Review of Nauticam's EMWL (Extended Macro Wide Angle) Underwater Lens

The Nauticam Extended Macro Wide Angle (EMWL) lens is a unique optical tool that offers several benefits and some drawbacks for underwater photography, particularly for capturing tiny subjects up close with a distinctive wide-angle perspective.

### Benefits

The EMWL lens allows photographers to get extremely close to very small subjects, such as tiny hairy frogfish and hidden critters, while also capturing a wide-angle view. This enables detailed macro images with a dramatic bugs-eye perspective that is hard to achieve with traditional macro lenses.

It provides a very wide field of view (about 160 degrees), enabling creative, immersive compositions showing the subject in its environment. The lens’s circular, almost fisheye-like perspective can add artistic impact and novelty to underwater macro shots that stand out in terms of style.

The EMWL is particularly effective for photographing camouflaged or tiny subjects that would be difficult to isolate otherwise, making it a valuable tool for macro enthusiasts seeking distinctive imagery.

### Drawbacks

The EMWL is specialized for very close-up wide-angle macro photography, so it may not be versatile for other underwater photography types like wide landscape or typical macro at longer working distances.

Using such a specialized lens might require practice and careful positioning to achieve desired results, especially given the extremely close focusing distance and the need to frame within a wide field of view.

The circular, fisheye-like effect, while artistic, may not suit all styles or subjects and can introduce distortion that might not be desirable in every shot.

Overall, the Nauticam EMWL lens is highly praised among underwater photographers aiming to capture tiny and camouflaged subjects with a dynamic bugs-eye wide-angle effect, offering a creative edge but with the tradeoff of a more specialized and potentially challenging shooting experience.

The EMWL consists of three optical elements: Focusing Unit, Relay Lens, and Objective Lens. To structurally support and lock in place the lens assembly to the housing port, Nauticam's EMWL ball arm adapter, which clamps on the relay lens barrel, is required. The Nauticam Strobe Mounting Brackets for EMWL Relay Lens help position strobes close to the subject for excellent lighting.

The EMWL is heavy and expensive, costing nearly the cost of a seven-day destination diving trip. However, for those seeking a truly unique underwater photography experience, the potential of the EMWL may well be worth the investment.

References: [1] Hatter, M. (2021). Nauticam Extended Wide Angle Macro lens review. [Online]. Available: https://www.scubadiving.com/gear/camera-housing/nauticam-extended-wide-angle-macro-lens-review [2] Underwater Photography Guide. (2021). Nauticam Extended Macro Wide Angle Lens. [Online]. Available: https://www.underwaterphotographyguide.com/gear/nauticam-emwl/ [3] Underwater Photography Guide. (2021). Sigma 16mm Fisheye Lens for Underwater Photography. [Online]. Available: https://www.underwaterphotographyguide.com/gear/sigma-16mm-fisheye-lens/ [4] Underwater Photography Guide. (2021). Nauticam Extended Macro Wide Angle Lens: A New Perspective on Macro Photography. [Online]. Available: https://www.underwaterphotographyguide.com/blog/nauticam-emwl-new-perspective-on-macro-photography/

For capturing minute, camouflaged creatures with an attention-grabbing wide-angle perspective, the Nauticam Extended Macro Wide Angle (EMWL) lens is a prized optical tool among underwater photographers.
The benefits of the EMWL include its ability to offer detailed macro images with a dramatic bugs-eye view in a wide-angle context.
The lens's wide field of view (approximately 160 degrees) allows for artistic, captivating compositions, showcasing the subject in its surroundings.
The EMWL is ideal for photographing hard-to-isolate subjects, making it an indispensable asset for macro enthusiasts seeking distinct imagery.
On the downside, the EMWL's specialized focus on very close-up wide-angle macro photography makes it less versatile for other underwater photography domains, like wide landscapes or typical macro at longer working distances.
Mastering the EMWL might require practice and precise positioning to attain the desired effects, given its extreme close focusing distance and wide field of view.
Although the circular, fisheye-like effect can add artistic flair to underwater macro shots, it might not appeal to all styles or subjects and could introduce distortion that is undesirable in certain instances.
Comprising three optical elements – Focusing Unit, Relay Lens, and Objective Lens – the EMWL requires Nauticam's EMWL ball arm adapter and Strobe Mounting Brackets for optimal structural support and lighting.
The EMWL is heavy and pricey, nearly equaling the cost of a week-long destination diving trip, but for those yearning for a one-of-a-kind underwater photography experience, its potential justification may exceed the investment.