Nauticam MFO-3 Mid-range Focus Optimizer 3
Part #: Nau-81503
Nauticam once again demonstrates its commitment to underwater photographers with the introduction of the Mid-range Focus Optimizer 3 (MFO-3). As full-frame mirrorless cameras become the go-to choice for serious underwater imaging, a key limitation has emerged: the lack of close-focusing, wide-angle macro lens options—especially for blackwater photography. The MFO-3 is designed to solve that problem without requiring new camera lenses or ports.
Optimized for use with longer focal length full-frame macro lenses (such as 90mm, 100mm, and 105mm), the MFO-3 transforms these lenses into an approximate 60mm equivalent. It also delivers significantly enhanced "focus-to-the-glass" performance while still offering ample working distance when needed. Whether you're capturing thumbnail-sized nudibranchs or grapefruit-sized frogfish, this water-contact optic delivers outstanding image quality—without the need to swap out your camera lens or port.
While it's an outstanding tool for blackwater, the MFO-3 is just as capable in a wide range of macro environments. And despite its larger physical size, it actually boasts a lower in-water weight than the SMC-3, making it easier to handle and balance in the water.
Compatible Lenses:
- Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM
Max. Magnification: 0.9x, Working Range: 0-1490mm - Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Max. Magnification: 0.9x, Working Range: 0-1490mm - Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro
Max. Magnification: 0.9x, Working Range: 0-1500mm - Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Max. Magnification: 0.8x, Working Range: 5-1490mm - Nikon AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED
Max. Magnification: 0.5x, Working Range: 0-1500mm - Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS
Max. Magnification: 0.8x, Working Range: 0-1500mm - Fujifilm GF 120mm f/4 Macro R LM OIS WR
Max. Magnification: 0.9x, Working Range: 15-1500mm - Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f2.8 Macro
Max. Magnification: 0.5x, Working Range: 0-1500mm - OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO
Max. Magnification: 0.7x, Working Range: 0-1480mm - Canon EF-S 60mm f2.8 Macro USM
- Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f2.8 Macro
Comparison Table: Nauticam MFO-3 vs MFO-1 vs SMC-3
| Specification | MFO-3 (81503) | MFO-1 (81501) | SMC-3 (81203) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (OD x H) | Ø 84 x 114.2 mm | Ø 70 x 26 mm | Ø 70 x 32 mm |
| Weight in Air | 602 g | 218 g | 307 g |
| Buoyancy in Water | Negative 120 g | Negative 150 g | Negative 215 g |
| Lens FOV / Converted FOV*1 | 23° / 38° | – | – |
| Max. Magnification*1 | 0.9× | 1.2× | 2.3× |
| Working Distance*1 | 0–1500 mm | 108–1005 mm | 46–98 mm |
| Lens Construction | 4 elements in 3 groups | 3 elements in 2 groups | 3 elements in 2 groups |
| Lens Coatings | Anti-reflection | Anti-reflection | Anti-reflection |
| Mount Thread | M67 | M67 | M67 |
| Depth Rating | 100 m | 100 m | 100 m |
*1 Tested with Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro lens.
Compatible Lenses with MFO-3
| Lens | Sensor format | Lens FOV. | Max. Magnification | Working distance | Converted FOV. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM | FF | 24° | 0.9X | 0-1490mm | 40° |
| Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM | FF | 24° | 0.9X | 0-1490mm | 40° |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro | FF | 23° | 0.9X | 0-1500mm | 38° |
| Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED | FF | 23° | 0.8X | 5-1490mm | 38° |
| Nikon AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED | DX | 26.5° | 0.5X | 0-1500mm | 45° |
| Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS | FF | 27° | 0.8X | 0-1500mm | 45° |
| Fujifilm GF 120mm f/4 Macro R LM OIS WR | Medium Format | 25.7° | 0.9X | 15-1500mm | 43° |
| Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro | M43 | 20° | 0.5X | 0-1500mm | 33° |
| OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO (Normal macro mode) | M43 | 14° | 0.7X | 0-1480mm | 23° |
| Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM | APS-C | 24.5° | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro | FF | 24° | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Recommended Accessories:
- Nauticam Flip Diopter for M67 Macro Port
- Nauticam Double Flip Diopter for M67 Macro Port
- Nauticam M67 Port to Bayonet Mount Converter for Wet Lenses
- Nauticam Bayonet Mount - CMC / SMC Adapter
- 83250 M67 to Bayonet Mount Converter II
- 83251 M77 to Bayonet Converter II
- 86221 M67 Flip holder for MWL-1
- 86222 Double Flip Holder for MWL-1
- 87501 Flip Holder for EMWL
- Depth Rating: 100m
- Weight Air: 602g
- Weight Water: Negative 120g
- Dimensions: OD 84mm x H 114.2mm
- Mount Thread Diameter: 67mm
- Max Magnification: 0.9x
- Working Distance: 0cm - 1500mm
- Body Construction: Hard-anodized aluminum alloy
- Lens Construction: 4 elements in 3 groups
- Lens Coatings: Anti-reflection Coating
- MFO-3 Wet Lens
- Front and rear rubber caps
- Neoprene bag
- M67 Spacer ring for SMC/CMC
- Cleaning cloth
What is the Nauticam MFO‑3?
The Nauticam MFO‑3 is a mid‑range focus optimizer—a water-contact relay optic—to improve focus stability, magnification (~0.9×), and working distance for macro lenses underwater.
How does Nauticam MFO‑3 differ from MFO‑1?
The MFO‑3 offers a larger form factor, lower magnification (~0.9× vs. ~1.2×), and a much longer working distance (up to ~1.5 m) compared to the closer-range, higher-magnification MFO‑1.
Can I use MFO‑3 with Nauticam housing?
Yes. MFO‑3 is designed to integrate with Nauticam housing systems, attaching via M67 filter thread or compatible ports for underwater photography.
Is the MFO‑3 compatible with MFO‑1 lenses?
They serve different magnification ranges—MFO‑3 for extended mid‑range, MFO‑1 for tighter macro. You can swap between them on the same housing depending on subject and distance.
How do I mount MFO‑3 in my underwater setup?
Attach the MFO‑3 via the lens’s M67 filter thread or using a spacer ring. Then connect it to your Nauticam housing’s macro port or flip holder system for easy underwater use.
