Canon has just unveiled the latest lens for its R-series cameras: the 5.2mm f/2.8 L Dual Fisheye that projects two image circles in order to create 180-degree stereoscopic footage for 3D virtual reality capture. It’s ingenious and bizarre.
Designed specifically with the EOS R5 in mind, the 5.2mm f/2.8 L Dual Fisheye forms part of Canon’s brand new “EOS VR System” that will soon include subscription-based software for converting the resulting footage. Canon claims that the design “helps to solve common VR challenges of stitching and synching, by outputting one single image file.”
The intention is to give 3D digital designers the ability to work within a single system, shooting consistently on one camera rather than having to switch to a specialist device when capturing 180-degree, stereoscopic footage.
One of Canon’s senior U.S. executives, Tatsuro Kano, described the new system as “an important milestone in our company’s rich history as a lens manufacturer and welcomes a bright future for VR content creation.”
The lens shoots a 190-degree field of view, features “impressive” flare control,” has a minimum focusing distance of 7.87” (20 cm), and the aperture is controlled digitally, ranging from f/2.8 to f/16. Notably, the lens has dust- and water-resistant sealing allowing users to shoot in demanding weather conditions.
The lens is due to go on sale in December 2021 for an estimated $1,999.
Will you be placing an order?
It is great to see such innovation coming from Canon.
But no, I will not be placing an order. While 180 degree images may be cool looking for some of the subject matter that I shoot, I don't think I would ever be able to figure out how to use the software to process the images.
No but interesting use of resources
I'm using another system, so no, but I'd love to see other companies manufacture high-end fisheyes that keep up with current sensors.
Yet, another subscription based software. No thanks. I don't want to pay a perpetual fee to see or edit photos or videos I'm taking with my camera.
I agree with you. But the fact that it is subscription based causes me to think that this lens, and the type of imaging that is done with it, is being marketed to companies and corporations that produce such imaging for commercial purposes. Like those who produce content for the BBC, Disney, PBS, etc. Not really thinking this is meant for "regular photographers".
Good point. I have the Insta360 Evo, which I got specifically to shoot 3D videos. But the resolution and light sensitivity on it is pretty poor compared to an R5. So I was excited by this announcement until I saw the subscription fee.
The subscription fee will most likely be for a software suite that processes and hosts the footage.
They've announced an Adobe Premiere Pro plugin that will allow creators to output rectilinear images, or stereoscopic video as required.
If they tie multiple lenses to that software, someone will come in with free software that will work. Even just for the challenge alone
The porn industry will love this.
Manual focus lens.
when you have sex are all manual
Focus? At a focal length of 5 millimeters, I think that everything in any scene will be in sharp focus, even at wide open aperture.
Very interesting even i i don't see myself using it. Considering how much of a speciality lens this is, im surprised the cost isn't much higher.