First look at the KRL-05S Macro Diopter Lens

May 11

Diopter impressions – by Erik Lukas

On a recent trip to Anilao in the Philippines to lead the Bluewater Photo Macro workshops I was given the new Kraken KRL-05S macro lens. I was more than excited to give the lens a try while shooting the small stuff, and Anilao is the perfect location.

My macro setup includes the Canon 5D Mark III with the Canon 100mm f2.8/L lens. My most commonly used diopter is the Nauticam SMC-1, and occasionally I will reach for the Reefnet SubSee +10. While I am more than happy with the lenses I most commonly use, I was happy to give the new Kraken lens a try specifically for the additional magnification it offers, being a +13.

The lens weighs in at 410g, which is right between the SubSee +10 (370g) and the SMC-1 (456g). As far as the size, it is about the same as both of the others I use.

Getting in the water with the lens is where I noticed the most difference. The working distance for this lens is quite short. I was able to get my lens to less than two inches from many subjects and have the ability to really fill the frame with very small subjects. One of the tests I did was using the native Canon 100mm lens at its closest focus distance, and then flipping the lens down via the Nauticam Flip Adapter for some shots with the KRL-05S (the images of the mating Nembrotha nudibranchs, for example).

My overall impression of this lens is that it is powerful. The ability to bring subjects that range in the 2-10mm size and fill the frame is great. I had the chance to shoot many very small nudibranchs, hairy shrimp and other small subjects on this recent trip and I never felt that the KRL-05S was unable to provide me the magnification I was looking for. It also appears to offer quite good corner to corner sharpness and retains a very realistic color rendition.

I hope to add this lens to my personal collection soon as I know it will be one I would reach for in many locations that I most like to visit. It’s a worthwhile new contender in the diopter world for those of us looking to photograph the smallest of small subjects.

Interested in joining one of my workshop, and improving your macro photography? Check out my Lembeh photo workshop trip coming up this year!