Underwater macro photography setup with Nauticam MFO-3 lens

 

If you shoot underwater macro, you probably know the dilemma:
You’ve got a 90 mm or 105 mm macro lens, which is great for shy subjects, but sometimes you wish you had the wider, more forgiving look of a 60 mm macro, without swapping lenses mid-dive.
That’s exactly where the Nauticam MFO-3 Macro Wet Lens comes in.

What is the Nauticam MFO-3 Macro Wet Lens?

The MFO-3 (Mid-range Focus Optimizer) is a water-contact, mid-range wet lens that mounts to the front of your macro lens via a flip holder or bayonet system.
Underwater, it effectively changes your long macro’s field of view, turning a 90–105 mm into something closer to a 50–60 mm macro.
That means:

  • Closer working distances for dramatic “to-the-glass” shots
  • Wider field of view for including more of the scene around your subject
  • No lens changes between dives

How does it improve your underwater shooting?

The MFO-3 gives you flexibility you simply can’t get with a fixed macro lens alone:

  • More context — fit the subject and its surroundings in the frame
  • Creative freedom — switch between tight detail and a looser, storytelling composition
  • Better control — ideal for blackwater and behavior shots where subjects move unpredictably

And because it’s a wet lens, you can flip it in and out during the dive as needed.

Which camera lenses work best with the MFO-3?

The MFO-3 is designed for full-frame macro shooters using:

  • Sony 90 mm Macro
  • Nikon 105 mm Macro
  • Canon 100 mm Macro

It also works in certain crop-sensor setups, but you’ll get the most dramatic change on full frame.

Does it replace a diopter or super macro lens?

No, it’s not a magnifier like the Nauticam SMC or CMC.
Instead, the MFO-3 maintains near 1:1 magnification (up to 0.9x) while giving you a slightly wider effective field of view. Think of it as a tool that lets you fit more of the environment around your subject into the frame, without losing the crisp detail that macro photography delivers.

When should you choose the Nauticam MFO-3?

Go for the MFO-3 if you:

  • Want more working space for video without losing macro sharpness
  • Shoot critters that aren’t super shy, but you still want to keep some distance
  • Love the versatility of switching looks mid-dive without changing gear
  • Shoot blackwater, night, or action-focused subjects where flexible framing makes the difference

Where can you get the Nauticam MFO-3?

You can find the MFO-3 here at UWCamerastore.com.
If you’re not sure how it will work with your housing or lens, contact us our team can help match it perfectly to your setup.