Nauticam Super Macro Converter / Compact Macro Converter (SMC / CMC)

Manufacturer: Nauticam Type: wet-mount macro conversion lenses Designer: Edward Lai (Nauticam founder) Year introduced: 2013 (SMC-1), 2015 (CMC-1), 2016 (CMC-2), 2017 (SMC-2) Price range: $290 (CMC-2) to $1,046 (SMC-2)

Overview

The Nauticam Super Macro Converter (SMC) and Compact Macro Converter (CMC) are a family of wet-mount macro conversion lenses that represented a fundamental breakthrough in underwater macro photography when introduced beginning in 2013. Unlike traditional diopters (close-up lenses designed for use in air and simply sealed in a waterproof housing), the SMC and CMC were the first macro conversion lenses designed from the ground up for underwater use, accounting for the optical effects of the air-water interface in their design (^[1]).

Designed by Edward Lai, Nauticam’s Managing Director, the lenses were developed through hundreds of engineering hours using computer-aided optical modeling software. The design treats the complete imaging system — camera, lens, port, air, and water — as a unified optical system, and calculates corrections for the air-water interfaces that degrade image quality with conventional magnifying lenses (^[2], ^[3]).

The result is dramatically higher image quality at extreme magnification levels — sharper images, higher contrast, less chromatic aberration, and better bokeh compared to traditional stacked diopters or air-optimized close-up lenses used underwater. Alex Mustard called the original SMC-1 “the sharpest accessory macro lens I have used. Something that is truly remarkable because it is also the most powerful” (^[4]).

Products

SMC-1 (Super Macro Converter) — 2013

The SMC-1 was Nauticam’s first optical product and the lens that launched their water contact optics program. Released in November 2013 following its debut at that year’s DEMA Show, it provided 2.3x magnification with full-frame cameras using 100mm or 105mm macro lenses, producing images of subjects as small as 15.6mm x 10.4mm filling the entire 36mm x 24mm sensor (^[5]).

Key specifications:

• Magnification: 2.3x (with 100/105mm macro on full frame); 2.1:1 reproduction ratio with Sony 90mm
• Minimum working distance: 50mm from front element (with 100/105mm lens)
• Construction: Low dispersion optical grade glass, broadband anti-reflective coatings on all surfaces
• Housing: Hard anodized aluminum, nitrogen purged
• Mount: 67mm thread (M67)
• Price: $480
• Product number: 81201

Design advantages over traditional diopters:

• Higher magnification with greater working distance than competing systems
• Superior edge-to-edge sharpness and contrast
• Lower chromatic aberration (color fringing)
• Compatibility with shorter macro lenses (60mm) that traditionally worked poorly with super macro accessories
• Optimized for autofocus performance across the full focus range
• Smooth bokeh without purple/green fringing in out-of-focus areas
• Ability to shoot at wider apertures (avoiding diffraction limits) while maintaining sharpness (^[6])

Compatible lenses at launch:

• Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM
• Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
• Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM
• Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED
• Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
• Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8
• Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro
• Olympus 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 ED M.Zuiko EZ
• Sony RX-100 and RX-100M2 (^[7])

SMC-2 (Super Macro Converter 2) — 2017

The SMC-2 was previewed at ADEX 2017 as a “+4.3 close up lens” and began shipping in mid-2017. It provides nearly double the magnification of the SMC-1, achieving a 3.3:1 reproduction ratio with the Sony 90mm macro lens (^[8], ^[9]).

Key specifications:

• Magnification: 3.3:1 reproduction ratio with Sony 90mm macro; up to 4x with some lenses
• Weight: 0.54 kg
• Mount: M67 thread
• Price: $1,046
• Product number: 81202

Alex Mustard described the SMC-2 as “super-powerful” but noted that few subjects are the right size for its extreme magnification, and that depth of field becomes very limiting at such high reproduction ratios. He found the SMC-2 more usable with the slightly wider Sony 90mm lens (compared to the Nikon 105mm) as the reduced magnification made it more practical (^[10]).

CMC-1 (Compact Macro Converter) — 2015

The CMC-1 was announced in February 2015 as the second member of the macro converter family, designed specifically for fixed-lens compact cameras and mirrorless interchangeable lens systems. Despite being smaller than the SMC-1, it is actually more powerful with the compact camera systems it was designed for (^[11]).

