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Nauticam’s original Wide Angle Conversion Port—better known as the WACP-1—enjoys something akin to cult status in the world of underwater imaging. Our reviewer’s assessment of the attachment is typical: “[T]he picture quality that can be achieved with the WACP far surpasses any system with a dome port—and with much more flexibility.” But at more than $5,000, it’s fair to say that the WACP-1 is out of reach for the average cash-strapped shooter. Enter the new WACP-C. That’s “C” for “compact”—not “cash-strapped”—but the price tag of a little over $3,000 is definitely going to sound more attractive to the majority.

The WACP-C has much in common with its pricier big brother: Like the WACP-1, it’s a “dry” optic designed for use with a full-frame lens of 28mm (equivalent) focal length, and it’s compatible with Nauticam housings with an N100 port mount. (Unlike with the WACP-1, there’s no N120-to-N100 port adaptor in the box to facilitate attachment to N120 housings.) The main physical difference is size and weight: The WACP-C is approximately 37% smaller (by volume) than the WACP-1. And while the WACP-1 is 3.9kg (8.6lbs) out of water, the WACP-C weighs in at 2.24kg (4.9lbs).

Functionally, the WACP-C and WACP-1 offer the same angle of view up to 130°, full zoom-through capability, and minimum focus from the front element. However, the two ports do differ in terms of optical performance, which presumably accounts for the price difference: According to Nauticam, the WACP-C provides “approximately 3 f-stops of increased corner sharpness when compared to traditional wide rectilinear lenses with a similar field of view behind a dome port,” while the WACP-1 offers “approximately 4 f-stops.” 

Priced at $3,283, the Nauticam WACP-C can be ordered now from retailers such as Backscatter.
 

When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

INTRODUCING N100 0.36X COMPACT WIDE ANGLE CONVERSION PORT (WACP-C)

The WACP-1 and WACP-2 have raised the bar on what is possible in underwater optics. They offer the maximum in image quality with the widest angle of view available in a rectilinear lens. Nauticam is now excited to release the next iteration of WACP, the WACP-C. The Wide Angle Conversion Port Compact (WACP-C) is a fraction of the weight and size when compared to the WACP-1 and WACP-2. When looking at volume, the WACP-C is approximately 37% smaller than WACP-1 and 75% smaller than WACP-2.

Nauticam Wide Angle Conversion Port Compact (WACP-C)

Like the WACP-1 and WACP-2, the WACP-C is a dry mount lens design, functioning as both a port and optical lens. It is optimized to work with professional camera lenses up to a full-frame equivalent focal length of 28mm and offers an amazing 130° angle of view. The WACP-C can focus as close as the front element and captures images with minimal distortion.

A wide variety of lenses are supported, both primes and zooms for a variety of cameras. Please check the WACP-C PORT CHART for supported lenses and suggested configurations as some lenses will require extension rings or adapters.
 

This image from Alex Mustard was shot with the Nikon 28–70mm f/3.5-4.5D and WACP-C
 

Similar to WACP-1, the WACP-C greatly improves the overall image sharpness. The WACP-C will provide approximately 3 f-stops of increased corner sharpness when compared to traditional wide rectilinear lenses with a similar field of view behind a dome port. This means being able to achieve about the same corner sharpness with WACP-C at f/5.6 that you could achieve with your rectilinear lens behind a dome port a f/16. As a point of comparison, WACP-1 provides approximately 4 f-stops of increased corner sharpness.  
 

This image from Alex Mustard was shot with the Nikon 28–70mm f/3.5-4.5D and WACP-C
 

The WACP-C's zoom-through capability means the underwater filmmaker or photographer can capture astonishing wide, medium and close-up shots all with one lens while maintaining optimum optical and close-focus performance. Take for instance the Sony 28-60mm f/4-5.6 lens which receives a field-of-view range of 69º to 130º with the WACP-C. This lens allows for acquisition of more dynamic content on each and every dive without the need for a second camera.
 

This image from Alex Mustard was shot with the Nikon 28–70mm f/3.5-4.5D and WACP-C
 

COMPATIBILITY:

• WACP-C Port Chart

COMPARISON CHARTS:

IN THE BOX:

• WACP-C with integrated Float Collar
• Hard lens cap
• Rear lens cap
• Padded carrying bag
• 90141 Spare O-ring
• Cleaning cloth
• Lubricant