AOI UWL-03 PROII Wide Angle Lens for Action Cameras and Smartphones

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

Action cameras and camera phones face challenges imposed by both human activity and nature. For example, underwater housings for action cameras and camera phones are usually equipped with a flat connector, which leads to image distortion such as curved or soft edges when used underwater. A typical action camera produces a wide-angle view and is able to focus on everything when it is far enough away. But it is precisely this feature that prevents the camera from getting closer, which is almost the mantra for underwater photos or videos. The underwater world also presents a whole range of challenges, such as light loss, color loss, scattering, refraction, and much more. Water conditions such as turbidity or currents can affect the clarity of the image or video. Overcoming or reducing the effects of these problems is often as simple as getting closer to the subject.

The new UWL-03PRO Mark II allows a typical action camera to get up to 4x closer to the subject. By simply attaching the wet lens to an action camera or camera phone, the distortion caused by the flat connection of an underwater housing is eliminated. When used with camera phones, functions such as macro or ultra-wide angle can be used underwater. The lens corrects distortion and restores the field of view lost underwater. Many professional photographers emphasize the importance of being close to the subject, but often require special equipment. Now, even the average water enthusiast armed with only an action camera or cell phone camera can get close and achieve better results.

Getting closer undoubtedly has numerous advantages:

• Getting closer reduces the number of particles between the object and the camera. This improves the clarity of images or videos.
• Getting closer reduces the scattering of light through the water. The colors restored by the use of external light are more vivid and vibrant.
• When you get closer, the objects appear larger on the screen. Small subjects now appear clearer.
• When you get closer, the action becomes clearer. You no longer have to search for the subject.
• When you get closer, there is greater stability and less risk of motion blur.

Getting closer was not the only design criterion. It was equally important to find a way to attach the lens to the many different types of housings for the various devices. The mounting solution had to be robust yet easy to use. The QRS-02 (Q2 mount) mounting system is used for the lens. Based on the highly successful AOI quick-release coupling system, the Q2 features a bayonet-style mount that is easy to attach underwater and secured with a locking mechanism. Another advantage of the Q2 is its compatibility with lenses that use a similar and popular bayonet mechanism. This offers the user greater flexibility and choice.

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

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Model: AOI UWL-03PROII
• Description: Underwater 0.73X wide-angle conversion lens for action cameras & phones
• Lens construction: 4 elements in 4 groups
• Lens coating: Glass lens elements with multi-layer AR coating
• Field of view: 140° (underwater) / 150° (on land)
• Magnification: 0.73X (underwater)
• Mounting system: With AOI Quick Release System 02 (QRS-02)
• Lens pre-installed with QR2 mount (compatible with most common AD mounts)
• Optional mounting adapter available in M55, M52 & M46
• Depth rating: 100 meters / 328 ft.
• Lens barrel / lens hood Material: Aluminum alloy with black hard anodized coating / polycarbonate
• Weight (on land / underwater): 400g (on land) / 200g (underwater)
• Dimensions: 99mm (D) X40.3mm (H)
• Accessories: Neoprene cover for front lens (AOI DHC-02), rear lens cap (AOI QRS-02-RC1), lens safety cord, lens bag