AOI UWL-03PRO Underwater 0.73X Wide Angle Conversion Lens for Action Cameras and Smartphones with Black Shade

Action cameras and camera phones, face challenges that are both man-made and natural. For example, the underwater housings produced for an action camera or camera phone commonly employ a flat port design, resulting in image distortions such as curved or soft edges when used underwater. A typical action camera produces a wide-angle look and can focus on everything if it is far enough. But this same feature prevents the camera from getting closer, which is almost the mantra for underwater photos or videos. Likewise, the underwater environment presents many challenges, such as loss of light, color loss, diffusion, refraction, and many more. Water conditions such as turbidity or currents can affect the image's or video's clarity. Overcoming or reducing these challenges' effects is often as simple as getting close to the subject.

The new UWL-03PRO will allow a typical action camera to get up to 4x closer to the subject. Simply mounting the wet lens to an action camera or camera phone remedies the distortion caused by the flat port of an underwater housing. When used with camera phones, it allows features such as macro or ultra wide-angle to be useable underwater. The lens will correct the distortion and recover the field of vision lost when underwater. Many professional photographers tout the importance of being close to the subject but often need specialized equipment. Now, the average water enthusiast, armed with just an action camera or phone camera, can get close and consistently obtain greater results.

Without a doubt, there are numerous advantages to getting closer:

• By getting closer, the number of particles between the subject and the camera is reduced, improving the clarity of the images or videos.
• By getting closer, water lessens the dissipation of light. Colors recovered by using external lights will be more vibrant and richer.
• By getting closer, the subjects will appear larger on-screen. Small subjects will now appear more prominently.
• By getting closer, the action becomes more pronounced. No more searching for the subject.
• By getting closer, stability is greater, and the chances of motion blur are less.

Getting closer was not the only design criterion; equally critical was finding a way to mount the lens on the many different housing types for the different devices. The mounting solution needed to be robust and yet easy to use. The lens will employ a new mounting system known as the QRS-02, or affectionately known as the Q2 mount. Taking a cue from the hugely successful AOI Quick Release System, the Q2 employs a bayonet-like mount that is easy to attach while underwater and is secured in place with a locking mechanism. Another benefit of the Q2 is that it is compatible with lenses with a similar and popular bayonet mechanism. Offering greater flexibility and choice to the user.

The lens is also designed to be lightweight and compact in size. The aim is to reduce drag and improve hydrodynamics. You should still be able to move around freely - adding on a wet lens should not result in a bulky and cumbersome rig.

SPECS:

• Model: AOI UWL-03PRO
• Description: Underwater 0.73X Wide Angle Correction Lens for Action Cameras & Phones
• Lens Construction: 4 Elements in 4 Groups
• Lens Coating: All Glass Elements with Multi-layers AR Coating, Optical Grade Glass Dome Lens with Inner Surface Multi-layers AR Coating
• Field of View: 140° (underwater) / 150° (on land)
• Magnification: 0.73X (underwater)
• Mount System: Using AOI Quick Release System - 02 (QRS-02)
• Lens pre-installed with QR2 Mount (compatible with the most popular AD Mount)
• Optional Mounting Adapter in M55, M52 & M46 available
• Depth Rating: 60 Meters / 200 Ft.
• Lens Barrel / Lens Hood Material: Aluminum Alloy with Black Hard Anodized / Polycarbonate
• Weight (on land/underwater): 350g (on land) / 193g (underwater)
• Dimensions: 99mm (D) X40.3mm (H)
• Accessories: Neoprene Front Dome Cover & Rear Lens Cap, Lens Secure Line, Lens Pouch