Canon's Achievements in Design
Canon has recently made waves in the photography and design world with its APS-C size 3D VR lens, the
RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE. This innovative product was awarded the prestigious
Gold Award at the 2025 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), an accolade given by the Industrial Designers Society of America. This noteworthy recognition marks Canon's first Gold Award within the IDEA framework, highlighting not only innovation but also the strategic importance of design in enhancing product usability and appeal.
Celebrating Excellence in Design
Established in 1980, the IDEA Awards epitomize excellence in design that significantly impacts both the economy and quality of life. Every year, the awards acknowledge the products that excel in multiple dimensions—functionality, aesthetic appeal, innovation, user benefits, and societal impact. Beyond recognizing industrial designs, the IDEA Awards encompass a diverse range of fields including consumer electronics, transportation, sports equipment, and furniture design, establishing a comprehensive standard for design excellence across various sectors.
Evolution of VR Technology
As industries such as entertainment, tourism, and education increasingly leverage Virtual Reality (VR), products like the RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE lens become essential tools. This lens is specifically designed for users embarking on their journey into 3D VR cinematography. It makes the process accessible and user-friendly for APS-C camera users, especially when paired with Canon's EOS R series cameras, which are crucial for achieving professional-quality 3D VR video.
Measuring approximately
54.6 mm in length and weighing about
290 g, it offers a compact and lightweight solution without compromising high-quality imaging across the frame.
Thoughtful Design for Practical Use
This lens embodies a harmonious blend of reliability and user-friendliness. Its design features a smooth, rounded front, providing both visual appeal and comfort for subjects being filmed. Thoughtful consideration has been given to the lens's rear structure, ensuring a firm grip for photographers and a sense of stability while shooting. By prioritizing the relationship between the lens grip position and the subject, Canon has created a product that allows dynamic filming without the worry of capturing unintended reflections. This focus on user interaction highlights Canon’s commitment to enhancing the filming experience for content creators.
Looking Ahead
As Canon celebrates this significant milestone, the company is motivated to continue integrating high performance and exceptional design in their future products. The RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE lens not only stands as an accolade of their success but also as a testament to their ongoing dedication to innovation in the world of photography and videography.
With the appropriate updates to the firmware, users can expect this lens to be compatible with the following Canon cameras as of September 18, 2025—
EOS R7,
EOS R50, and
EOS R50 V. This innovation demonstrates Canon's forward-thinking approach, ensuring that photographers and videographers have access to cutting-edge tools that enhance their creative possibilities.