Key specifications:

• Magnification: 4.5x average with compact cameras; 2:1 reproduction ratio with Olympus 60mm macro (Micro Four Thirds)
• Working distance (Sony RX100 III): 56mm at maximum magnification
• Construction: Low dispersion optical grade glass, broadband anti-reflective coatings
• Mount: 67mm thread with protruding rear element (for closest positioning to port glass)
• Price: $320
• Included: Flush mount adapter ring for direct housing attachment

Performance examples:

• Sony RX100 III: 2.3x magnification vs camera alone, with 1.4x the working distance (56mm vs 80mm original)
• Canon G7X: 3.0x magnification at 2.4x the working distance
• Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro: 2:1 reproduction ratio — one of the most powerful macro imaging systems available
• Nikon AF-S 60mm Macro: 1.5:1 reproduction ratio (not compatible with the earlier SMC-1) (^[12])

Alex Tattersall of Nauticam UK praised the CMC-1’s “very impressive sharpness throughout the usable range” and called it “the perfect high quality complement to the high quality sensors in today’s compact cameras” (^[13]).

CMC-2 (Compact Macro Converter 2) — 2016

The CMC-2 shipped in September 2016 as a less powerful companion to the CMC-1, designed for photographers who wanted enhanced magnification without the extreme close-focus requirements of the CMC-1. It was positioned as easier to use, with better autofocus performance than stronger lenses (^[14]).

Key specifications:

• Magnification: 2.8x average with compact cameras
• Dimensions: 70mm diameter x 30mm length
• Weight: 0.22 kg
• Depth rating: 100m
• Mount: 67mm thread with protruding rear element
• Price: $290
• Product number: 81302

A notable discovery during development: Nauticam found that images taken with the CMC-2 were actually sharper than the same image taken with no accessory lens at all. This counterintuitive result occurs because the flat port degrades overall sharpness, and the CMC-2’s optical correction restores it. As Nauticam stated: “These are true water-contact corrective optics” (^[15]).

Performance example:

• Sony RX100 M4: reduces minimum image area from 160mm wide (no lens) to 55mm wide (CMC-2) vs 36mm wide (CMC-1) (^[16])

Design and Compatibility

Optical Design Philosophy

The core innovation of the SMC/CMC family is treating the underwater imaging system holistically. Traditional diopters are designed for air — when placed underwater behind a flat port, they must work through an air-water interface that introduces aberrations they were never designed to correct. The SMC/CMC designs incorporate these interfaces into the optical model from the start, using specifically formulated low dispersion optical glasses with unique refractive and dispersion properties calculated for the complete underwater system (^[17]).

This same design philosophy — purpose-designing optics for the water environment rather than adapting air-based optics — would later be applied to Nauticam’s wide-angle water contact optics: the WACP, WWL, MWL, and EMWL systems (^[18]).

Mounting Systems

All SMC and CMC lenses use the standard M67 thread mount. Multiple mounting options are available:

• Flip diopter holders: Swing the lens in front of the port when needed, flip it out of the way for normal shooting. Best for macro-only dives (^[19]).
• Double flip holders: Allow both CMC-1 and CMC-2 (or SMC-1 and SMC-2) to be mounted simultaneously for multiple framing options on the same dive (^[20], ^[21]).
• Bayonet mount system: The same bayonet system developed for the WWL-1 wet wide lens is compatible with CMC lenses. This is the preferred method for shooting both macro and wide angle on the same dive (^[22]).
• Direct thread mount: Using the included flush adapter ring for permanent attachment.

Cross-Brand Compatibility

Like all of Nauticam’s water contact optics, the SMC and CMC lenses are not restricted to Nauticam housings. They can be used with any housing brand that has an M67-threaded macro port or accepts M67 flip adapters. Forum users successfully used the SMC-1 on Sea & Sea housings and other brands (^[23]).

Comparison to Other Macro Optics

vs. Traditional Diopters (SubSee, Inon UCL)

The fundamental difference is that traditional diopters (SubSee +10, Inon UCL-67 at +15, Inon UCL-165 at +6) are air-optimized lenses sealed in waterproof housings. They do not account for the optical effects of shooting through a flat port underwater. The SMC/CMC lenses are designed for the complete underwater optical path.

Practical differences reported by users:

• Sharpness: The SMC/CMC maintain better edge-to-edge sharpness at high magnification
• Chromatic aberration: Significantly reduced color fringing compared to stacked diopters
• Bokeh quality: Smoother out-of-focus rendering without the color fringing common to traditional magnifying lenses
• Autofocus: Better autofocus performance due to higher contrast and brightness of the transmitted image
• Price: Significantly more expensive ($290-$1,046 vs $100-$300 for most diopters)

Community members noted that the CMC-1 is roughly equivalent to a +15 diopter in power, while providing superior optical quality. Some users successfully stacked the CMC with Inon diopters for additional magnification, though with diminishing returns on image quality (^[24]).

vs. Stacking Multiple Diopters

A common alternative to the SMC/CMC is stacking multiple lower-power diopters (e.g., Inon UCL-165 + Inon UCL-67 = approximately +21 diopter). Forum discussion established that while diopter powers add when stacked, the resulting image quality degrades with each additional element. The SMC/CMC achieve higher magnification with fewer optical compromises in a single unit (^[25]).

