Connect with us
background

News

Nauticam Announce the CMC-2 Macro Lens

Published

on

Easy to use with unmatched image quality

Nauticam has announced the immediate availability of a new macro imaging tool for compact and mirrorless interchangeable lens camera enthusiasts. The CMC-2. CMC-2 is a new macro lens designed to stand alongside the previous CMC-1, offering a less powerful lens choice for “larger” macro subjects that is noticeably easier to use.

A little more than 18 months ago, Nauticam released THE Finest Macro Accessory Lens for Compact and Mirrorless Cameras ever made. This lens, CMC-1, became the benchmark other lenses are measured against with extremely high magnification and overall sharpness.

CMC-2 is a follow-up designed to give photographers using compact systems more magnification choices without sacrificing quality. New underwater photographers, or new system owners, will appreciate an easier to use lens with more accurate autofocus performance than stronger lenses can offer. More experienced users will find that CMC-2 is an ideal companion to CMC-1, allowing the perfect lens to be selected based on the subject size.

Improved Sharpness

During pre-production testing Nauticam noticed a stunning increase in overall image sharpness when comparing shots taken with CMC-2 to those behind a flat port (with no accessory lens at all). It became clear that with both compact cameras at full telephoto and mirrorless interchangeable lens systems the conversion lens markedly improved overall sharpness. This is counter intuitive, as conventional wisdom implies that any conversion lens reduces image quality.  In this case, the flat port degrades overall sharpness, and the optical correction offered by the CMC-2 restores it. Simply put – an image taken underwater with CMC-2 is sharper than the same image taken with no accessory lens mounted. These are true water-contact corrective optics!

Breakthrough Lens Design

Prior to the development of the Nauticam accessory macro conversion lenses, 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. Thanks to Edward Lai, Managing Director of Nauticam, the CMC-2 takes a radically different approach: hundreds of engineering hours utilizing computer software to model an accessory lens that complements an entire system – camera, lens, port, air, and water – as a whole. This accounts for the critical air-water interfaces in a conversion lens design to achieve the best image quality possible. The improvements are stunning, measurable and a new standard in underwater macro imaging has been established with the Macro Convertor family.

Uncompromising Optical Quality

The CMC-2, like all Nauticam Macro Converters, is constructed from lenses precision crafted of specially formulated low dispersion optical grade glass, ground to the most demanding standards. This means greater sharpness and contrast on every shot and extraordinary resolution rivaling a macro lens used in air. Broadband anti-reflective 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. This means superior light transmission, accurate color and no distortion and vignetting in the most demanding situations. These exceptional optics are assembled in a rugged hard anodized aluminum housing, and nitrogen purged during assembly to eliminate fogging.

Stunning Magnification

The CMC-2 is the less powerful of the two Nauticam Macro Converters designed for compact cameras, but magnification when compared to the capabilities of these cameras with no accessory lens is still very impressive. As an example, the popular Sony RX100 M4 can capture an image area 160mm (6.3 in.) wide at its full telephoto zoom position and minimum focus distance.  With the addition of CMC-2, that image area is reduced to 55mm (2.2 in) wide. CMC-1 brings the minimum focus distance even closer, allowing a captured frame 36mm (1.4 in) wide.

Optimized for Autofocus

By utilizing a specially developed algorithm in the lens design process, the CMC-2 renders superior image quality over the full focusing range of the camera lens. This, combined with the high brightness and contrast of the image, allows the autofocus system of the camera to work well – often better than less powerful close focus lenses. Just as important are the out-of-focus (Bokeh) portions of the image that exhibit the same creamy smooth quality that photographers appreciate when shooting macro in air – all without color fringing common to traditional magnifying lenses.

Avoiding Diffraction

Due to the overall superior optical performance and precision focus of the CMC-2 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.

