The Focus Solution for Fast-Moving Macro Subjects

Walt Stearns takes a more in-depth take a look at the Nauticam MFO-1 and reckons it units a brand new excessive bar in terms of macro pictures.

The Challenge of Autofocus in Underwater Macro

One of the most important struggles in my macro pictures has been getting a pointy, in-focus picture of hyperactive topics, like male flasher wrasse courting females or warning off rivals. Even with a really outstanding trendy digital camera system just like the Nikon Z8 paired with the acclaimed Nikkor Z 105mm f/2.8 VR S macro lens, I’ve usually come away feeling bruised from the endeavor.

To be clear, when capturing macro underwater, few digital camera methods have impressed me with a quicker, more-responsive expertise than the Nikon Z8. It presents quite a lot of autofocus modes, from AF-S for static topics to AF-C for shifting ones. Within its autofocus menu, the AF topic detection choices embody settings for Animals, Birds, and People. When capturing marine life, I favor the ‘Birds’ setting, because it does a incredible job of prioritizing the attention of a fish or reptile. But even one of the best methods typically want a leg up. During a visit to Indonesia final June, I spent a very good portion of my time taking part in with an attention-grabbing water contact optic from Nauticam known as the MFO-1.

Real-World Performance with Fast-Moving Subjects

Before a dive on a web site recognized for its resident inhabitants of yellowfin flasher wrasse (Paracheilinus flavianalis), I mounted my newly acquired Nauticam MFO-1 to a Nauticam M67 Flip Diopter Holder. This means, I might rapidly flip it out of the way in which if it didn’t carry out as marketed. Once I discovered my quarry, issues acquired thrilling.

I centered on one of many more-mature males, as they typically have the boldest markings and coloration. Through the viewfinder, I tracked his actions, ready for that second when he would elevate his dorsal and anal fins to make his announcement. These little two-inch-long fish are known as flasher wrasse for a very good purpose; the show you’re ready for is over and performed with in a flash. After reviewing the photographs, the distinction was clear. The ratio of sharp, in-focus pictures of the flasher wrasse on the peak of their show was greater than two-thirds larger than what I acquired with out the Nauticam MFO-1.

What Is the Nauticam MFO-1?

MFO stands for Mid-range Focus Optimizer, a reputation that describes the character of this distinctive water contact optic. It was designed particularly for housed digital camera methods utilizing macro lenses within the 90mm to 105mm vary. The MFO-1is comparable in measurement to Nauticam’s CMC and SMC magnifying lenses, with a particular brilliant orange band round its aluminum physique. Like all Nauticam optics, it may be affixed to any flat port or flip adapter with an M67 thread mount.

What separates it from different close-up optics is its lack of great magnification. While you would possibly see a slight increase (as much as 1.2x with the Nikon 105mm and as much as 1.6x with the Canon RF 100mm), that’s not its major perform.

Blackwater Photography Applications

The MFO-1’s principal objective, developed on the request of famous underwater photographer Alex Mustard, is to counteract optical aberrations brought on by mild refraction by way of a flat port. It additionally optimizes the autofocus vary of macro lenses. For many lenses with a spotlight limiter change, the MFO-1 is marketed to greater than double the utmost working distance, providing you with a larger focusing vary – as much as 114cm – which helps eradicate irritating focus searching points. This makes the MFO-1 notably efficient for fast-moving macro topics. Lately, I’ve even been utilizing it with my Nikon 60mm macro lens on blackwater dives with nice outcomes. In addition to a barely nearer minimal focusing distance and a magnification increase as much as 1.3x, the MFO-1provided a noticeable enchancment in locking deal with erratic topics.

Final Verdict: Who Is the MFO-1 For?

The MFO-1 will not be a device for tremendous macro pictures, regardless of a slight enhance in magnification. Instead, its true worth lies in its means to unravel the issue of focus searching that even one of the best mirrorless autofocus methods wrestle with when capturing small, fast-moving fish.

It’s a specialised device that improves focus accuracy and consistency, making it simpler to seize the moments that matter most.

Frequently Asked Questions