Canon Launches 3D APS-C plus 3 Extra RF Lenses

2024.10.30

Earlier Canon announced four new lenses for the RF-mount with some completely new and unique offerings. A lens in the pack the first 3D Lens specifically designed for an APS-C sensor. There is also a new telephoto zoom lens and two bright primes, all supporting a Full-Framing imaging circle.

Most exciting is the unique Canon RF-S 7.8mm F/4 STM DUAL that provides stereoscopic 3D capture for Canon APS Mirrorless Digital Cameras having an RF mount. By designing the lens specifically for a smaller imaging circle, Canon made the RF-S 7.8mm F/4 the second lightest and smallest 3D lens, after the significantly dimmer Panasonic Lumix G 12.5mm F/12 designed for Micro Four-Thirds.

The Canon RF-S 7.8mm F/4 STM DUAL comprises of two 7.8mm fisheye lenses with an interpulary distance of 11.8mm. Each lens projects a 63° field-of-view anamorphically onto half of the APS-C sensor area. The resulting image are two circular images side-by-side in a single file. Custom software is then applied to defish each image and pack them into a 3D stereoscopic image or video format. Canon demos take some liberties and show the pair of defished images side-by-side which is not the true output from this lens.

This 3D lens can focus down to 15cm, resulting in a maximum magnification of 0.07X. This close to a subject, focus is really critical for a comfortable 3D projection. Uniquely, this lens allows users to adjust the focal-plane of each lens independently to minimize misalignment. This lens accepts 58mm filters and it is the only 3D lens that accepts any kind of filter.

The Canon RF-S 7.8mm F/2 DUAL is estimated to arrive in December for $450 USD. Both Adorama and B&H Photo are already taking pre-orders.

Next is the Canon RF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS USM Z. This one is similar to the RF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS USM in terms of focal and aperture ranges. The difference is that the new lens features a power-zoom mechanism that has been internalized. There is still a traditional zoom range which is mostly likely fly-by-wire. The lens is made compatible with the Canon Power-Zoom adapter. This is a unique Canon module that allows them to build new power zoom lenses that are not significantly heavier than their mechanical equivalents.

The Canon RF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS USM Z has improved optics which make it focus down to 48cm at the wide end and 68cm at the long end which it reaches a maximum magnification of 0.3X, a little more than the standard version. Its larger find lens element requires 82mm filters. Builtin image-stabilization has been also improved up to 5½-stops which is less than the efficiency of Canon IBIS, so must photographers will benefit from 7½ stops of stabilization. Even with these improvements, the RF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS USM Z is only 45g heavier! It is longer though and by 30%, 20cm, compared to 15cm. This lens is expected next month for $3000 USD. It can also be preordered from Adorama and B&H Photo as well.

Two prime lens were refreshed with new VMC motors which stands for Voice Coil Motor and is built around the same principle as USM motors using much new technology. The result is fast focusing and also handles well very small shifts in the focal plane. This should be beneficial for continuous shooting or those who still have not adopted Manual Focus for video.

These two Full-Frame Prime Lenses are the Canon RF 24mm F/1.4L VCM and RF 50mm F/1.4L VCM. Each offer a very common focal-length and maximum aperture for wide and normal lenses, respectively. These lenses have new stepless aperture-rings, a standard focus-ring and customizable control-ring. Both accept common 67mm filters and are fully weatherproof. Just like USM, the new VCM focusing system allows Quick-Shift AF.

The Canon RF 24mm F/1.4L VCM is priced at $1500 USD, while the Canon RF 50mm F/1.4L VCM is priced at $1400. These are expected to be available later this month.

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