Seeing infrared

The Canon Ra benefits from a modified infrared (IR) filter, allowing it greater sensitivity for detecting delicate nebulosity over non-modified full-frame or cropped sensor DSLRs. While standard DSLRs register light up to a wavelength of 650 nanometres due to an IR-cut filter, astrophotography cameras need to go further for optimal performance, especially on nebulae. Hydrogen, the primary gas in emission nebulae, emits hydrogen-alpha (Ha) light at around 656nm, so we need our camera sensors to detect a few extra nanometres. Compared to a standard EOS R camera, Canon states that the Ra can detect four times the Ha levels – and we can confirm that it performs as promised. As seasoned DSLR users, we know what to expect of winter targets such as Orion from our own equipment and after only an hour’s imaging with the Ra we were impressed by the depth and detail from both the Running Man and Orion nebulae. The clever custom white balance allows for daytime photography and while Canon warns that this capability is limited, we were impressed by the Ra’s versatility.