Wet lenses

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.

If you’ve ever tried to photograph a tiny nudibranch doing something adorable (or just existing), you already know: macro photography underwater is a game of patience, precision, and the right gear. And when it comes to gear, Nauticam’s Super Macro Converter 3 (SMC-3) is quickly becoming a favorite tool for underwater shooters who like to get up close and personal with the smallest critters in the sea.

So, what makes this new version special? Let’s dive in.

If you've browsed photography forums or chatted with experienced photographers, you've probably come across the advice: "Consider upgrading from the kit lens." And in most traditional photography, especially topside, that suggestion makes sense. Many kit lenses, like the Sony 16–50mm PZ or Olympus M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm EZ, are budget-friendly but may not offer the sharpness, build quality, or low-light performance of more premium lenses.

But when it comes to underwater photography, things change especially once wet lenses come into play.

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.

We have tested the Nauticam MWL-1 lens: it is a really unique lens! The conclusion is that it's fantastic to switch between macro and 150-degree ultra-wide angle. Unsure of what to expect in terms of visibility and subjects during your dive? Or simply can't decide and want to capture everything? Then the Nauticam MWL-1 is a definite recommendation.

Visibility is often very good this time (winter) of the year in The Netherlands. Clear conditions are perfect for using a wide-angle lens on your underwater camera. And when the sepias present themselves, you can shoot the most beautiful photos with a wide-angle lens! For compact cameras you need to use a wet conversion lens. For system cameras and DSLR cameras, you (often) have the choice whether you want to use a wet conversion lens on your underwater housing or whether you want to work with a wide-angle lens with a matching dome port.

Many underwater photographers use a wide-angle lens on their camera. There are wet wide-angle lenses that can be placed on an underwater housing. There are also wide-angle lenses for your camera. A different port on the underwater housing is required for these cameras. Why a wide-angle lens? Let's explain it.

A general rule for underwater photography is: "Get close to your subject!".