Underwater macro photography with Nauticam MFO-1 lens

As underwater photographers, we know how tricky it can be to capture those perfect close-up shots beneath the waves. The underwater world is constantly moving, and even the slightest change in distance or lighting can throw off your focus. But fear not, because the Nauticam Mid-range Focus Optimizer 1 (MFO-1) is here to make your life much easier.

So, What Exactly is the MFO-1?

The Nauticam MFO-1 is a water-contact optic made specifically for macro photography. In simple terms, it helps your camera focus more accurately and improves the overall image quality. It’s especially useful for solving two common issues underwater photographers face: focus hunting and lens aberration.

  • Focus hunting is when your camera struggles to lock onto the subject, often resulting in blurry or missed shots. The MFO-1 eliminates this issue by adjusting the lens's focus range, making sure the camera locks focus quickly and accurately, even in low light or tricky situations.
  • Lens aberration happens when light doesn’t hit the camera sensor properly, causing blurry or distorted images. With the MFO-1, you get better clarity and more vibrant colors, which means you’ll capture all details of the subject in stunning sharpness.

Why You’ll Love the MFO-1

  1. Enhanced Image Quality: One of the standout features of the MFO-1 is how much it improves your images. It works wonders in eliminating the issues that often arise when using flat ports, like poor color reproduction and image blur. The result? Brighter, sharper images with true-to-life colors that make your subjects pop.
  2. Say Goodbye to Focus Hunting: The MFO-1 ensures fast, smooth focusing. No more hunting for focus in low light or on fast-moving creatures! When paired with the right lenses, it adjusts the focus range so you can capture your subject quickly and accurately.
  3. Bigger Focus Range: For those using the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED, the MFO-1 offers a focus range of 12.5cm to 114cm. Whether you're photographing tiny critters or capturing a bigger macro subject, the MFO-1 lets you work with a variety of subjects at different distances.
  4. Increased Magnification: Want to capture extreme close-ups? The MFO-1 boosts magnification, so you can get up close and personal with the tiniest marine creatures. For example, with the Nikon 105mm lens, you can achieve up to 1.2x magnification, and with the Canon RF 100mm, you can reach 1.6x magnification. These increased magnifications make all the difference when you’re aiming to capture those jaw-dropping details.

Built to Last

Nauticam’s reputation for durability shines through in the MFO-1. Constructed from hard-anodized aluminum alloy, it’s designed to endure all conditions of underwater photography. With a depth rating of up to 100 meters, it’s ready to go deep and withstand the pressures of even the most intense dives.

Compact and Lightweight

Despite its robust performance, the MFO-1 is pretty compact. It’s just 70mm in diameter and 26mm in height, weighing 218g in air. In water, it has a slight negative buoyancy of only 150g, so it won’t weigh you down while you’re snapping away.

Compatible with Popular Lenses

The MFO-1 works with a few popular macro lenses, including the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED and Canon RF 100mm f/2.8. It even comes with an M67 spacer ring for added compatibility with other lenses like the SMC and CMC series.

Nauticam Mid-range Focus Optimizer 1

Quick Specs at a Glance

  • Dimensions: 70mm (outer diameter) x 26mm (height)
  • Weight in air: 218g
  • Buoyancy in water: Negative 150g
  • Magnification: 1.2x (Nikon 105mm), 1.6x (Canon 100mm)
  • Focus range: 12.5cm to 114cm
  • Material: Hard-anodized aluminum alloy
  • Depth rating: 100m

 

How the MFO-1 Makes a Difference

Underwater macro photography is all about capturing the fine details, whether it's the texture of coral, nudibranch, or other tiny creatures that often go unnoticed. The MFO-1 is here to help you capture all that, with sharp focus, vibrant colors, and enhanced magnification.

Its ability to remove focus hunting, improve image quality, and give you more magnification means you’ll never miss an opportunity to photograph the magic of the ocean.

Final Thoughts: The MFO-1 is a Must-Have

If you're serious about underwater photography, the MFO-1 is definitely something you’ll want in your gear bag. It fixes the common issues that many macro photographers face, and its compact, durable design makes it the perfect companion for your underwater adventures.

The MFO-1 is a great optic accessory for underwater photographers. It improves focus accuracy, reduces hunting, and boosts magnification, giving you sharper, more vibrant macro shots. Built tough with a depth rating of 100 meters, it’s designed to handle the challenges of underwater photography. If you want clearer, more detailed shots with less frustration, the MFO-1 is a must-have for your underwater camera gear.

Compatible Lenses:

MFO Port Chart

Need a Quick Comparison?

If you’re wondering whether the MFO-1 is right for you, or if the CMC-1 or SMC-3 might be a better fit, here’s a breakdown:

  • MFO-1: Great for mid-range macro with increased magnification and focus accuracy. Best for photographers who want sharp, vibrant shots of various subjects at different distances.
  • CMC-1: For crop sensor cameras perfect for extreme close-ups with a 2.5x magnification, ideal for shooting very small subjects like tiny shrimps or nudibranchs.
  • SMC-3: For full-frame cameras, the best wet lens for ultra-close-up macro work, providing up to 3.5x magnification, perfect for those specializing in capturing the tiniest details.