Nauticam MFO-3 Mid-range Focus Optimizer 3 unveiled by Bluewater Photo for improved underwater photography focus.
In the realm of underwater photography, Nauticam has expanded its line of wet optics with the introduction of the Nauticam MFO-3, a mid-range focus optimizer designed to enhance macro photography.
The MFO-3, with dimensions of Ø 70 x 32 mm and a weight of 307g in air, functions as a mid-range focus enhancer, effectively shortening the focal length of 90/100/105mm lenses to a 60mm equivalent. This makes it an ideal tool for subjects requiring both magnification and some working distance.
The MFO-3 shares the same M67 mount thread as the Nauticam SMC-3, a super macro wet lens. In contrast, the Nauticam MFO-1, a close-focus wet macro lens, uses a mount thread that is yet to be explicitly stated but is compatible with typical flip or bayonet mounts.
The MFO-3 and SMC-3 are built with different optical characteristics. The MFO-3 comprises four elements in three groups, while the SMC-3 consists of three elements in two groups. The MFO-1, on the other hand, is made up of three elements in two groups.
The MFO-3 extends the effective working distance of 100mm macro lenses underwater up to 1.5m, providing a significant advantage for photographers seeking to capture mid-range macro subjects.
The Nauticam SMC-3, designed for extreme close-up macro, delivers significantly higher magnification (~2.3×) but with a much narrower working range of ~46-98mm. It has a different buoyancy in water (-215g), making it necessary to consider additional buoyancy compensation when using it.
The MFO-3 is particularly effective when used with the Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens, allowing for a consistent image plane and extended focal working range compared to the lens's performance behind a flat port alone.
The MFO-3 modifies the optical pathway between the housed macro lens and the underwater environment, providing improved focus stability and working flexibility at moderate subject distances. It is a successor to the original Nauticam MFO-1, developed to cater to photographers seeking these improvements.
The MFO-3 also offers the advantage of converting the native field of view (FOV) from approximately 23° to a wider 38°, allowing for broader composition without the need to change lenses. The MFO-1, on the other hand, offers a higher magnification (up to 1.2×) with a shorter working distance (~108-1005mm) compared to the MFO-3.
In summary, the MFO-3 is a mid-range macro optimizer, ideal for photographers seeking to capture moderately close macro subjects with improved focus stability and working flexibility. The MFO-1 is a close-focus wet macro lens for those needing to get closer than their lens's minimum focus distance, offering additional macro magnification. The SMC-3 is a super macro lens for extreme close-up macro, delivering significantly higher magnification but with a much narrower working range.
All these lenses can be added in front of a primary lens underwater via flip adapters or bayonet mounts, allowing for versatility depending on the shooting situation. The choice depends on the balance needed between working distance and magnification for the shot you want.
- In the realm of underwater photography, the introduction of Nauticam's MFO-3 is a compact gadget, designed for enhancing mid-range macro composition with a colorful underwater focus.
- The MFO-3 is built with technology that permits the shortening of focal length for 90/100/105mm lenses, creating an equivalent 60mm focal length, perfect for subjects requiring both magnification and working distance.
- The MFO-3, when paired with the Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens, provides a wider field of view (FOV) of approximately 38°, allowing for broader composition without lens changes.
- The MFO-3 offers improved focus stability and working flexibility at moderate subject distances compared to the original MFO-1, making it a successor designed for photographers seeking these improvements in their bluewater photography.
