Nauticam MFO-3 Mid-range Focus Optimizer 3
Part #: Nau-81503
Sony and Canon shooters, take note!!! Finally a solution to shoot Blackwater for you. The Nauticam MFO-3 (Mid-range Focus Optimizer 3) is a water-contact optic designed for underwater macro photography. It is the third-generation model in Nauticam’s MFO series, intended to extend the working distance and adjust the field of view for macro lenses typically used in underwater housings. The Nauticam MFO-3 operates as a relay lens that converts the native optical characteristics of supported macro lenses, allowing for optimized mid-range focus performance. It is compatible with full-frame and cropped sensor cameras housed within Nauticam housing systems.
The Nauticam MFO-3 continues the evolution from the earlier Nauticam MFO-1. While the MFO-1 Nauticam is designed for higher magnification at relatively shorter working distances, the Nauticam MFO-3 provides a longer effective working distance and slightly lower overall magnification, supporting a wider range of use cases where mid-range subject distance is preferred.
Main Features of the Nauticam MFO‑3
- Precision‑engineered relay optic for mid‑range focus optimization
- Compatible with Nauticam housing macro ports and M67 filter threads
- Four‑element, three‑group optical design with anti‑reflection coatings for high contrast
- ~0.8–0.9× magnification conversion tested on full‑frame 100–105 mm macro lenses
- Expanded working range up to 1.5 m, converting ~23° lens FOV to ~38°
- Negative buoyancy (approx. –120 g) minimizes added underwater volume
- Depth‑rated to 100 meters
Why You Need the Nauticam MFO-3
Extended Focus Range
One of the biggest frustrations with underwater macro photography is the limited focus range of many lenses. You might find yourself struggling to get the entire subject in focus, especially with larger critters like crabs or shrimp.
The MFO-3 dramatically extends your lens's focus range, giving you much more flexibility when composing your shots. No more frustrating back-and-forth trying to find the sweet spot!
Example with Nikon 105mm Macro
For instance, with a Nikon 105mm macro lens, the MFO-1 expands the focus range from roughly 0 cm to a whopping 1500mm. That means you can capture subjects at a variety of distances while maintaining sharp focus.
Enhanced Image Quality
Water has a way of playing tricks with light, and this can sometimes lead to less-than-perfect image quality when shooting macro underwater. The MFO-3 helps to correct for these optical distortions, resulting in crisper, sharper, and more vibrant images.
Increased Magnification
Want to get even closer to your subject? The MFO-3 provides a slight magnification boost, allowing you to capture incredible detail and textures. Imagine revealing the intricate patterns on a nudibranch's back or the delicate hairs on a shrimp's antennae
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.
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.
