Pros & Cons
Pros
- Versatile fisheye zoom range from 7mm to 14mm, allowing for creative wide-angle shots.
- Good build quality and professional feel, consistent with Canon's L-series lenses.
- Ability to use a rear filter holder allows for added versatility in photography.
- Lightweight and compact for a fisheye lens, making it travel-friendly.
- Excellent for landscape and architectural photography due to its wide field of view.
Cons
- Vignetting and distortion noted, especially at wider apertures, requiring post-processing corrections.
- Some users mentioned that the sharpness towards the edges may not be as good as on Canon's prime lenses.
- Limited low-light performance; some users suggest that the f/2.8-3.5 aperture may not be sufficient for all applications.
- Higher price compared to similar third-party fisheye options, making it less appealing for budget-conscious photographers.
Verdict
The Canon RF 7-14mm f/2.8-3.5L Fisheye STM receives a mix of praise and criticism. Users appreciate its versatility for wide-angle photography and build quality, but some point out issues with vignetting and edge sharpness. Overall, it's seen as a good choice for those seeking a high-quality fisheye lens, especially for landscape and architectural work, but the price may be a drawback for some.
Specifications
| Focal Length | 7-14mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Mount | RF |
| AF Motor | STM |
| Min Focus | 0.15m |
| Released | 2023 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Canon RF 7-14mm f/2.8-3.5L accept standard screw-in filters?
No, due to the bulbous front element, this lens does not support standard front-mount screw-in filters. However, it is equipped with a rear gel filter holder, allowing the use of cut gel filters for ND or color effects.
How does the sharpness of this zoom fisheye compare to Canon's fisheye primes?
Center sharpness is superb and competes directly with Canon's best primes, but edge and corner sharpness, especially at wider apertures and the shortest focal lengths, are slightly inferior to prime alternatives such as the EF 8-15mm f/4L. Stopping down improves uniformity across the frame.
Is the STM autofocus motor suitable for video use?
Yes, the STM motor is nearly silent and very smooth, making it ideal for video capture. It supports silent focus pulls and accurate tracking, especially on camera bodies with advanced Dual Pixel AF.
What types of photography is this lens best suited for?
This lens is ideal for landscape, architectural, creative, astrophotography, and certain types of sports/street work where exaggerated perspective or all-encompassing field of view are desirable. It excels in creative and experimental contexts.
How does this lens compare to third-party fisheye options for RF mount?
While third-party options (such as those from Samyang or Venus Optics) are available at lower prices, they typically offer only manual focus, fewer weather protections, and lack the versatility of a zoom. The Canon offers better build, autofocus, and integration in exchange for higher cost.
Can the lens firmware be updated to improve distortion correction?
Yes, Canon supports lens firmware updates via compatible RF-mount cameras. Some users have found that distortion and aberration correction improved on newer firmware, making real-world results even better.
Compatible Cameras
Camera bodies that work with this lens
Related Lenses
Other lenses you might want to consider
