برچسب: Introducing

We got our first look at the Midrange Focus Optimizer (MFO-1) at last year’s DEMA Show. Now, Nauticam has unveiled a new Midrange Focus Optimizer called the MFO-3. (Yeah, we’re intrigued about the mysterious MFO-2 as well!)

While the MFO-1 is designed to perform various functions when used with your macro lens—extending the focus range, minimizing lens aberration, and boosting magnification—the MFO-3 is designed for a more specific task: close focusing. Nauticam says that the MFO-3’s greatly improved “focus-to-the-glass performance” is especially useful for blackwater photographers. At the same time, according to Nauticam, the optic still offers “ample” working distance when you need it. Thus, Nauticam claims you’ll benefit whether you’re shooting “thumbnail-sized nudibranchs or grapefruit-sized frogfish.”

Effectively, the MFO-3 converts your 90mm, 100mm or 105mm lens into roughly a 60mm equivalent, and, depending on your lens, provides a working distance of between ~0mm and ~1500mm! Nauticam has provided the results from testing the MFO-3 with a variety of popular longer-focal-length lenses, and the company also shows how the MFO-3 compares with the MFO-1 and SMC-3 (see tables below).

The Nauticam Midrange Focus Optimizer 3 (MFO-3) costs $730 and is available from retailers such as Backscatter. Keep an eye out: Blackwater master Mike Bartick has been testing the MFO-3 in the field and we’ll be publishing his review on DPG soon.

 

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When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.

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PRODUCT INFORMATION

Midrange Focus Optimizer 3 (MFO-3)

Nauticam once again demonstrates its commitment to underwater photographers with the introduction of the Mid-range Focus Optimizer 3 (MFO-3). As full-frame mirrorless cameras become the go-to choice for serious underwater imaging, a key limitation has emerged: the lack of close-focusing, wide-angle macro lens options—especially for blackwater photography. The MFO-3 is designed to solve that problem without requiring new camera lenses or ports.

Optimized for use with longer focal length full-frame macro lenses (such as 90mm, 100mm, and 105mm), the MFO-3 transforms these lenses into an approximate 60mm equivalent.  It also delivers significantly enhanced “focus-to-the-glass” performance while still offering ample working distance when needed. Whether you’re capturing thumbnail-sized nudibranchs or grapefruit-sized frogfish, this water-contact optic delivers outstanding image quality—without the need to swap out your camera lens or port.

While it’s an outstanding tool for blackwater, the MFO-3 is just as capable in a wide range of macro environments. And despite its larger physical size, it actually boasts a lower in-water weight than the SMC-3, making it easier to handle and balance in the water.

Midrange Focus Optimizer 3 (MFO-3) Specifications

• Dimensions: OD 84mm x H 114.2mm
• Weight in air: 602g
• Buoyancy in water: Negative 120g
• Max Magnification (*1): 0.9x
• Lens FOV/Converted FOV: 23°/38°
• Working distance (*1): 0–1500mm
• Body construction: Hard-anodized aluminum alloy
• Lens construction: 4 elements in 3 groups
• Lens coatings: Anti-reflection Coating
• Mount thread diameter: M67
• Depth rating: 100m

*1 Tested with Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens

Comparison with MFO-1 and SMC-3

	81503 MFO-3	81501 MFO-1	81203 SMC-3
Dimensions (OD x H mm)	Ø 84 x 114.2mm	Ø 70 x 26mm	Ø 70 x 32mm
Weight in air	602g	218g	307g
Buoyancy in water	Negative 120g	Negative 150g	Negative 215g
Lens FOV/Converted FOV(*1)	23°/38°
Max. Magnification (*1)	0.9X	1.2X	2.3X
Working distance (*1)	0–1500mm	108–1005mm	46–98mm
Lens construction	4 elements in 3 groups	3 elements in 2 groups	3 elements in 2 groups
Lens coatings	Anti-reflection	Anti-reflection	Anti-reflection
Mount thread	M67	M67	M67
Depth rating	100m	100m	100m
*1. Tested with Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro lens

 

