Nauticam Mid-range Focus Optimizer 1 (MFO-1)

Part #: Nau-81501

Nauticam's latest water contact optic, the Nauticam MFO-1 is a precision-engineered underwater wet lens that optimizes your lens's focus capabilities for macro photography. This adds to the line of superior water contact optics offered by Nauticam, which includes the SMC-3 and CMC-2.

The MFO-1 works its magic by modifying the focus throw of your lens. In simpler terms, it reduces the distance your lens needs to travel to achieve focus, resulting in faster, smoother, and more precise adjustments. This translates to:

• Elimination of Focus Hunting: Say goodbye to the annoying back-and-forth of your lens trying to find focus.
• Enhanced Focusing Speed: Capture fleeting moments with lightning-fast focus adjustments.
• Increased Magnification: Get closer to your subjects and reveal intricate details like never before.

Nauticam SMC-3 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 (or the latest Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens), 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.

Lightweight Design, Heavyweight Performance

This innovative accessory is specifically designed to work with popular macro lenses, like the Nikon 105mm and Canon 100mm, to enhance their capabilities in the underwater environment. Think of it as giving your favorite macro lens a superpower boost!

Why You Need the Nauticam MFO-1

Extended Focus Range

One of the biggest frustrations with underwater macro photography is the limited focus range of many lenses. You might find yourself struggling to get the entire subject in focus, especially with larger critters like crabs or shrimp.

The MFO-1 dramatically extends your lens's focus range, giving you much more flexibility when composing your shots. No more frustrating back-and-forth trying to find the sweet spot!

Example with Nikon 105mm Macro

For instance, with a Nikon 105mm macro lens, the MFO-1 expands the focus range from roughly 12.5cm to a whopping 114cm. That means you can capture subjects at a variety of distances while maintaining sharp focus.

Enhanced Image Quality

Water has a way of playing tricks with light, and this can sometimes lead to less-than-perfect image quality when shooting macro underwater. The MFO-1 helps to correct for these optical distortions, resulting in crisper, sharper, and more vibrant images. 

Increased Magnification

Want to get even closer to your subject? The MFO-1 provides a slight magnification boost, allowing you to capture incredible detail and textures. Imagine revealing the intricate patterns on a nudibranch's back or the delicate hairs on a shrimp's antennae

Compatible Lenses:

• Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
  Max. Magnification: 1.2x, Working Range: 12.5cm-114cm
• Nikon AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED
  Max. Magnification: 1.1x, Working Range: 1.2cm-112cm
• Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f2.8 Macro
  Max. Magnification: 1.1x, Working Range: 5.8cm-112cm

MFO-1 vs. Traditional Macro Converters

Advantages of the MFO-1

Compared to traditional macro converters (like close-up lenses), the MFO-1 offers several key advantages:

• Superior Image Quality: The MFO-1 provides better optical correction, resulting in sharper images with less distortion.
• Extended Focus Range: It allows you to focus on subjects at a wider range of distances.
• Increased Versatility: You can use it with a variety of compatible lenses.

Limitations of Traditional Converters

Traditional macro converters can sometimes introduce image degradation and often have a very limited focus range. They might also be less versatile, working with only specific lenses.

Recommended Accessories:

• Nauticam Flip Diopter for M67 Macro Port
• Nauticam Double Flip Diopter for M67 Macro Port
• Nauticam M67 Port to Bayonet Mount Converter for Wet Lenses
• Nauticam Bayonet Mount - CMC / SMC Adapter
• 83250 M67 to Bayonet Mount Converter II
• 83251 M77 to Bayonet Converter II
• 86221 M67 Flip holder for MWL-1
• 86222 Double Flip Holder for MWL-1
• 87501 Flip Holder for EMWL