Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£1,140
  • Avg. price in US: ~$1,100
  • Lens mount: Canon RF
  • Maximum focal length: 3.9 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 3.5
  • Optical image stabilization: no
  • Maximum angle of view: 144 °

Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

6.1

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

7.8

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

5.2

Build & Handling

20.0%

3.8

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

2.8

Mount & Format

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 7.1
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.7

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • 4.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    9.2

    Lens length

    25.0%

    5.1

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    1.0

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £1,140

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Canon RF-S 3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye is an innovative stereoscopic lens designed specifically for APS-C mirrorless cameras like the EOS R7 to simplify 180° VR content creation. It features dual lenses with an interpupillary distance of 60mm and a 144° field of view, projecting two circular images onto a single sensor to eliminate the need for manual stitching. Key technical specifications include a gear-type STM autofocus system—a first for Canon VR lenses—two Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) elements, and an Air Sphere Coating (ASC) to minimise ghosting and flare. Main pros include its compact, lightweight build (approx. 290g), support for both 30.5mm rear screw-in and gelatin filters, and a more accessible price point compared to full-frame alternatives. However, notable cons include its limited camera compatibility, a narrower field of view than its 5.2mm counterpart, and the lack of continuous autofocus (Servo AF) during movie recording.

Technical Specifications of Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

?

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

?

Build & Handling

20.0%

?

Focus & Controls

10.0%

?

Lab Scores

8.0%

?

Stabilization

3.0%

?

Mount & Format

6.1
Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye has a technical score of 6.06 points, which is lower than 92.9% of camera lenses.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
1.0
Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 90% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.1

Overall score

40.0%

4.5

Price

5.6
Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.6 points, which is lower than 94% of products in this category.
Lens type
What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.
When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

fisheye
Lens mount
What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.
When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Canon RF
Sensor format coverage
What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.
When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

APS-C
Filter thread size
What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

?
Teleconverter compatibility
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

no
Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
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Minimum focal length
What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.
When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

3.9 mm
Maximum focal length
What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.
When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

3.9 mm
Optical zoom
What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.
When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

?
Maximum angle of view
What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.
When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

144 °
Minimum angle of view
What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.
When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

144 °
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Focus motor
What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.
When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

STM
Minimum focus distance
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.2 m
Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye focuses as close as 0.2 m, which is closer than 79.4% of camera lenses and equal to 7% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.03x
Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.03x, which is lower than 99.8% of camera lenses and equal to 0.2% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Electronic manual override support.
Internal focusing
What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

no
Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye does not support internal focusing. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
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Optical image stabilization
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

no
Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye does not support optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

?
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

?
Lens length
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

54.6 mm
Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye is 54.6 mm long, which is shorter than 85.1% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

112.1 mm
Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye has a diameter of 112.1 mm, which is wider than 95.4% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

no
Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.
When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye uses a metal lens mount. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
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DxOMark overall score
What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark sharpness score
What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark transmission
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark distortion
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark vignetting
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
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Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye vs the average camera lens

  • Has drop-in filter support
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
    Rear 30.5 mm / gelatin filter holder.
    What it is: Support for filters placed behind the rear element instead of on the front thread.
    When it matters: When you use large super-telephoto lenses where front filters would be expensive or impractical.

    Importance: LOW

    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • 37.4 mm shorter lens
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye is shorter than the average camera lens (54.6 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
    What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
    When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

    Importance: HIGH

    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye is shorter than the average camera lens (54.6 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.54.6 mm vs 92 mm
  • Newer release date
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    June 2024
    What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
    When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.

    Importance: LOW

    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye was released more recently than the average camera lens.2024 vs 2016
  • 0.1 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
    When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.2 m vs 0.3 m
  • Has drop-in filter support
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • 0.1 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
  • 37.4 mm shorter lens
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye is shorter than the average camera lens (54.6 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • Newer release date
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye was released more recently than the average camera lens.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
  • 0.7 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/3.5 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
  • No internal focusing
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
  • 0.16 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • No lens hood
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
  • 35.1 mm wider lens barrel
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye is wider than the average camera lens (112.1 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
  • Fixed lens hood
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
    What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
    When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

    Importance: HIGH

    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • No internal focusing
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
    What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
    When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

    Importance: HIGH

    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
    When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.

    Importance: HIGH

    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.7 vs 9
  • No lens hood
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
    What it is: Whether a matching lens hood is supplied in the box.
    When it matters: When you want flare protection straight out of the box without buying extra accessories.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
  • 0.7 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/3.5 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
    When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.

    Importance: HIGH

    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/3.5 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.3.5 vs 2.8
  • 35.1 mm wider lens barrel
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye is wider than the average camera lens (112.1 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
    When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye is wider than the average camera lens (112.1 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.112.1 mm vs 77 mm
  • Fixed lens hood
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
    What it is: A hood design that can be mounted backward on the lens for more compact storage.
    When it matters: When compact packing matters and you want the hood stored neatly on the lens.

    Importance: LOW

    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
    When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2

Graphic comparison of Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye?

  • Autofocus capabilities (STM motor) allow for easier and faster setup compared to manual-only VR lenses
  • Lightweight and compact design (290g), making it ideal for travel and portable rigs
  • Excellent center sharpness and overall image quality
  • Supports 30.5mm screw-on filters at the rear, a significant improvement for immersive filmmaking
  • More affordable entry into stereoscopic 3D/VR content creation (especially when paired with APS-C cameras like the R7)
  • Narrower 144° field of view helps eliminate unintended elements like tripod legs or edge distortion

What customers dislike about Canon RF-S 3 9mm F 3 5 STM Dual Fisheye?

  • Lower total resolution compared to the 5.2mm RF lens, which may not meet high-end VR requirements (e.g., Apple Vision Pro)
  • Narrower 144° field of view reduces the overall immersive experience compared to the 190° 5.2mm lens
  • Lacks built-in image stabilization, requiring tripods or gimbals for stable footage
  • Only 4K resolution on APS-C sensors, which can feel limiting for high-resolution VR

Expert reviews

T
the-digital-picture.com
13/08/2024
Summary of the review
C
cined.com
17/07/2024
Summary of the review

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