The WACP-2 lens represents a significant advancement in underwater optics, designed to enhance image quality and provide an expansive angle of view. Here’s a comprehensive summary of its features, benefits, and operational considerations.
Key Features and Design
Optical Performance:
The WACP-2 is optimized for professional camera lenses up to 14mm, boasting a remarkable 140° angle of view.
It is engineered as a dry mount lens, serving both as a port and optical lens, which allows it to function effectively in various filming conditions.
Focusing Capabilities:
The lens can focus in air, enabling the capture of over-under shots and facilitating filming in wet environments without needing to disassemble the system.
It can focus as close as its front element, which is advantageous for capturing detailed images.
Distortion Management:
The design minimizes distortion, a common issue with ultra-wide lenses. The WACP-2 maintains a natural appearance, an improvement over traditional dome ports.
It corrects for the unique challenges posed by underwater imaging, where curved virtual images can lead to sharpness issues at the corners.
Depth of Field and Image Quality:
Using a smaller aperture enhances corner sharpness by increasing depth of field, addressing one of the significant limitations of traditional dome ports.
The WACP-2 excels in increasing both center and corner sharpness while improving contrast, producing superior overall image quality even at wide apertures.
Compatibility:
The lens supports various professional zoom lenses, including popular models from Nikon, Canon, Sony, and Panasonic. It is compatible with newer lenses like the Canon RF 15-35mm and Nikon Z 14-30mm.
The 0.57x conversion factor means that when using a 14mm lens, the WACP-2 effectively offers a 140° field of view.
Versatility in Filming
Shooting Flexibility:
The WACP-2 is suitable for wide, medium, and close-up shots, allowing underwater filmmakers to adapt quickly without changing equipment during a dive.
Its performance allows for cleaner images shot at lower ISO settings due to retained sharpness at wider apertures, reducing noise.
Weight and Travel Considerations:
While the dimensions of the WACP-2 are similar to a traditional 230mm dome and extension, it is heavier (8 kg )
This might be a consideration for travel, but the superior image quality justifies the weight for many users.
The buoyancy design ensures that the lens is slightly negative underwater, making it manageable for divers.
Unique Design Elements
Shade Design:
The lens features a unique shade that can be adjusted to prevent vignetting at wide angles. This functionality is beneficial during transport and while shooting.
Comparative Advantages:
Both the WACP-1 and WACP-2 provide exceptional image quality, but the WACP-2 offers enhanced features and compatibility for modern lenses.
Users can select between the two models based on their specific needs, as the WACP-1 is available in a more compact form.
Conclusion
The WACP-2 lens is a groundbreaking tool for underwater photographers and filmmakers, combining advanced optical technology with user-friendly design. Its ability to provide high-quality imagery across various shooting scenarios, while correcting common underwater challenges, makes it a top choice for professionals seeking the best in underwater optics. The blend of versatility, performance, and innovative design ensures that the WACP-2 will significantly enhance the underwater imaging experience.
When planning your underwater shoot, it's essential to consider the total weight of your equipment, especially if you're working in remote locations with challenging accessibility. This includes not just the WACP-2 lens, but also your housing, monitor, and lights.
For instance, the combined weight can reach around 15 kg without the lights, which is something to keep in mind as you organize your logistics. Whether you’re moving gear from the boat to the dinghy or bringing equipment back from the water, managing this weight can greatly impact your workflow.
Taking the time to plan for these logistical challenges will help ensure a smoother shooting experience. Considerations like packing efficiently, balancing your load, and possibly enlisting help for transport can make a significant difference in how easily you can navigate your shooting environment. With thoughtful planning, you’ll be ready to focus on capturing stunning underwater footage!
Another important factor to consider before making the leap to the WACP-2 for your Canon R5C or others, is the price. It’s a significant investment, with a budget around $8,000 on the Nauticam website. However, if your budget allows, this lens can truly be a game changer, unlocking a wealth of opportunities with its exceptional capabilities as a super dome. It’s worth weighing the benefits against the cost to see if it aligns with your shooting goals!
Stay tuned for more incredible reviews and tests! Starting in 2025, we’ll be capturing stunning 8K footage ( #REDSEA8K20 ) in various environments and locations, aiming to get the most out of this amazing combination.
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