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S.U.P.E.R. Part 7: Nauticam SMC
In our ongoing series S.U.P.E.R. (Scubaverse’s Underwater Photography Equipment Reviews), Nick and Caroline Robertson Brown from Frogfish Photography review new underwater photography equipment, general diving equipment, and some older favourites too.
For the seventh instalment of S.U.P.E.R., Nick and Caroline take a look at Nauticam’s Super Macro Converter (SMC).
Nauticam SMC – OMG
The Nauticam Super Macro Converter (SMC) is a wet lens designed to fit on the outside of your camera housing to give magnification to macro marine life (or anything else you wish to shoot). It has a 67mm screw thread and is compatible with a wide range of cameras and lenses. It is the first lens of this type that has been completely designed from scratch for use underwater, and this is evident when you use it – it offers huge magnification, and yet still the images are crisp and sharp. I used the lens with my Nikon D7100, Nauticam housing, 105mm lens and a flip dioptre that allows you to easily move from macro to super macro without having to unscrew the lens from the port.
My first impression – WOW. In Indonesia, sometimes the guides can point out creatures that are so small, my eyes struggle to even see what they are pointing at. But with the SMC, I could take photos of these critters. You do need good diving skills to get the best from this lens, as you are required to be quite close to the subject and perfectly still to focus and take the shot. In currents and surge, while keeping your fins off any delicate coral or marine life, you need to be patient to capture the image you want. Indeed, as I mostly shoot in wide-angle, this lens took a bit of getting used to. Suddenly you look down your viewfinder and the world is hugely magnified, and it takes time to be able to locate the subject, get close enough to focus and get into a suitable position to take a shot, before said critter gets bored and wanders off. But it is worth the effort, as new macro subjects suddenly became possible, and previously boring shots of small subjects that were lost in the frame will now pop out in their full glory.
I also enjoyed the chance to experiment with the lens to pick out the intricate details of larger subjects; for example, focusing on the details of an eye. On our recent trip to Manado in Indonesia, I was able to fill the screen with tiny creatures like pigmy seahorses, minute colourful shrimps and the details that make up the incredible camouflage on the many frogfish our guides found for us (none of the images in this review have been cropped). I would use the 105mm lens without the SMC first for some of the larger subjects, getting a more conventional shot to start with, and then using the flip dioptre holder, I could move the SMC lens down into position, ease forward towards the subject, and get some amazing detail shots too.
The quality does come at a price, with the desirable, but not necessarily essential, flip dioptre holder coming in at £159.95 and the SMC itself costing £399.95. However, I would not want to be without either when I am next getting into the water to have some macro photography fun.
For those that love macro photography, this is a superlative accessory. There is also something about using this lens that is addictive (maybe it should come with some sort of warning). There are plenty of acronyms within the underwater photography world. In this case perhaps they should change the name of the lens from SMC to OMG!
For more information about the SMC from Nauticam visit www.nauticam.co.uk/nauticam-super-macro-convertor.
To find out more about Nick and Caroline and Frogfish Photography, visit www.frogfishphotography.com.
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
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With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
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Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
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Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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