Nauticam newest MFO-1

[Architeuthis]

9 hours ago, humu9679 said:

 

I think you are correct, an improvement in image quality shooting through a flat macro port, with improvements in magnification and range of focus. Here is the Nauticam product page: https://www.nauticam.com/products/mid-range-focus-optimizer-1-mfo-1

 

It would be very helpful if Nauticam can provide sample images like e.g. with and w/o MFO-1 that clearly show the benefit of using MFO-1.

And does it improve IQ also when a macro lens through domeport is compared to macrolens&MFO-1 through flatport (especially interesting for shorter focal lenses, where the flatport makes most detoriation of IQ)?

 

It seems to me that the MFO-1 is better mounted permanently to the flatport when making macro. But then, what when another diopter will be used that increases the magnification substantially above 1x (like SMC-1 that is essential for macro on FF)? Is SMC-1 used in addition to MFO-1 via e.g. a flip holder (as many use the SMC-1 now)? Or is MFO-1 removed and SMC-1 mounted instead (either via (unhandy) double flip holder or by dismantling MFO-1 and storing in a pocket)?

Edited December 5 by Architeuthis

[Architeuthis]

Bluewater Photography Guide says that SMC-1 and MFO-1 can be used in serial combination: https://www.uwphotographyguide.com/Nauticam-announces-the-Nauticam-Mid-range-Focus-Optimizer1-(MFO-1)

 

This, however, seems to be a misinformation as Alex clearly states here that SMC-1(3) and MFO-1 should be used alternatively and not together (he says that serial combination will lead to double correction of flat port abberation and hence a loss in IQ):

 

=> The only problem with Sony 90mm plus SMC-1 that I was able to recognize so far is slight vignetting in the corners when I use SMC-1 at the longest object distances and smallest magnifications that SMC-1 allows. These are, however, object distances and magnifications that I better cover with the pure macro lens w/o any diopter attached...

 

=> I also wonder what the benefits of using MFO-1 on Sony 90mm with flatport are: does sharpness improve just in the periphery or is it increased also in the center (when it is the center, it may be worth going for it (but I did not recognize any sharpness problems in the center yet))?

 

 

Wolfgang

 

Edited December 5 by Architeuthis

[Chris Ross]

8 hours ago, Architeuthis said:

=> I also wonder what the benefits of using MFO-1 on Sony 90mm with flatport are: does sharpness improve just in the periphery or is it increased also in the center (when it is the center, it may be worth going for it (but I did not recognize any sharpness problems in the center yet))?

 

 

Wolfgang

 

The thing with macro lenses behind flat ports is that the aberration increases continuously from center to edges as the angle the light rays are coming in gets progressively greater as the angle of view increases, so it's a progression, only in the very center of the port are the light rays perpendicular.  However out at the rule of thirds points where you might place something important to your composition, the rays are at an angle and you are about half way out to the edge.  

 

If you photograph a test chart on land you will see something similar a slight degradation in quality that gets progressively worse towards the corners, but it is going to be hard to spot that in a regular photograph - It's only when the aberrations reach a certain level that they are obvious.  UW the port and lens aberrations add together. 

 

The other thing that is claimed is reduced hunting - apparently due to compressed focal range.  I would also think that removing flat port aberrations can only help focus is easier to find on a sharp lens. 

 

It sounds interesting for sure, But I think we might need to wait for some high resolution test shots to see if any improvements are enough to convince you that you need one! 😂