Compatible Lenses with MFO-3

Lens	Sensor format	Lens FOV.	Max. Magnification	Working distance	Converted FOV.
Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM (with Modified Aperture)	FF	24°	0.9X	0–1490mm	40º
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM	FF	24°	0.9X	0–1490mm	40º
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro	FF	23°	0.9X	0–1500mm	38°
Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED	FF	23°	0.8X	5–1490mm	38°
Nikon AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED	DX	26.5°	0.5X	0–1500mm	45º
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS	FF	27°	0.8X	0–1500mm	45º
Fujifilm GF 120mm f/4 Macro R LM OIS WR	Medium  Format	25.7°	0.9X	15–1500mm	43º
Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f2.8 Macro	M43	20°	0.5X	0–1500mm	33º
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO(Normal macro mode)	M43	14°	0.7X	0–1480mm	23º
Canon EF-S 60mm f2.8 Macro USM	APS-C	24.5°	TBD	TBD	TBD
Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f2.8 Macro	FF	24°	TBD	TBD	TBD

 

Included in the box

• Front and rear rubber caps
• Neoprene bag
• M67 Spacer ring for SMC/CMC
• Cleaning cloth

SKU # 81503

$ 730.00

After rolling out a seemingly endless parade of unique and innovative optics—such as the Extended Macro Wide Lens (EMWL) and Fisheye Conversion Port (FCP-1)—Nauticam has introduced another water contact optic in a class of its own: the Midrange Focus Optimizer 1, or MFO-1. We got a sneak preview at last year’s DEMA Show, but what exactly does the MFO-1 do?

Designed for use with a wide range of popular macro lenses—including the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro, Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8, Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro, and OM System/Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8—the diopter performs several functions, according to Nauticam. First and foremost, by significantly extending the focus range of your macro lens, the MFO-1 provides more flexibility for capturing subjects at various distances. Nauticam says this increased focus range greatly reduces focus hunting, allowing your camera to lock on to subjects even in difficult conditions.

Nauticam claims the second benefit is a higher-quality image, as the MFO-1 minimizes lens aberration, providing more-accurate color reproduction and increased clarity. Finally, you also get a magnification boost when using the MFO-1—though the amount depends on the lens you’re using. For instance, in combination with the Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8, you get about 1.1x magnification, but when paired with the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro, you get as much as 1.6x magnification.

Like diopters such as the SMC-3, the MFO-1 features a standard 67mm thread and can be mounted to Nauticam flat ports via the M67 Spacer Ring for SMC/CMC (included) or using the M67 to Bayonet Mount Converter II and Bayonet Mount Adaptor for SMC/CMC (not included). As well as compatibility information, Nauticam’s MFO port chart (download) gives figures for working distance and maximum magnification.

The Nauticam Midrange Focus Optimizer 1 (MFO-1) costs $550 and is available from retailers such as Backscatter.

 

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When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.

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PRODUCT INFORMATION

Midrange Focus Optimizer 1 (MFO-1)

Introducing our newest Water Contact Optic, the Midrange Focus Optimizer, or MFO-1. The MFO-1 is designed to elevate your macro shooting experience by eliminating any noticeable focus hunting while ensuring crisper, sharper and more vibrant images.

Key Features:

• Enhanced Image Quality: Say goodbye to the limitations of flat ports. The MFO-1 dramatically improves your image quality, providing more accurate color reproduction and increased clarity by minimizing lens aberration.

• No Focus Hunting: The converter seamlessly adjusts the focus range of your lens, eliminating noticeable focus hunting and allowing for smooth, precise focusing even in challenging conditions.

• Focus Range Conversion: For the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED, the MFO-1 converts the focus range to an impressive 12.5cm – 114cm, giving you more flexibility to capture subjects at varying distances with ease. 

• Increased Magnification: For close-up enthusiasts, the MFO-1 converter slightly increases magnification, allowing for incredible detail at extremely close ranges. With the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED, you can achieve up to 1.2X magnification at MFD, and with the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8, you’ll get up to 1.6X magnification.

Midrange Focus Optimizer 1 (MFO-1) Specifications

Dimensions	OD 70mm x H 26mm
Weight in air	218g
Buoyancy in water	Negative 150g
Magnification (*1)	1.2x
Working distance (*1)	12.5cm – 114cm
Body construction	Hard-anodized aluminum alloy
Lens construction	3 elements in 2 groups
Lens coatings	Anti-reflection Coating
Mont thread diameter	M67
Depth rating	100m

*1 Tested with Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Included in the box

• Front and rear rubber caps
• Neoprene bag
• M67 Spacer ring for SMC/CMC
• Cleaning cloth