Choosing Between SMC and CMC

Nauticam designed the two product lines for different camera systems:

• SMC-1/SMC-2: Optimized for DSLR and mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras with 90-105mm macro lenses
• CMC-1/CMC-2: Optimized for compact cameras and shorter macro lenses (45-60mm)

The CMC-1 is also compatible with the Nikon 60mm macro on full-frame bodies at 1.5:1 — a combination not supported by the SMC-1 (^[26]). With the Olympus 60mm on Micro Four Thirds, the CMC-1 achieves 2:1 at 22mm working distance, while the CMC-2 provides 1.7:1 at 33mm working distance with easier autofocus (^[27]).

Community Reception

Critical Acclaim and Competition Use

The SMC-1 was quickly adopted by professional underwater photographers and appeared in major international competition results. In the 2017 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, a winning image was shot with a “Nikon D810 + 60mm f2.8 lens; Nauticam housing + Nauticam SMC-1 super-macro converter” (^[28]). The 2018 Wildlife Photographer of the Year included an entry shot with “Canon EOS 5D Mark IV + 100mm f2.8 lens + Nauticam super macro converter (SMC-1)” (^[29]).

User Experiences

Forum discussions reveal consistent themes in user experience:

Learning curve: Users universally noted that super macro photography with the SMC is significantly more challenging than standard macro. Depth of field at 2x+ magnification is measured in millimeters, requiring extreme precision in positioning. Experienced users recommended manual focus with gentle rocking motion rather than relying solely on autofocus (^[30]).

Working distance advantage: The 50mm+ working distance of the SMC-1 (compared to closer distances required by stacked diopters) was consistently praised for allowing better lighting and less disturbance of skittish subjects (^[31]).

Video challenges: Video shooters found the CMC-1’s very limited focus range (few centimeters) made it extremely difficult for underwater video work compared to dedicated macro lenses. The CMC-2 was preferred for video due to its greater working distance range, though some users returned to dedicated macro lenses for more flexible focus distances (^[32]).

Practical advice: Experienced users recommended that newcomers to super macro should first master standard 1:1 macro before investing in the SMC, as the extreme magnification adds significant difficulty (^[33]).

Alex Mustard’s Long-Term Use

Alex Mustard used the SMC system extensively throughout his career, pairing it with multiple camera systems. In his 2023 review of the Sony a7R V, he reported using SMC-1, SMC-2, and CMC-1 with the Sony 90mm macro lens. He found the SMC-1 performed well without the vignetting some users reported, noting that his shooting style (closer to minimum focus) likely avoided the issue. He suggested Nauticam might develop an “SMC-1S” version optimized for the Sony 90mm’s slightly shorter focal length (^[34]).

Timeline

• 2013-11: SMC-1 released at DEMA 2013. First underwater macro conversion lens designed specifically for water contact. $480 (^[35]).
• 2014-07: Russ Sanoian of Backscatter tests SMC with Panasonic GH4 and Olympus 60mm macro for 4K video autofocus performance (^[36]).
• 2015-02: CMC-1 announced. Designed for compact and mirrorless cameras; achieves 2:1 with Olympus 60mm. $320 (^[37]).
• 2015-02: Fabian Schorp uses SMC-1 with Nikon D750 and 105mm for Lembeh Strait super macro work (^[38]).
• 2016-09: CMC-2 ships. Less powerful companion to CMC-1 with corrective optics that improve flat port sharpness. $290 (^[39]).
• 2017-04: SMC-2 previewed at ADEX 2017 as a “+4.3 close up lens” with higher magnification than SMC-1 (^[40]).
• 2017-07: SMC-2 ships with Sony a9 housing launch. Listed at 3.3:1 reproduction ratio with Sony 90mm macro. $1,046 (^[41]).
• 2017-10: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017 winner uses Nauticam SMC-1 with Nikon D810 + 60mm (^[42]).
• 2018-10: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2018 entry shot with SMC-1 on Canon 5D Mark IV + 100mm (^[43]).
• 2019-02: Massimo Franzese (Interceptor121) publishes video comparison review of Inon UCL-67, Inon UCL-90, CMC-1, and CMC-2 on Micro Four Thirds for Wetpixel (^[44]).
• 2020-09: Nauticam NA-R5 housing listing confirms SMC-1 and SMC-2 compatibility with Canon EOS R5 via N120 port system (^[45]).
• 2022-01: Nauticam NA-A7IV listing describes SMC-1 and SMC-2 delivering “tack-sharp super-macro magnification levels up to 4x with the Sony 90mm macro lens” (^[46]).
• 2023-02: Alex Mustard reviews Sony a7R V with SMC-1, SMC-2, and CMC-1; finds SMC-2 more usable with Sony 90mm than Nikon 105mm due to slightly reduced magnification (^[47]).

References

Wetpixel Live