for Canon’s EOS R7 camera. It will allow creators to capture immersive 3D visuals at a 60-degree field of view, with a short focal length that emphasizes detailed, lifelike experiences when viewed in a headset.

It’s certainly an interesting lens and at a very attainable price point, far cheaper than the other VR lenses Canon has. I assume the quality will be a little bit better than that of the iPhone. However, with the two lenses being so close together (similar to the iPhone), the quality cannot match the output of the dual fish eye lenses, nor will the R7 film in high enough resolution for a fully immersive VR experience, unlike the R5 C used with the RF 5.2mm dual fisheye lens.

Key Features

The Canon RF-S7.8mm F4 STM lens is notable for its practical design and ease of use, bridging the gap between traditional 2D and more complex VR capture. Key features include:

• 7.8mm Focal Length and 60° Field of View: The short focal length and wide angle allow for dynamic VR and spatial content, capturing an immersive view that enhances depth and realism in each shot.
• Simplified 3D Capture Workflow: Canon has designed this lens with accessibility in mind. Its operation closely resembles that of a traditional RF-mount lens, allowing even newcomers to VR production to easily navigate the process.
• Post-Production Compatibility: After capturing footage, users can convert it to 3D 180° VR using the EOS VR Plug-in for Adobe Premiere Pro or Canon’s EOS VR Utility software, expanding compatibility for immersive content across a range of devices.

Expanded Support for Immersive Content Platforms

The RF-S7.8mm F4 STM lens is designed to support the rapidly evolving field of VR, and it integrates with devices optimized for immersive video, including the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3. With Canon’s established colour science and EOS R7 compatibility, users can expect high-quality, spatial content optimized for these emerging display formats.

Specs

Focal Length	7.8mm
Maximum Aperture	f/4.0
Minimum Aperture	f/16
Lens Mount	Canon RF
Format Compatibility	APS-C
Angle of View	63° 00′
Maximum Magnification	0.07x
Minimum Focus Distance	0.49 ft. (5.9 in.) / 0.15 m
Optical Design	9 elements in 7 groups
Diaphragm Blades	7
Focus Type	Autofocus
Image Stabilization	No
Filter Size	Not available
Dimensions (ø x L)	ø2.7″ x 1.6″ L (ø69.2mm x 41.5mm)
Weight	Approx. 4.6 oz. (131g)

The Growing Demand for VR Tools

Hiroto Kato, Vice President of Imaging Products & Solutions at Canon U.S.A., noted that Canon aims to enable content creators to explore new visual mediums. “The RF-S7.8mm F4 STM Dual Lens not only provides a new visual tool but enhances how creators communicate using emerging VR and 3D technologies,” he stated.

Clearly, this more straightforward design and ease of use, plus the low price point, mean that Canon is firmly trying to expand the lower end of the VR market base. That’s actually not a bad thing and may increase interest in the medium overall. For a hobby, no one wants to shell out the seven grand for the R5 C and full-frame dual fish eye lens. However, VR is a fun format to explore, plus the EOS R7 is a formidable APS-C camera. For one, I welcome the option to shoot VR for less money.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon RF-S7.8mm F4 STM Dual Lens is expected to be available in November 2024, retailing at an estimated price of $449.99.

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