Canon has introduced some great lenses for the EF mount that photographers still attest to today. Given the current lineup for the RF mount, Canon is still far from the numbers they had boasted during the EF days. It now appears that to change this, the company is developing a lens that will cater to creative photographers. And at least to us, this is really bold!
Canon Rumors reports that the company will introduce the RF 7-14mm f2.8-3.5 fisheye zoom. This is pretty huge, given that Canon has yet to release a fisheye RF mount for stills. The company has RF-S 3.9mm f3.5 STM and RF 5.2mm f2.8 L, but both are designed for 3D stereoscopic visuals for VR work.
The RF fisheye is said to be a spiritual successor to the EF 8-15mm f4L USM. At 7mm on full frame, it will offer a dramatic effect, and at 14mm, it will become a standard diagonal fisheye. This gives users who want the best of both worlds the flexibility they need for professional and personal work. Zoom, in that regard, can be used by photographers across various genres.
In general, there is a positive response to the report, as astrophotographers and underwater photographers will be able to use autofocus. A while back, Redditors expressed frustration with the lack of an ultra-wide lens from Canon. While there are third-party options such as 7artisans 7.5mm f2.8, Rokinon 8mm f3.5 UMC, Astrhori 12mm, and Laowa 8-15mm f2.8, but they are manual options. This can be a bit frustrating for some.
The 7-14mm has also excited people because the original lens was pretty great in every way. Launched in 2011, the lens was our favourite. As we said in our review, “I’m not one to often use fisheye lenses or really want to, but the look and versatility that the Canon 8-15mm f4 L gives me on full frame, or APS-C sensors is amazing. I haven’t had this much fun with a lens since testing Olympus’ 12mm f2. The Canon 8-15mm f4 L isn’t just sharp, but it focuses quickly and accurately.”
It remains to be seen what the lens’s cost will be upon launch, as it could further help popularise the lens. Either way, a new fisheye is a long time coming, and it can help the company compete more effectively with third-party lenses.