TechTicker: Canon L-Series Ultra Wide Angle, VicBooth Acoustic Chamber, OM-3 Astro Camera, Lyngdorf Soundbar | News

Canon is once again expanding its now very extensive range of RF lenses and OM System (formerly Olympus) has optimized the OM-3 for astrophotography. Also in this TechTicker: acoustic chambers for undisturbed work and a new passive soundbar from Lyngdorf.

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CANON INTRODUCES NEW ULTRA-WIDE L-SERIES LENSES
Canon is once again expanding its RF lens portfolio, this time with two new ultra-wide-angle lenses that are designed to invite photographers and filmmakers to unleash their creativity and capture the world in dynamic new ways. The manufacturer promises high light intensity, compact dimensions and outstanding optical quality for the RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L FISHEYE STM and the RF 14mm F1.4L VCM. The lenses should stand out clearly from conventional wide-angle lenses.

The RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L FISHEYE STM is the world’s first 190° fisheye zoom lens. In combination with a mirrorless full-frame camera from the EOS R system, it offers two image looks: a circular 190° fisheye image at 7 mm and a format-filling diagonal 180° fisheye image at 14 mm. On APS-C cameras, the maximum wide angle setting corresponds to around 8.7 mm for format-filling diagonal 180° fisheye shots.

Based on the success of the legendary EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM, the new RF model is wider, brighter and lighter – with improved sharpness right into the corners of the image. A drop-in filter system allows the use of optional circular polarizing filters and variable ND filters that can be adjusted in real time.

Optics: Two aspherical replica elements minimize spherical aberrations, five UD elements reduce chromatic errors. Additionally, ASC coatings reduce ghosting and flare, even in strong backlighting.

A quiet STM autofocus with leadscrew mechanism in combination with focus breathing compensation should also qualify the lens for video recordings.

Key features RF 7-14MM F2.8-3.5L FISHEYE STM:

World’s first fisheye zoom lens with 190° angle of view1

• Two image looks: 7 mm circular, 14 mm diagonal (full format)
• Equidistant projection for easy 2D 180° VR conversion3
• Aspherical and UD lenses for high image quality
• Fast aperture f/2.8-3.5
• Drop-in filter system
• Robust L series with dust and splash protection4
• Light weight of approx. 476 g

The RF 14mm F1.4L VCM According to Canon, it should set new standards in the ultra-wide-angle range. The fast hybrid fixed focal length lens combines extreme wide-angle perspective with exceptional image quality. With a diagonal image angle of 114°, the lens is suitable for landscape and indoor photos. The high aperture of 1:1.4 allows shots in low light and ensures a shallow depth of field for targeted subject exposure. At around 578 g, it remains pleasantly light, making it a good choice for travel, outdoor shoots or drone operations.

Canon also promises exceptional sharpness from the center of the image to the corners, even at f/1.4. Three (GMo) aspheres suppress sagittal coma effects for precisely represented point light sources such as stars. Fluorite, BR and UD elements reduce chromatic aberrations. Canon SWC and ASC coatings minimize ghosting and flare. The lens is therefore particularly interesting for astrophotography. The large maximum aperture enables shorter exposure times to reduce star trails while maintaining high image quality and moderate ISO values. In addition, the hybrid design of the RF 14mm F1.4L VCM impresses with smooth, precise AF tracking, focus breathing compensation, an 11-blade round aperture and a dedicated aperture ring, even when shooting video.

Two example shots with the RF 14mm F1.4L VCM

Key Features RF 14MM F1.4L VCM:

• High-quality, low-distortion ultra-wide-angle fixed focal length
• Fast aperture f/1.4
• Outstanding sharpness right into the corners
• VCM Motor5 for precise, quiet autofocus
• Hybrid design for photo and video
• 11-blade aperture for cinematic bokeh
• Aperture ring6, control ring and function button
• L series with dust and splash protection4
• Compact and light (approx. 578 g)

Prices and availability:
RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L FISHEYE STM: 1,799 euros
RF 14mm F1.4L VCM: 2,499 euros
Both products will be available from February 26, 2026.

Another news from Canon: The company will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its PowerShot series of compact digital cameras in 2026. To mark this anniversary, the company is launching the in April 2026 PowerShot G7 X Mark III 30th Anniversary Edition onto the market. The special model is characterized by an exclusive color design and a specially developed anniversary logo.