Mounting and Using the CMC

The CMC-2 ships with the common 67mm threaded lens mount. The lens has a protruding rear element, designed to place the  accessory optic as close to the camera lens port as is possible, providing the best overall image quality when used with flip lens adapters. A flush mount adapter ring is used when attaching CMC-2 directly to an underwater housing, and is included with the lens. Flip and Bayonet Lens Mounts are available as accessories.

Mounting Configurations

The same Nauticam bayonet system designed with the Wet Wide Lens (WWL-1) is also compatible with CMC-2. (pn 81302.

The bayonet mounting system is the attachment method of choice for shooting both macro and wide angle on the same dive.

Nothing beats the convenience of flip adaptors, allowing the accessory lenses to be flipped in place when needed, and conveniently swung out of the way for normal lens shooting.

A flip adaptor is the best mounting system for macro only dives, or camera systems that don’t support macro and wide angle lenses on the same dive (such as Canon G7X Mark II)

 

New M67 Double Flip Holder for M67 Macro Ports, pn 25108: Allows both CMC-1 and CMC-2 to be used on the same dive for multiple macro framing options.

A word on magnification…

The industry standard macro lens magnification measure is a dioptric power, but dioptric numbers can be misleading.  They are often multiple lenses stacked together, and the resulting stack doesn’t always yield the power of its individual components. In an attempt to make the power and utility of these lenses less confusing, nauticam offer a simplified magnification factor. CMC-2 offers 2.8x magnification (as an average) with compact cameras currently supported by Nauticam housings. For comparison, CMC-1 results in 4.5x average magnification.

Specifications

  • Dimensions – 70mm (diameter) x 30mm (length)
  • Weight – 0.22kg
  • Depth Rating – 100m
  • Model Number – 81302
  • MSRP – $290

Attachment Accessories

Flip Lens Holder Accessories:

  • 25101 M67 flip diopter holder for M67 macro ports
  • 25108 M67 Double Flip Holder for M67 Macro Ports
  • 25103 M67 flip diopter holder for M77 macro ports
  • 25104 M67 flip diopter holder for 36121
  • 25105 M67 flip diopter holder for 36137

Bayonet Mount Accessories:

  • 83213 M67 to Bayonet Mount Convertor
  • 83214 Bayonet Mount Adaptor for SMC/CMC
  • 83215 M77 to Bayonet Mount Convertor
  • 83222 Bayonet Mount Lens Holder for Arms
  • 83223 Bayonet Mount Double Lens Holder for Arms
  • 83227 Bayonet Mount Lens Holder for Inon Float Arms

USA: www.nauticam.com

UK: www.nauticam.co.uk

Nick and Caroline (Frogfish Photography) are a married couple of conservation driven underwater photo-journalists and authors. Both have honours degrees from Manchester University, in Environmental Biology and Biology respectively, with Nick being a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, a former high school science teacher with a DipEd in Teaching Studies. Caroline has an MSc in Animal Behaviour specializing in Caribbean Ecology. They are multiple award-winning photographers and along with 4 published books, feature regularly in the diving, wildlife and international press They are the Underwater Photography and Deputy Editors at Scubaverse and Dive Travel Adventures. Winners of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Photo-journalist of the Year for a feature on Shark Diving in The Bahamas, and they have been placed in every year they have entered. Nick and Caroline regularly use their free time to visit schools, both in the UK and on their travels, to discuss the important issues of marine conservation, sharks and plastic pollution. They are ambassadors for Sharks4Kids and founders of SeaStraw. They are Dive Ambassadors for The Islands of The Bahamas and are supported by Mares, Paralenz, Nauticam and Olympus. To find out more visit www.frogfishphotography.com

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

Published

on

regulator

Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.

Excellent performance with the TR-80

Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.

regulator

Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulator

Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50

The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.

regulator

Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulatorregulator

The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulatorregulator

Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

regulator

The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

Continue Reading

Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

Published

on

paul watson

Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.

The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.

Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.

In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.

Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.

Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.

The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.

Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.

Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.

Continue Reading

E-Newsletter Sign up!

Instagram Feed

Shortcode field is empty!Shortcode field is empty!

Popular