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.
When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.
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
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81503 MFO-3
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81501 MFO-1
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81203 SMC-3
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Dimensions (OD x H mm)
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Ø 84 x 114.2mm
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Ø 70 x 26mm
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Ø 70 x 32mm
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Weight in air
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602g
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218g
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307g
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Buoyancy in water
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Negative 120g
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Negative 150g
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Negative 215g
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Lens FOV/Converted FOV(*1)
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23°/38°
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Max. Magnification (*1)
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0.9X
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1.2X
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2.3X
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Working distance (*1)
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0–1500mm
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108–1005mm
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46–98mm
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Lens construction
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4 elements in 3 groups
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3 elements in 2 groups
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3 elements in 2 groups
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Lens coatings
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Anti-reflection
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Anti-reflection
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Anti-reflection
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Mount thread
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M67
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M67
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M67
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Depth rating
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100m
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100m
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100m
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*1. Tested with Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro lens
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Compatible Lenses with MFO-3
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Lens
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Sensor
format
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Lens FOV.
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Max.
Magnification
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Working
distance
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Converted FOV.
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Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM (with Modified Aperture)
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FF
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24°
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0.9X
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0–1490mm
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40º
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Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
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FF
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24°
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0.9X
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0–1490mm
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40º
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Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro
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FF
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23°
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0.9X
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0–1500mm
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38°
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Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
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FF
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23°
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0.8X
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5–1490mm
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38°
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Nikon AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED
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DX
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26.5°
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0.5X
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0–1500mm
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45º
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Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS
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FF
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27°
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0.8X
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0–1500mm
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45º
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Fujifilm GF 120mm f/4 Macro R LM OIS WR
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Medium
Format
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25.7°
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0.9X
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15–1500mm
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43º
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Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f2.8 Macro
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M43
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20°
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0.5X
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0–1500mm
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33º
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OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO(Normal macro mode)
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M43
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14°
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0.7X
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0–1480mm
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23º
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Canon EF-S 60mm f2.8 Macro USM
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APS-C
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24.5°
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TBD
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TBD
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TBD
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Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f2.8 Macro
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FF
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24°
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TBD
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TBD
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TBD
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Included in the box
- Front and rear rubber caps
- Neoprene bag
- M67 Spacer ring for SMC/CMC
- Cleaning cloth
SKU # 81503
$ 730.00