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OM SYSTEM INTRODUCES SPECIAL VERSION OF THE OM-3 FOR ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
OM System has introduced the OM-3 Astro, a new version of the standard OM-3 camera optimized specifically for astrophotography. The OM-3 Astro has special functions that are intended to better highlight the red colors of nebulae. For this purpose, the infrared cut filter in front of the 20.4 megapixel BSI Micro Four Thirds image sensor of the OM-3 Astro was adapted. The IR cut filter in a standard camera typically prevents the detection of red and pink colors in nebulae.

There is also a new color profile, COLOR1, specifically designed for astrophotography, including red nebula imaging. There is also a COLOR2 profile optimized for starscape photography. The camera has the Starry Sky AF function, which allows stars to be locked in place using autofocus instead of having to laboriously fine-tune them manually. The camera also offers a live composite mode that allows for in-camera light painting without overexposed areas. There is also a night vision mode on board, which provides the user interface with a red overlay.

The Astro version of the OM SYSTEM OM-3 is expected to be available in the USA and Canada in March.

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VICOUSTIC ACOUSTIC CHAMBER FOR SOUND-SENSITIVE APPLICATIONS
Here’s something completely different. Something we’ve never had in REWIND before because it’s pretty special, but could definitely find interest in our readership.

Anyone who works in an open-plan office is particularly familiar with the problem. Sometimes you just need more rest for tasks that require special concentration. But if there are no empty individual offices available to use and you can’t even switch to working from home, it quickly becomes tiring. Or in the event that a confidential conversation with a customer needs to be held in a quiet environment. Or for certain telephone calls and video conferences. Open-plan offices are loud and stressful.

The Portuguese specialist for acoustic solutions and room tuning Vicoustic has been offering specially optimized, modular acoustic boxes for a long time. This is basically a mini office in the form of a transportable box for one to four people, which offers a compact alternative space with an absolutely quiet ambience. The VicBooth Office Plus, as it is officially called, is appropriately soundproofed and offers voice privacy (Class B according to ISO 23351-1) as well as external noise insulation.

The acoustics are achieved through careful construction and proprietary materials such as VicPET Wool, which is made primarily from recycled plastic bottles and is designed to combine sound absorption, insulation and environmental responsibility, according to the manufacturer.

VicBooth Office Plus is designed to be a modular and scalable solution that can adapt to different teams and needs. The system supports multiple configurations – from 1×1 telephone booths for phone calls and concentrated work, to 1×2 duo booths for discreet one-on-one dialogues, to large 3×4 meeting booths for shared meetings. Interchangeable side panels and expandable modules allow companies to reconfigure or upgrade their cabins over time, extending product life cycles. The interior can be customized in a variety of colors to match corporate branding, while the exterior offers further design options. The cabins also have automatically activated LED interior lighting and adjustable ventilation.

The possible applications are even more diverse, as the German Vicoustic distributor Audio-Reference told me from their practice. The Hamburg-based company has already sold the VicBooth to several schools, research institutes, medical facilities, hearing care professionals and even, in one case, to a private individual who lives on a loud, busy street and couldn’t sleep. Simply put a bed in one of the larger cabins and there will be peace! I would also like to think of manufacturers and distributors of headphones who could use such speakers at loud trade fairs.

You will find out exact prices from the distributor after you have created an individual offer. More information about VicBooth Office Plus can be found here.

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LYNGDORF INTRODUCES NEW STEREO SOUNDBAR SB-75
When a new soundbar is introduced, it’s usually nothing special. Sure, the manufacturers usually tout the greatest digital features that promise great surround sound and the blue sky. The new Lyngdorft SB-75 Sioundbar is different because it is purely passive.

Lyngdorf Audio showed the SB-75 for the first time at ISE 2026 in Barcelona. As I said, the soundbar was designed as a passive stereo soundbar and is intended to combine the sound quality of two high-end speakers with the simplicity and elegance of a single wall soundbar.

According to the manufacturer, the Lyngdorf SB-75 combines the best of both worlds: the small space requirement of a wall-mounted soundbar and the sound experience of a pair of high-end speakers. – Here too, we don’t skimp on superlatives, which should always be taken with a certain degree of skepticism and not literally.

Basically, the SB-75 is a passive full-range stereo speaker in a common enclosure, equipped with drivers in a very slim but sturdy enclosure and tuned for best sound quality near or on the wall. It can be operated with most stereo amplifiers available today, of which Lyngdorf has some very interesting ones in its range, such as the TDAI-2210 (test planned).

Unfortunately, a price has not yet been announced. However, production is not scheduled to start until April. By then there will certainly be more detailed information about this very interesting concept.