Introducing the Nauticam SMC

November 15, 2013

Nauticam has announced a brand new super macro converter that is claimed to have higher magnification than competing systems with unpesidented image quality. The new lens is specifically designed for use underwater with a new optical design.

We haven't had a chance to use the lens underwater yet, but the sample photos and testimonial from Dr. Alex Mustard speak for themselves. Check out the press release below for all the details.

PRESS RELEASE:

Introducing the Nauticam Super Macro Converter

Nauticam is pleased to introduce a breakthrough in underwater macro photography lens design providing higher magnification than competing systems with unprecedented image quality. The Nauticam Super Macro Converter (SMC) is the first underwater macro conversion lens that is fully optimized for in water use.  This unique and innovative lens will change the way that underwater macro photography is done.

"This is the sharpest accessory macro lens I have used. Something that it is truly remarkable because it is also the most powerful. Fantastic performance from the centre of the frame to the corners. It is a lens that pushes back the boundaries of the types of photos we can take underwater."  -Dr. Alex Mustard

There are three key advantages to this internationally patent pending new optical design:

• Higher Magnification Than Other Popular Super Macro Tools with Increased Working Distance

• Better Edge to Edge Image Quality, Higher Contrast, and Lower Color Fringing

• Compatibility with “short” macro lenses that traditionally have not worked well with super macro accessories, like Nikon AF-S 60mm /2.8G, Canon EF-S 60mm, Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S., Olympus 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 ED M.Zuiko EZ Micro 4/3 Lens, and Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro.

Breakthrough Lens Design

Prior to the Super Macro Converter, achieving “super macro” underwater meant using tools that were designed for in air use. These tools simply do not take into account the physics of shooting in water. The SMC takes a radically different approach: treat the system - camera, lens, port, air, and water – as a whole, and account for the air-water interfaces in a conversion lens design to achieve the best image quality possible. The improvement is stunning, measurable and a new standard in underwater macro imaging has been established.

Edward Lai, Managing Director of Nauticam, has utilized a revolutionary approach in developing the SMC.  This is a completely new lens design, developed through hundreds of engineering hours utilizing computer software to model the optical properties of the complete underwater imaging system.  Incorporating these factors into the design yields amazing sharpness, contrast, and clarity that isn’t available from a simple magnifying lens for use in air sealed in a waterproof enclosure.

Uncompromised Optical Quality

The Super Macro Converter is constructed from lenses are precision crafted of specially formulated low dispersion optical grade glass, ground to the most demanding standards.  These exceptional measures, enhanced by broadband anti-refective coatings effectively reduce common optical issues such as chromatic aberrations, coma, spherical aberration, and field deformation associated with underwater macro photography using traditional magnifying lenses.  These optics are assembled in a rugged hard anodized aluminum housing, and nitrogen purged during assembly to eliminate fogging.

Stunning Magnification

When combined with a full frame camera and a 100mm or 105mm macro lens, the device converts the optical system to provide a maximum of 2.3X magnification factor.  In other words, a subject area of 15.6mm X 10.4mm will fill the whole frame of a 36mm X 24mm sensor.

Improved Sharpness and Contrast

As the Super Macro Converter is optimized explicitly for using together with a macro lens underwater, images captured exhibit exceptional sharpness compared with conventional magnification lenses.  Thanks to the broadband multi-layer anti-reflection coating on each surface of the lenses, images also exhibit higher contrast.

Superb Light Transmission

All the lens elements installed inside the SMC are optically optimized to appropriate diameters so as to provide maximum light transmission.  The SMC doesn’t suffer from vignette issues under even the most extreme conditions.  The broad band multi-layer anti-reflection coating on all surfaces also greatly improves light transmission.

Optimized for Autofocus

By utilizing a specially developed algorithm in the optimization process, the SMC renders superior image quality over the full focusing range of the camera lens (which becomes ~50 to ~100 mm in front of the SMC).  Also benefitting from the high brightness and contrast of the image, the autofocus system of the camera usually works acceptably well within this range.

Ample Working Distance

Even at the maximum 2.3X magnification, there is still more than 50mm of working distance between the front element and the subject with 100/105mm macro lenses.  This working distance is crucial when capturing behavior with skittish subjects.

Resolution

High resolution was a primary design goal of the SMC project.  This has been achieved using computer aided optimization and high grade optical glasses with unique refractive and dispersion properties.  Images taken with this new system exhibit very high resolution and quality.   Results have exceeded expectations, and these images rival the quality of the macro lens in air.

Smooth Bokeh

The Converter retains the optical properties of the macro lens for the whole system underwater, resulting in a blurred (out of focus) background that has a pleasing smoothness and creamy look, without the normal purple and green fringing.

Avoiding Diffraction

Due to the overall superior optical performance of the SMC it is possible to shoot larger apertures with excellent image quality.   This avoids reaching the diffraction limit of high resolution sensors, and allows selective focus effects with narrow depth of field in super macro images.

Compatible with:

Canon EF-S 60mm /2.8 Macro USM
Canon EF 100mm /2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon EF 100mm /2.8 USM
AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S.
Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro
Olympus 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 ED M.Zuiko EZ Micro 4/3 Lens
Sony RX-100 & RX-100M2

Other systems are currently being evaluated.
 
Product Number:  81201
Product name:  Super Macro Converter I
Price:  $480

Available Now in Limited Quantities, you can find the Nauticam Super Macro Converter here

Further Reading

• Nauticam Built-In Vacuum Leak Check

• Nauticam Housing for the Canon 70D

• Inside Look: Training Sharks to Eat Lionfish

Where to Buy

Please support the Underwater Photography Guide by purchasing your underwater photography gear through our sister site, Bluewater Photo & Video. Click, or call them at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!