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Marelux launches the MacroView 60, a macro wet lens facing off against the Nauticam MFO-3. Weight, buoyancy, price: what the first field test found.
Marelux MacroView 60 vs Nauticam MFO-3: A New Rival for Macro Wet Lenses
The Nauticam MFO-3 had the high-end magnifying macro wet lens market pretty much to itself since launch. Marelux just gave it a real competitor with the MacroView 60 (MV-60), a wet lens aimed at the exact same job: turning a 90-105mm macro lens into a 50-60mm equivalent, without losing autofocus or optical quality.
The first comparative field test was published on September 10, 2026. Here's what it found.
What this type of wet lens does
A magnifying macro wet lens screws onto the housing port using the standard 67mm thread. It shortens a macro lens's minimum focus distance and increases its effective magnification, without swapping lenses or ports mid-dive. It's the tool that lets you go from a clownfish to a skeleton shrimp without leaving the water.
The Nauticam MFO-3 has held this niche since July 2025. The question the MacroView 60 raises: does Marelux match it, for less money?
The numbers, side by side
| Spec | Nauticam MFO-3 | Marelux MacroView 60 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight in air | 602 g | 535 g |
| Buoyancy in water | -120 g (negative) | -35 g (near neutral) |
| Converted field of view (on 105mm) | 38° | 40° |
| Max magnification | 0.9x | 0.9x |
| Optical construction | 4 elements / 3 groups | 4 elements / 4 groups |
| Max depth | 100 m | 100 m |
| Front thread | Optional M82 filter holder | Built-in 77mm thread |
| Mount | Universal M67 x P0.75 | Universal M67 x P0.75 |
| Official price | $730 (roughly €635) | $599 (roughly €520) |
Maximum magnification is identical (0.9x), and both lenses share the same universal M67 mount, meaning the same flip holders and lens holders work with either. The real difference sits elsewhere: the MacroView 60 is visibly lighter and, more importantly, much closer to neutral buoyancy, which matters when the lens stays screwed on for a whole macro dive. The MFO-3 keeps a slight edge in tighter field of view (38° versus 40°), which can translate into a stronger perceived magnification on very small subjects.
What the field test found
Walt Stearns, who tested both lenses side by side on the same camera, describes comparable image quality after a day of diving. The real difference felt in hand comes down to weight and buoyancy: the MacroView 60 disappears more easily at the end of an articulated arm, where the MFO-3 pulls noticeably more downward.
That is a first impression, not a final verdict. A rigorous comparison (corner resolution, distortion, backlit performance) would take more than a single dive day to settle. But for a purchase decision, the signal is already useful: both lenses hold up optically, and the choice comes down to handling comfort and price.
Compatible with Marelux gear already covered here
If you already own Marelux's Double Flip Holder, the MacroView 60 mounts directly through its standard 67mm thread, alongside the rest of the Macroview lineup (MV-15, MV-10, MV-5). No need to switch holders to adopt the new lens.
Who this choice makes sense for
If you're starting from scratch and budget matters, the MacroView 60 runs roughly 115 euros cheaper than the MFO-3 for identical magnification and better buoyancy on paper. If you're already invested in Nauticam's N100/N120 accessory ecosystem and want the last percent of field of view, the MFO-3 remains a solid, proven choice with over a year on the market.
Either way, the lens does not replace the fundamentals: spotting the right subject before reaching for any optic remains the skill that actually makes the difference on a macro shot.
Going further
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Questions about the Journal
What is the Marelux MacroView 60?
A magnifying macro wet lens that screws onto the housing port to increase the magnification of a macro lens while keeping autofocus. It targets the exact same use case as the Nauticam MFO-3: turning a 90-105mm macro lens into a 50-60mm equivalent.
How does it differ from the Nauticam MFO-3?
On paper, the gap is small. The MacroView 60 is lighter (535g versus 602g in air) and, more notably, much closer to neutral buoyancy underwater (-35g versus -120g for the MFO-3). It has a built-in 77mm filter thread on the front element, where the MFO-3 needs an optional holder. The MFO-3 keeps a defined minimum focus distance, while the MacroView 60 claims a continuous range out to infinity.
Is the MacroView 60 compatible with Marelux's existing flip holder?
Yes. Marelux's Double Flip Holder, already covered on this blog, is compatible with the MacroView 60 through its standard 67mm thread, alongside the rest of the Macroview lens lineup.
How much does the Marelux MacroView 60 cost?
Roughly 520 euros at the official price of 599 US dollars (current exchange rate), against roughly 635 euros for the Nauticam MFO-3 at 730 dollars. Actual retail pricing from European dealers may vary.
