Ports

Ports for Macro and Wide-Angle Underwater Photography

The port you need depends on the type of lens you use. A macro lens generally requires a flat port on the underwater housing to achieve maximum magnification. For wide-angle and fisheye lenses, you’ll need a large underwater dome port to maintain field of view and reduce distortion.

Flat Ports, Dome Ports & Extension Rings

• A flat port on an underwater housing increases magnification for close-up shots and are ideal ports for macro photography underwater with a macro lens on your camera..
• Dome ports are larger underwater ports for wide angle lenses and are crucial for wide-angle setups, helping to minimise edge distortion underwater.
• M67 port extension ring – often required for correct positioning of macro lenses or for using wet lenses.

Port Charts for Proper Compatibility

Port charts provide guidance on matching ports, extension rings, and housings with specific lenses. Because different manufacturers use unique port systems, there are separate port charts for each brand. These charts confirm whether a flat port, dome port, or M67 extension ring is required. Using the correct combination ensures proper alignment inside the housing, maintains sharpness, and reduces distortion in both macro and wide-angle imaging setups.

• Charts for flat ports used with macro lenses
• Charts for dome ports applied in wide-angle setups
• Extension ring compatibility charts

Zoom and Focus Gears for Manual Control

Some lenses require additional gears to operate zoom or manual focus while inside the underwater dome port of the the waterproof housing. This can be found in the port charts also. Check out our gears section to complete your underwater setup. 

WACP Conversion Ports: Wet Optics Ports for Superior Image Quality

WACP conversion ports – or Wet Optics Conversion Ports – are advanced underwater port systems that combine a high-quality optical element with a dedicated port. Unlike traditional dome ports or separate wet lenses, a WACP is a fully integrated solution designed to deliver exceptional image sharpness, minimal distortion, and optimal corner-to-corner clarity.

These ports are specifically engineered for use with certain full-frame and crop-sensor lenses and are ideal for professional underwater videographers and photographers seeking the highest level of optical performance. By correcting for underwater refraction, WACP systems maintain a natural field of view while improving contrast and edge sharpness dramatically.

Wet Lens vs Dome Port

Flexibility and Extra Magnification Underwater! Choosing between a wet lens vs dome port depends on your shooting needs and flexibility.

In the first place a wet lens  (conversion lens) allows you to switch underwater between wide-angle and macro, without committing to a specific lens before the dive. You mount a standard lens on your camera behind a flat port, and attach a wet lens externally. This offers two main advantages. First, flexibility: switch between macro and wide-angle underwater depending on your subject.

Second, additional magnification: by using a macro lens on your camera and attaching a wet macro lens externally, you can achieve super macro levels of detail. The same applies for wide-angle setups – placing a wet wide-angle lens on top of your housing's port increases the field of view even more.

More Help Choosing the Right Port?

For more details on the difference between glass and acrylic ports, check our blog: Choose the right dome port for your camera and lenses.

Not sure which port suits your lens and housing?  Just contact us. We are happy to help you!