Alongside Canon’s more standard hybrid photo and video lens today the company has also announced the RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens, a new entry level 3D spatial video lens that aims to make immersive content creation accessible for a wider audience. The RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens is designed for the EOS R system and for APS-C bodies, rather than full frame, such as the EOS R7, and it will enable you to create high-quality 3D stills and videos. The lens features a compact design as well as an affordable entry point, which aims to bridge the gap between everyday creators and the advanced world of 3D visual content.
Read more on Canon’s latest lens announcements:
Canon RF 24mm F1.4L VCM
Canon RF 50mm F1.4L VCM
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Z
Canon RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL
The new Canon RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL delivers a natural 63-degree field of view, which closely mirroring human vision. This will enables you to produce 3D video that captures depth and realism, adding a new dimension to image capture and storytelling. The lens is intended to make 3D content accessible across multiple platforms, and with this new APS-C lens it’s aimed not only for high-end VR headsets but also on smartphones with VR glasses, cardboard headsets, and even handheld viewers for printed 3D images. This flexibility of design makes the RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens an accessable tool for anyone looking to enhance visual engagement in fields like cultural preservation, real estate, and high-end product presentations.
Weighing only 130g and equipped with a streamlined STM autofocus system, this dual-lens system is practical and portable. The user-friendly design means that photographers and videographers with varied skill levels can experiment with spatial video and the 7.8mm focal length offers a broad, immersive view that is particularly suitable for recording environments or capturing performances. Additionally, the EOS VR Utility app will soon support this lens, allowing users to create content compatible with the Apple Vision Pro and export in MV-HEVC format for smoother editing on Apple devices.
Constructed with nine elements in seven groups, including two UD lenses, the RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL achieves impressive optical quality with minimal chromatic aberrations. Coated with Super Spectra, the lens reduces flare and ghosting for clearer visuals. The design includes a dual lens with an 11.8mm baseline separation, ensuring an enhanced depth perception that is critical for 3D viewing. However, unlike Canon’s L-series lenses, it lacks dust and moisture resistance, making it better suited to controlled environments.
Canon RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL Specifications
- Image Size: APS-C
- Angle of View: 63° (horizontal, vertical, diagonal)
- Lens Construction: 9 elements in 7 groups, with 2 UD elements
- Special Features: Dual lens system with 11.8mm baseline separation for enhanced 3D depth
- Diaphragm Blades: 7-blade aperture for smooth focus transitions
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.15m
- Maximum Magnification: 0.07x
- Autofocus System: STM motor for quiet, accurate focusing
- Coatings: Super Spectra coating to reduce flare and ghosting
- Filter Size: 58mm
- Dimensions: 69.2mm x 41.5mm
- Weight: 130g
- Compatibility: Currently compatible with EOS R7; future compatibility updates anticipated
Canon RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL price and availability
Canon has not yet released specific pricing details for the RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens, but it is expected to be available in late 2024. The lens will be available for pre-order on Canon’s official website and through authorised retailers soon. Designed to be an affordable entry point into the world of 3D video and photography, this lens could become a popular choice among both professionals and hobbyists eager to explore immersive storytelling.
URL: Canon RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL
Price: TBD