Underwater Optical Lenses with Wide Angle Capacity by Nauticam

Nauticam, a leading manufacturer of underwater photography and videography equipment, has announced a range of wide-angle optic accessories designed to cater to various focal ranges and creative needs. The new products, including the WACP-1, WACP-2, MWL, and EMWL, offer underwater photographers and videographers the flexibility to capture broad seascapes, dramatic marine life scenes, and intricate close-ups with immersive perspectives.

The WACP-1 (Wide Angle Conversion Port 1) and WACP-2 (Wide Angle Conversion Port 2) are wide-angle conversion optics, each tailored for specific focal ranges and lens compatibility. The WACP-1 is ideal for very wide-angle zoom and prime lenses, while the WACP-2 is more suited for longer zoom ranges.

The MWL (Macro Wide Lens) and EMWL (Extended Macro Wide Lens) are innovations that blend macro and wide-angle capabilities. The MWL provides a close-up wide-angle effect, while the EMWL extends this by offering longer macro reach while maintaining the wide field.

Here's a comparison of the features and differences between the four products:

| Feature/Model | WACP-1 (Wide Angle Conversion Port 1) | WACP-2 (Wide Angle Conversion Port 2) | MWL (Macro Wide Lens) | EMWL (Extended Macro Wide Lens) | |---------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | **Primary Purpose** | Ultra wide-angle conversion for zoom and wide prime lenses | Ultra wide-angle conversion optimized for longer focal length zoom lenses | Combines macro and wide-angle for close-up wide-angle shots | Extended macro capability with wide-angle characteristics | | **Optical Design** | Large dome port with optical elements to widen field of view significantly | More compact wide-angle conversion with specific lens compatibility | Hybrid optical design for very close focusing with wide angle | Optical elements extending macro reach and field of view | | **Field of View** | Very wide, excellent for expansive scenes and dramatic perspectives | Wide but slightly narrower than WACP-1, optimized for telephoto zooms | Wide field but focused on closer distances for close-up wide shots | Broader macro field with extended focusing distance | | **Compatibility** | Works with specific lenses like Sony 16-35mm and others supporting zoom wide angles | Generally optimized for longer zoom lenses (specific models vary) | Dedicated attachable optic that can be mounted on certain housings | Similar mounting as MWL but tailored for extended macro use | | **Use Case** | Capturing large underwater scenes with wide perspectives, dramatic shark or reef shots | Similar wide-angle use but for lenses with longer zoom ranges | Creative close-up wide-angle shots allowing both detail and background inclusion | Macro photography with a wider scene context and longer working distance | | **User Feedback/Examples** | Popular for shooting natural light wide-angle such as shark diving on Sony Alpha 1 | Less frequently detailed, specialized for certain zoom lenses | Used in creative shoots blending macro subjects and wide scenes | Praised for offering more macro reach without losing wide-angle effect |

The EMWL is compatible with various macro lenses, including the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, Sony SEL90M28G FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS, Nikon AF-S VR Micro Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED, Canon EF-S 60mm f2.8 Macro USM for APS-C, Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f2.8 Macro, among others.

The Nauticam Macro to Wide Angle Lens (MWL) allows DSLR and other interchangeable lens shooters to do high-quality wide-angle and macro photography during the same dive. The EMWL's objective lenses generate an inverted image, which is corrected by the relay lens. Its lens design is long and narrow, allowing the lens to be put extremely close to the subject while keeping the bulk of the camera system at a distance.

The recommended lenses for the WACP-2 include the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM, Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM, Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM, Nikon AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8 IF ED, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR, Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4, Sony SEL1635GM FE 16-35mm F2.8 G, Sony SEL1635Z Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS.

The Nauticam WACP-1 has full zoom through capability, compatible with popular rectilinear zoom lenses like 18-35mm lenses and 28-80mm lenses. The EMWL has three different versions of objective lenses, which produce varying degrees of angle-of-view - 130°, 100°, and 60°. You can swap the objective lenses underwater to change your field of view.

The WACP-2 includes a float collar, making its underwater buoyancy 1.87 lb (0.85kg) negative. The Nauticam WACP-1 is a hybrid between a lens and a dry port, designed for 28mm equivalent lenses. The Nauticam WACP-1 increases the field of view for a 28mm full frame lens to an ultra-wide 130 degrees.

The Nauticam Extended Macro Wide Angle Lens (EMWL) is a long bugeye wet lens that incorporates a wide angle field of view to macro images. The MWL-1 supports a wide variety of lenses and camera platforms, including DSLR, Mirrorless, Compact, APS-C, MFT, 1" or Full Frame. The MWL-1 is constructed from precision ground optical glass with advanced anti-reflective coatings and focuses from the front element to infinity.

The Nauticam WACP-2 is an upgrade to the WACP-1, designed for 14mm equivalent lenses, capable of producing a revolutionary 140-degree field of view. The Nauticam Extended Macro Wide-Angle Lens (EMWL) is also available at Bluewater Photo.

These innovative products from Nauticam enable underwater photographers and videographers to capture their subjects with unprecedented flexibility and creativity, pushing the boundaries of underwater imaging and storytelling.

The WACP-1 and WACP-2, manufactured by Nauticam, are wide-angle conversion optics designed for specific focal ranges and lens compatibility, with the WACP-1 being ideal for very wide-angle zoom and prime lenses, and the WACP-2 being more suited for longer zoom ranges.
The MWL and EMWL, exclusive offerings from Nauticam, blend macro and wide-angle capabilities, providing underwater photographers with the ability to capture close-up wide-angle shots and extended macro shots while maintaining a wide field of view.
The WACP-1, when paired with a 28mm full frame lens, increases the field of view to an ultra-wide 130 degrees, making it perfect for capturing large underwater scenes with wide perspectives.
The Nauticam Macro to Wide Angle Lens (MWL) allows DSLR and other interchangeable lens shooters to perform high-quality wide-angle and macro photography during the same dive, offering a compact and versatile solution for travel photography.
The Nauticam Extended Macro Wide Angle Lens (EMWL) is a long bugeye wet lens that incorporates a wide angle field of view to macro images, working with various lenses and camera platforms such as DSLR, mirrorless, compact, APS-C, MFT, 1" or Full Frame.
The WACP-2 Includes a float collar, making its underwater buoyancy 1.87 lb (0.85kg) negative, while the Nauticam WACP-1 is a hybrid between a lens and a dry port, designed for 28mm equivalent lenses.
The recommended lenses for the WACP-2 include various models like the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM, while the Nauticam WACP-1 is compatible with popular rectilinear zoom lenses such as 18-35mm lenses and 28-80mm lenses.
The EMWL features three different versions of objective lenses, which produce varying degrees of angle-of-view - 130°, 100°, and 60°, allowing users to swap the objective lenses underwater to change their field of view.
Gadget enthusiasts and underwater photography enthusiasts can purchase the Nauticam WACP-2 as an upgrade to the WACP-1, designed for 14mm equivalent lenses, capable of producing a revolutionary 140-degree field of view, or the Nauticam Extended Macro Wide-Angle Lens (EMWL) at Bluewater Photo, pushing the boundaries of underwater imaging and storytelling.