Developed specifically for those looking to photograph the night sky, the Canon EOS Ra is a modified version of the original EOS R that incorporates an optical IR cut filter in front of the sensor for photographing distant nebulae and other astronomical phenomena with utmost clarity. By updating the EOS R’s design with a dedicated filter, the EOS Ra provides approximately 4x improved transmission and sensitivity to H-alpha (656.28nm) wavelengths for depicting nebulae and other subjects without unwanted infrared contamination for greater color neutrality. Additionally, a 30x live view magnification setting has also been added for improved focusing precision on distant subjects when working with either the EVF or rear LCD. Beyond these couple distinctions, the EOS Ra and EOS R feature the same set of core features to produce high resolution, well-detailed imagery.

Much like the Nikon D810a and Canon’s own 60Da, the EOS Ra has been modified to better capture celestial objects in the night sky, but aside from that remains unchanged from its more conventional counterpart. Specifically, Canon has modified the IR filter in front of the full-frame sensor, to allow the Ra to capture as much as four times the amount of hydrogen-alpha rays (656nm wavelength) compared to the standard EOS R camera. This alteration will make it easier to capture the deep red infrared rays given off by objects in space.