Canon today announced two groundbreaking new ultra-wide-angle L-series RF mount lenses for EOS R system cameras. The RF7-14mm f/2.8-3.5L Fisheye STM is the world’s first[1] lens with a circular 190° angle of view, and Canon’s first native RF mount fisheye zoom lens. Faster, lighter, and covering more than its popular EF mount predecessor, it also supports 2D VR image creation, elevating fisheye imaging possibilities into new realms.
Also joining the RF series is the RF14mm f/1.4L VCM, Canon’s widest and fastest non-fisheye professional ultra-wide-angle prime lens to date. The latest addition to the f/1.4L VCM photo-video hybrid lens series weighs approximately 578g, making it the lightest autofocus-enabled 14mm f/1.4 lens for full-frame cameras.
“With the RF7-14mm f/2.8-3.5L Fisheye STM and RF14mm f/1.4L VCM, Canon is building a whole new playground for creators. From a mind-bending 190° fisheye view to the brightest ultra-wide f/1.4 shots, these lenses are more than just tools – they are invitations to see the world differently. Whether capturing sprawling cityscapes, night skies or dynamic video moments, photographers and videographers in Singapore can now push the limits of creativity,” said Andrew Koh, Senior Vice President and Head of Singapore Operations Group, Canon Singapore.
RF7-14mm f/2.8-3.5L Fisheye STM: Next Generation Fisheye Zoom Lens
With its 7mm wide end when paired with a full-frame camera, the RF7-14mm f/2.8-3.5L Fisheye STM covers 10° more of the scenes than the classic EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM, achieving 190° to create a distinctive “glass ball” circular fisheye effect that showcases the grandeur of sprawling architecture and magnitude of packed stadiums.
It also increases bokeh and low light possibilities beyond what any other autofocus fisheye zoom lens has achieved with its bright f/2.8 to f/3.5 aperture range. When zoomed in, RF7-14mm f/2.8-3.5L Fisheye STM creates dynamic diagonal fisheye effects on both full-frame and APS-C cameras.
With its improved optical design, the lens enables more thorough aberration correction, achieving less colour bleeding. The image quality produced is also superior to the EF version even with a 12% weight reduction to approximately 476g.
The ultra-wide 190° angle of view supports new forms of imaging like the conversion of 7mm circular fisheye images. With Canon’s EOS VR Utility software, users can create high-quality hemispherical panorama (2D 180° VR) images that are viewable on a PC or head-mounted display. Unlike its predecessor, the new lens uses the equidistant projection method to maintain a largely uniform compression effect from the centre to the peripheries, retaining a high resolution even after converting to 2D VR.
The RF7-14mm f/2.8-3.5L Fisheye STM is bundled with a Drop-in Clear Filter and can be used with the Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. The lens also accommodates the Drop-in Variable ND Filter A / Drop-in Circular Polarizing Filter A, which can be purchased separately.
RF14mm f/1.4L VCM: Expansive Versatility
The RF14mm f/1.4L VCM combines the perspective of 14mm and low light possibilities of f/1.4 to capture vast spaces such as the Milky Way against sprawling scenery in low light. Weighing around 578g, the RF14mm f/1.4L VCM is 10% lighter than the EF14mm f/2.8L II USM while achieving an f/1.4 aperture. This means it is two stops wider but allows four times the light to pass through. Its compact, lightweight build makes this lens essential for photographers who refuse to compromise between portability and performance.
As with Canon’s other f/1.4L VCM photo-video hybrid prime lenses, the RF14mm f/1.4L VCM features the video-friendly VCM motor, and an iris ring for seamless aperture control during video shoots. It has an optical design that suppresses focus breathing and features special elements to ensure outstanding optical performance. These elements are three optimally placed GMo (glass molded) aspheric lenses that reduce sagittal coma flare for the sharp rendering of light sources, and fluorite and BR optical elements to reduce the colour bleeding in large aperture ultra-wide angle lenses. It also has a rear filter holder that takes sheet-type filters.
As professional-grade L-series lenses built for durability and reliability, both the RF14mm f/1.4L VCM and the RF7-14mm f/2.8-3.5L Fisheye STM feature dust- and drip-resistant construction, smudge-resistant fluorine coating on the front of the lens, as well as optics and special coatings to thoroughly reduce flare and ghosting.
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