Canon has announced two new full frame L series lenses for its RF mount mirrorless cameras. The Canon RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5 L Fisheye STM zoom is the world’s widest angle zoom lens. There’s also a new Canon RF 14mm F1.4 L VCM prime lens. Canon says this is the brightest ultra-wide-angle interchangeable lens it has ever produced
World’s first fisheye zoom lens
The Canon RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5 L Fisheye STM zoom lens delivers an ultra-wide 190-degree circular fisheye field of view at 7 mm. Zoomed in to 14 mm, you get a 180-degree fisheye image. The lens also offers a fast maximum aperture of F2.8 at 7 mm. Unfortunately, the aperture isn’t constant, so your image will darken to F3.5 as you zoom to 14 mm.
The RF 7-14 mm lens features a leadscrew-type STM focus drive with position sensors for smooth, video-capable operation. Canon says that focus breathing is reduced as well, quoting 0.4% at 7 mm and 1.5% at 14 mm.
Optical design
The Canon RF 7-14mm L Fisheye STM zoom is constructed with five UD (Ultra-low dispersion) lens elements and two replica aspheric lenses. It also features Air Sphere Coating (ASC) applied in three locations to reduce ghosting. In addition, the lens offers built-in support of Canon’s EF-to-EOS R mount adapter drop-in filters including clear, CPL, and Variable ND. Other features include Lens Lock/Limit, Lens Function button and Control Ring. You can convert fisheye images shot with the RF 7-14 mm zoom lens using Canon’s EOS VR Utility for viewing on a PC or head-mounted display as well.
Canon’s brightest ultra-wide-angle lens
The Canon RF 14mm F1.4 L VCM prime is an extremely compact and lightweight ultra-wide lens. It’s only 4.4 inches (11.18 cm) long by 3 inches (2.54 cm) in diameter and weighs just 1.27 pounds (576g). Canon also says that the new 14mm lens has a similar size, weight, and design to compliment its other RF F1.4 L-series lenses. These lenses cover the focal lengths 20 mm, 24 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm and 85 mm.
Additoinally, the RF 14 mm prime lens features Dual VCM (Voice Coil Motor) focusing which delivers fast and precise autofocus for both photo and video use. Canon says that the lens has reduced focus breathing of 3.0%, or 2.3% up to f/20, as well.
11-bladed aperture
The Canon RF 14mm F1.4 L VCM prime has an ultra-wide maximum aperture of F1.4 which will deliver an excellent low light performance. You should also be able to achieve good background separation, which can be more difficult with wide angle lenses. With an 11-bladed iris, bokeh should be smooth and circular. And, the RF 14 mm lens features Canon’s first Fluorite element in an ultra-wide-angle lens. The optical design includes BR (Blue Spectrum Refractive) Optics, one UD lens element, and three GMo (glass-moulded) aspheric lenses. Canon added sub-wavelength coating in one location and Air Sphere coating in two places for minimized ghosting as well.
What we think
Both of Canon’s latest wide angle lenses set new standards for full frame RF-mount lenses. As the world’s first fisheye zoom lens, the RF 7-14mm is ideal for shooting sports, landscapes, starscapes, video, and virtual reality. The lens’s distorted perspective will also create some unique and engaging images.
Plus, the ultra-wide F1.4 maximum aperture on the RF 14 mm prime lens will deliver good background separation. With controlled distortion and rectilinear characteristics from the center to image, the RF 14 mm prime lens will be welcomed by architectural and real estate shooters, as well. As L series lenses, Canon’s new offerings command premium prices, but you can be assured of the highest image quality.
Pricing and availability
The Canon RF7-14mm F2.8-3.5 L Fisheye STM zoom lens is set to retail at $1,899. The RF14mm F1.4 L VCM prime lens will cost $2,599. Canon says that both lenses are scheduled to be available by the end of February 2026.
