News

After rolling out a seemingly endless parade of unique and innovative optics—such as the Extended Macro Wide Lens (EMWL) and Fisheye Conversion Port (FCP-1)—Nauticam has introduced another water contact optic in a class of its own: the Midrange Focus Optimizer 1, or MFO-1. We got a sneak preview at last year’s DEMA Show, but what exactly does the MFO-1 do?

Designed for use with a wide range of popular macro lenses—including the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro, Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8, Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro, and OM System/Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8—the diopter performs several functions, according to Nauticam. First and foremost, by significantly extending the focus range of your macro lens, the MFO-1 provides more flexibility for capturing subjects at various distances. Nauticam says this increased focus range greatly reduces focus hunting, allowing your camera to lock on to subjects even in difficult conditions.

Nauticam claims the second benefit is a higher-quality image, as the MFO-1 minimizes lens aberration, providing more-accurate color reproduction and increased clarity. Finally, you also get a magnification boost when using the MFO-1—though the amount depends on the lens you’re using. For instance, in combination with the Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8, you get about 1.1x magnification, but when paired with the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro, you get as much as 1.6x magnification.

Like diopters such as the SMC-3, the MFO-1 features a standard 67mm thread and can be mounted to Nauticam flat ports via the M67 Spacer Ring for SMC/CMC (included) or using the M67 to Bayonet Mount Converter II and Bayonet Mount Adaptor for SMC/CMC (not included). As well as compatibility information, Nauticam’s MFO port chart (download) gives figures for working distance and maximum magnification.

The Nauticam Midrange Focus Optimizer 1 (MFO-1) costs $550 and is available from retailers such as Backscatter.
 

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PRODUCT INFORMATION

Midrange Focus Optimizer 1 (MFO-1)

Introducing our newest Water Contact Optic, the Midrange Focus Optimizer, or MFO-1. The MFO-1 is designed to elevate your macro shooting experience by eliminating any noticeable focus hunting while ensuring crisper, sharper and more vibrant images.

Key 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, 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.

Midrange Focus Optimizer 1 (MFO-1) Specifications

*1 Tested with Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Included in the box

• Front and rear rubber caps
• Neoprene bag
• M67 Spacer ring for SMC/CMC
• Cleaning cloth