Canon introduces the world’s first 190° fisheye zoom lens

Intent on expanding its professional RF lens range, Canon has announced the launch of two new L-series products: the RF 14mm F1.4L VCM and the RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L FISHEYE STM, the latter being billed as the world’s first 190° fisheye zoom lens.

Capable of delivering two distinctive looks when paired with a full-frame EOS R System, the RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L FISHEYE STM offers an ultra-wide 190°circular fisheye image at 7mm, as well as a frame-filling 180° diagonal fisheye image at 14mm. While over on APS-C cameras, the maximum wide angle can be set to approximately 8.7mm for 180° diagonal fisheye images. What’s more, circular fisheye videos captured on a compatible camera can also be converted to 2D 180° VR files via EOS VR Utility, allowing for immersive viewing via a VR headset.

Designed for a wide range of genres, including action sports, landscapes, and astrophotography, the 476g lens touts a minimum focusing distance of 0.15m and quiet lead-screw type STM autofocus coupled with focus breathing suppression. Elsewhere the newcomer supports drop-in filters and incorporates two replica aspherical elements to suppress spherical aberrations, five UD elements to reduce chromatic aberrations, and ASC coatings to minimise ghosting and flare. Expected to hit stores on 26th February, the RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L FISHEYE STM carries an RRP of £1,719.99/€1,959.99, and will be joined by a lens cap priced at £22.99/€26.99, and lens hood at £55.99/€68.99.

Also targeting landscape and night sky shooters, as well as those working in confined indoor spaces, is the RF 14mm F1.4L VCM, the latest addition to Canon’s hybrid prime lens lineup, offering a 114° diagonal angle of view. Weighing 578g, it features an 11-blade circular aperture designed to deliver cinematic bokeh and 22-point starburst effects. Optical performance is enhanced by three glass-moulded (GMo) aspherical elements, which suppress sagittal coma flare for finely rendered point light sources such as stars, while Fluorite, BR and UD lenses reduce chromatic aberration. Ghosting and flare are minimised using the brand’s SWC and ASC coatings, while a Voice Coil Motor delivers smoother autofocus alongside focus breathing suppression. Also set to go on sale 26th February, the unit carries a RRP of £2,399.99/€2,729.99, with the accompanying lens cap priced at £22.99/€26.99.

Later this Spring, Canon will mark the 30th year of PowerShot, with a limited edition PowerShot G7 X Mark III. The £859.99/€979.99 anniversary model pairs a graphite camera body with a twill pattern front ring and features a 30‑year anniversary logo, presented in a specially designed box and goes on sale from 23rd April, celebrating the line first introduced in July 1996, with the inaugural PowerShot 600.

Completing the roundup of new releases is the NB-15L li-on rechargeable battery, priced at £72.99/€82.99, which gets set to replace the current NB-13L model. Compatible with select PowerShots, the new battery introduces enhanced safety features, with charging automatically disabled if the battery is overcharged.