JohnD

I know it has been discussed before, but just as an additional data point, despite being a very careful sort, I did finally get some water spots on a flat port. I used Carpro CeriGlass Glass Polish from Amazon on a microfiber cloth and it took about 2 minutes to get the glass completely clean and then I rinsed/soaked it well to remove all the chemical. The spots had not been very bad, but had resisted all the usual glass cleaning methods. I also had some powder I was going to make into a paste and use if the liquid stuff did not work, but did not need it.

Added: I suppose it is to be expected, but FWIW, that TC works fine for autofocus, 3D autofocus and aperture readout for the Z5II as well as the Z8.

Has anyone tried shooting a Z8 with the UWT trigger at 1/250?

I assume that will eventually be added to firmware update on other models. I have no interest in the Z5IIC.

Thank you for the article, Walt. Nicely done, by the way. Pretty much confirms my expectations. Jyuny1, the 105 and MFO-3 is long, but I have not found that to be a problem, and I use it extensively on daytime macro dives to have that "2 lenses in 1" benefit. Interestingly, Alex Mustard has expressed a preference for using a 90 or 100 on blackwater, but I found that focal length difficult to use in that setting and pretty much left the MFO-3 in place on previous blackwater dives. If I lived near dive sites and could dive more often I would experiment more, but with the cost and time constraints of being a long way from dive locations, I have to rely a lot on others' experiments and experience when I get curious.

I have done a few blackwater dives and really enjoy them. I will be spending a couple weeks in the Philippines early next year and am looking forward to doing several more. Most recently I have been using the Nikkor Z105 on a Z8, with the MFO-3. I recently re-watched an interview with Mike Bartick from a year ago, in which he enthused over the AF-S 60mm on a Z8 for blackwater. I have been tempted to give that a try, since I already have the lens, but it means taking not only the lens but an FTZ and I will be taking the 105 and MFO-3 either way. Not a big deal, but I am always dealing with weight and size limits on the airlines. I am guessing no one has really done any comparison between the 60 and the 105/MFO-3 on a mirrorless body, but if so, I would be interested in hearing about it. My guess is that there is no benefit to the 60mm in this situation. If I can meet weight and size limits, I might just take both lenses and experiment, but as I said, I would enjoy hearing about others' experience.

As I look more at the photo from the nauticam website that I posted, I think I see now that the objective lens is right at the front of the lens, and what I thought was a recessed lens is just due to the limited reflection off the front glass. Sorry for my error.

I could be mistaken, but it appears to me the MFO-3ii now has some sort of built-in lens shade/protector

It may work with the Megadap 21 on Nikon full frame as a fixed 14mm FE and/or zoom on Nikon DX. Not sure it would be preferable over the Nikon 8-15 with FTZ, though. In any case, nice to see additional lenses of potential underwater interest.

FWIW, I have the 11032 and have had no issues with a Z8 and pro max and maxi strobes. I would imagine that whatever the issue, UWT will make it right. I had a problem with my first 11032 and sent it in for examination/repair and a new was sent to me.

Thanks Phil, not surer how I missed the details on the Marelux page. I was mostly curious about minimum focus rather than maximum, and obviously cannot get much shorter than 0. Hopefully someone can share some experiences with the lens.

I would also love to see some comparisons or tests. I am not saying that as some sort of challenge or dispute. I have found the MFO to be very useful, and if the MV60 does it better, even without being better to the point of "crushing" the MFO, I want one. I would also be curious about working distance and magnification comparison, especially working distance. I just looked and cannot find those on the Marelux website.

I sometimes put a ND on the front, so the threaded portion of the overpriced Nauticam piece is perfect for that.

👍 By the way, as soon as I can get around to it, I will post a brief review on the forum of my testing of the Flexibuoy.

Phil: Well, that all makes sense and was the question that no one seemed able to answer. In one of your shots you show an SMC mounted on the Marelux flip and sitting nearby is the spacer ring. I take it the NA lenses work correctly on the flip without a spacer? I was intrigued by the hydraulic aspect and that's what got me looking at this and interested in getting one.