Canon has released a rather interesting new lens in the form of the RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye. This new offering is designed with the company’s mirrorless EOS R5 in mind and is specifically aimed at content creators wanting to dabble in virtual reality content.

VR and augmented reality have long been tipped as being the next big thing in content consumption, but it can prove an exhaustively expensive process to make.

The new lens from Canon could change that, although it is by no means a cheap piece of hardware.

We do not have local details at this stage, but the RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye is expected to retail for $1 999 (~R30 326) Stateside, so it is very much aimed at professionals looking to explore what they can create in terms of VR.

Canon has cited the Oculus 2 in particular as a device that the RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye could benefit.

“As part of the EOS VR System – this lens paired with the EOS R5 updated with firmware 1.5.0 or higher and one of Canon’s VR software solutions – you can create immersive 3D that can be experienced when viewed on compatible head mount displays including the Oculus Quest 2 and more,” a landing page for the new lens explains.

In terms of what it can muster, the lens can capture stereoscopic 3D 180-degree video and record regular video footage at up to 8K, but the latter is only when paired with the EOS R5, which appears to be the only Canon camera compatible with the lens at this stage.

Hopefully this functionality is expanded in a software update, as the EOS R5 does not come cheap either, as local retailers are selling it for around R69 000.

If successful, it would not surprise us if other camera makers begin showcasing dual fisheye lens options in the coming months, especially for mirrorless rigs.