Pioneering new VR camera lens

A groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) capture solution includes the world's first interchangeable lens cameras for enabling 180° VR shooting with one camera to a single sensor. 

Canon Europe recently announced its EOS VR SYSTEM, which includes a new Canon RF 5.2mm F2.8L Dual Fisheye lens, has been developed in response to demand for high quality 3D 180° VR content.

With the adoption of VR technology on the rise across many sectors such as training, travel, sports, live events and documentaries, the company says that its new offering simplifies the whole process of stereoscopic 180° VR capture and post-production. The system’s is designed to create an immersive experience that provides professional image quality and higher levels of realism.

The RF 5.2mm F2.8L Dual Fisheye lens is Canon’s first ever interchangeable VR lens, designed to simplify the set-up and capture of 180° VR video and stills with the EOS R5, while retaining the high optical performance of the EOS R System. The system aims to make 3D content creation more practical for existing VR content creators, professional production companies as well as professionals looking to break into the VR market.

The system also includes a newly developed VR software application, EOS VR Utility and plug-in – EOS VR Plug-in for Adobe Premiere Pro, designed to streamline the 180° VR post-production process and enhance content creators’ experience from input to output.

The dual forward-facing fisheye lenses have an ultra-wide 180° field of view which forms the basis of its stereoscopic VR capture capability. The advanced lens design enables projection of two images onto the camera’s single sensor designed for perfect alignment and synchronisation straight out of the camera, facilitating a simpler VR setup than a two-camera system.

Capturing two images on a single sensor also means that both images have the same performance characteristics, avoiding subtle variances such as image quality and exposure. In addition, the two EMD aperture units, one for each lens, are also finely controlled to maintain a consistent exposure onto the sensor – helping to reduce post-production grading and expertise required to match the left and right image output.

The compact lens features a folding optical design and baseline distance of 60 mm for a natural looking view. Engineered to work with compatible cameras within the VR system such as the Canon EOS R5, the system offers both the portability and familiarity of the EOS System.

The stereoscopic lens uses two UD elements per lens, helping to produce sharp clear images, from edge-to-edge. The lens subwavelength structure, or SWC, coating enables successful shooting with the sun in the frame, as it suppresses ghosting and flare of sunlight – a commonly encountered shooting condition in VR capture.

Featuring a gelatin holder across the rear elements, third-party gelatin neutral density filters can be used to maintain ‘normal’ shutter speeds and apertures when shooting in bright conditions. The MF Peaking function in the EOS R5 provides simple assisted manual focusing, highlighting the areas within focus.

When using the EOS R5’s 8K Full Frame sensor, Canon says that its RF 5.2mm F2.8L DUAL FISHEYE lens achieves high resolution 180° VR capture with a high dynamic range using Canon Log / Log 3. A fast f/2.8 aperture along with high ISO capabilities of the EOS R5 which helps to give content creators the opportunity to shoot in a wider range of scenarios.

The company’s updated EOS Utility and Camera Connect app is designed to provide easy remote control and live image preview while capturing content.

This high-quality solution is said to leverage the benefits of the RF mount while delivering innovative new VR technology to simplify the entire process of 180° VR capture from set-up through to post-production.