Canon RF-S 7.8mm f/4 STM Dual Lens Officially Announced

Canon has officially announced the RF-S 7.8mm f/4 STM Dual lens, a fresh addition to its EOS VR System aimed at social media creators and enthusiast videographers eager to explore the immersive world of virtual reality (VR) and spatial content. This dual-lens setup provides an accessible entry point for those wanting to experiment with 3D and VR without a hefty price tag, marking a new, affordable pathway to spatial creation.

Canon RF-S 7.8mm f/4 STM Dual Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Canon has highlighted the increasing demand among creators for VR, 3D, and spatial content tools, expecting substantial growth in this area. In fact, Apple offered a glimpse of this lens during its 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference keynote, underscoring the synergy between Canon’s new lens and VR-ready platforms like the Apple Vision Pro.

The RF-S 7.8mm f/4 STM Dual lens features a unique 7.8mm focal length and a 63º angle of view, making it suitable for capturing content in a square aspect ratio, ideal for social media formats. The stereoscopic design incorporates two lenses positioned 11.6mm apart, which creates the illusion of depth when viewed in VR. Canon designed the lens with a simpler optical path than its higher-end VR lenses, such as the RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM and the RF 5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye, making it both user-friendly and budget-friendly. The lens is optimized for spatial effects within a focal range of 15 to 50cm (6 to 20 inches), particularly when objects are placed in the foreground to enhance the immersive 3D effect.

For added precision, the RF-S 7.8mm f/4 STM Dual lens has a focus/control ring for minor adjustments, allowing users to finetune the left and right lenses independently, although Canon notes that such adjustments won’t often be necessary. Additionally, users can switch between left and right views on the camera’s rear screen for checking focus.

Post-capture, Canon’s EOS VR plug-in for Adobe Premiere Pro allows for quick conversion of footage to 3D 180º VR. Alternatively, the EOS VR Utility software, available via a subscription, can convert files to various VR formats compatible with devices like the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3, ensuring broad accessibility for content consumption.

Canon’s goal with this $449 lens is clear: to democratize VR content creation by offering a straightforward tool that functions much like a standard lens but opens up a new dimension for spatial storytelling. The RF-S 7.8mm f/4 STM Dual lens will be available in November and is compatible with Canon’s EOS R7, provided it’s running firmware version 1.60 or higher.

Press release:

Canon Introduces the RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL Lens: Expanding Capabilities for VR and 3D Content Creators.

MELVILLE, NY, October 30, 2024 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has announced the new RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens, designed for social media content creators and enthusiast videographers. Compatible with the Canon EOS R7 and the latest addition to the growing EOS VR System lineup, this innovative lens offers a practical and affordable way to explore storytelling in the expanding world of VR and 3D content creation.

Previewed at Apple’s WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) 2024 keynote, this lens has been crafted for those looking to explore new visual formats, particularly with the rising interest in spatial video content. The 7.8mm focal length and 60-degree angle of view provide an immersive field of vision, for capturing detailed 3D content, allowing creators to deliver captivating and lifelike visual experiences.

Making VR and 3D content creation accessible to a wider audience, Canon has designed the RF- S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens with a focus on simplicity. Even with its advanced features, the lens operates much like a traditional 2D RF-mount lens, with a straightforward workflow that empowers even newcomers to VR and spatial production to achieve impressive results. After capturing video with this interchangeable lens, users can leverage the EOS VR Plug-in for Adobe® Premiere® Pro to convert footage to 3D 180° VR, or the EOS VR Utility software (separately available with a paid subscription) to convert the footage into 3D 180° VR, 3D Theater, and spatial video ready to be experienced on devices like Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3, offering a seamless transition from camera to immersive viewing.

Compatible with the Canon EOS R7 camera body, the high-speed autofocus and high-resolution image sensor, coupled with Canon’s renowned color science, effortlessly captures detailed VR content and Spatial videos whether you’re shooting in controlled environments or on the go.

“With the RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens, Canon is not only providing a new visual tool but also enhancing the way creators communicate using emerging VR, spatial and 3D technologies,” said Hiroto Kato, vice president, Imaging Products & Solutions at Canon U.S.A., Inc. “This lens allows users to capture immersive content, bridging the gap between traditional content creation and the latest in VR and Spatial imagery. It’s an exciting step forward in making high-quality 3D content more approachable for everyone.”

As the demand for VR content continues to climb, the need for user-friendly 3D imaging equipment becomes increasingly important. The RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens is designed to meet this demand, working seamlessly with devices from Apple Vision Pro to Meta Quest 3, lowering the barriers to creating 3D images, making immersive content more accessible for anyone, from casual hobbyists to dedicated enthusiasts.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens is scheduled to be available in November 2024 for an estimated retail price of $449.99*. For additional information, please visit www.usa.canon.com.

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