Backscatter M52 Underwater 81° Wide Air Lens

Backscatter M52 Underwater 81° Wide Air Lens

Backscatter M52 Wide Air Lens is a wet-mount wide angle lens specifically engineered to counteract the loss of field of view caused by refraction underwater. Thanks to its domed polycarbonate element and optical design, it restores approximately an 81° underwater field of view, closely matching the topside perspective and delivering noticeably improved image quality.

Technical Specifications & Design of the Backscatter M52 Wide Air Lens

• Refraction Cancellation: Cancels out the narrowing effect of flat ports, restoring a wider field of view (~81°, vs ~60° without it) and achieving what feels like a “24mm wide angle lens” topside.
• Underwater FOV / Magnification (with Olympus TG-4, TG-5, TG-6, TG-7 cameras in PT-056, PT-058, PT-059 Housings): 81 Degrees / 0.75X
• Sharp Corners & No Vignetting: Maintains image quality even at 24 mm equivalent; corners remain crisp with no dark edges.
• Anti‑Reflection Coating: Reduces glare and lens flares underwater.
• Zoom‑Through Capability: Allows zooming in for tighter framing or accessing macro/microscope modes without removing the lens—an advantage in dynamic dive conditions.
• Compact & Lightweight: Maintains compact camera dimensions and minimal weight penalty—just ~160 g on land.
• Universal Fiber‑Optic Adapter: Comes with its own sync cable adapter, compatible with strobes, and serves as a light-blocking mask.
• No‑Burp O‑rings Not Compatible: Unlike some other models, this lens is not compatible with No-Burp O-rings, though its larger vent ports often make burping unnecessary—but standard technique is still recommended.

Benefits of Choosing the Backscatter M52 Air Lens

• Restores a true wide angle lens perspective underwater, essential for capturing reef diversity, dive groups, or marine wildlife context.
• Offers macro and wide capability in one dive, eliminating time-consuming lens swaps.
• Provides excellent image sharpness, contrast, and clarity even at focal extremes.
• Lightweight and compact—ideal for travel, minimal rigging.
• Versatile for both beginners and seasoned underwater photographers.

*Note: The Backscatter M52 Air Lens is compatible with the Olympus PT-056, Olympus PT-058, Olympus PT-059, Kraken TG-6, and Seafrogs TG-6 Housing

**Note: Not compatible with the Nauticam TG-5, Isotta TG-5, Isotta TG-6, Seafrog TG-5, Recsea WHOM, Recsea CWOM, Ikelite TG-5, Ikelite TG-6 Housings.

Related Underwater Gear Categories:

• More Wet lenses for underwater housings
• Recommended Video Lights
• Underwater Photo Gear