Since its inception, the Nauticam WACP-1 has been invaluable to underwater shooters looking for the absolute best in wide-angle image quality, combined with unmatched versatility. However, one “limitation” of the WACP-1 has been its lens compatibility. It is typically paired with small, relatively inexpensive “kit” lenses such as the Sony 28-60mm, Nikon Z 24-50mm, and Canon RF 24-50mm.
Along came the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II. In a new design for a mirrorless 24-70mm lens, the S II features an internal zoom mechanism. This means, for the first time, a lens offering stunning image quality on its own is almost fully compatible with perhaps the premier underwater optic. 'Almost' because the lens has to be shot from 28mm-70mm to avoid vignetting from 24mm-27mm. On paper, the combination looks like a match made in heaven: the versatility and optical performance of a professional 24-70mm lens paired with the unique capabilities of the WACP-1.
So, would the Z 24-70mm S II and WACP-1 pairing live up to its lofty expectations once underwater? Could this combination deliver the image quality we expect from a professional lens while retaining the versatility that makes the WACP-1 so special? There was only one way to find out. Let’s get it underwater and see how it performs!
While typically underwater photographers use fisheyes for reef scenics, the 130° field of view of the WACP paired with the Z 24-70 S II is wide enough for many applications. While I think it is a big animal combo first and foremost, it is nice to have so much versatility.
© Matthew Sullivan
In the Field
During the dives, which admittedly were lacking in subject matter, one thing was unquestionably clear: This combination is phenomenally sharp. While the WACP-1 can produce wonderfully sharp images with just about any compatible lens, Nikon’s 24-70mm S II takes things up another notch. For pixel peepers (like me), that is very welcome news and, honestly, gives Nikon Z shooters a bit of a leg up by allowing them to put truly elite-quality glass behind the WACP.
Interestingly, this combination not only seems to produce a shallower depth of field at a given aperture than I would expect, but also noticeably less depth of field than I’ve experienced with the WACP-1 paired with other lenses I’ve shot with it. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, and in the right situations it can actually be a real advantage, but it is something I found myself noticing almost immediately and is something to be aware of.
A Spanish hogfish and bluehead wrasse cross paths. The versatility of the 24-70mm paired with the WACP, gives such a huge zoom range and allows you to fill the frame with smaller fish while maintaining stellar image quality. The autofocus of the 24-70 is a noticeable improvement compared to the Z 24-50. Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 24-70mm S II, Nauticam WACP-1, Nauticam Housing
© Matthew Sullivan
The WACP series (along with the WWL series) lenses are typically my favorite optics for big animal photography. The narrower field of view and reduced barrel distortion are both appealing, especially when your subject doesn't allow for an incredibly close approach to fill the frame and it gives you less of the 'tadpole' effect that is characteristic of a fisheye. The additional reach can make a noticeable difference in those situations, while still maintaining the excellent optical quality these lenses are known for.
The Z 24-70mm S II, while only being compatible from 28-70mm, provides a massive amount of range for subjects of all varieties, including an extra 20mm vs the Nikon Z 24-50mm. Optically, the 24-70mm is fantastic, though admittedly it would be difficult to differentiate images between the two lenses without pixel-peeping them side-by-side. There IS a difference, but it is relatively slight.
In real-world use, both lenses are capable of producing excellent results, with the differences being much more apparent in their handling and performance than in outright image quality.
While I typically like a fisheye for Goliath Groupers, when they are skittish, a fisheye is simply too wide. While this isn't a world-class image, it was only even possible thanks to the zoom ability and narrower field of view of the 24-70mm compared to a fisheye. Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 24-70mm S II, Nauticam WACP-1, Nauticam Housing
© Matthew Sullivan
The biggest performance differentiator is the 24-70mm's blazingly fast autofocus performance. While the 24-50mm is certainly no slouch, it is noticeably slower than the 24-70mm, particularly when tracking moving subjects or shooting in darker environments. For big animal photography, where subjects can move unpredictably and you don't always have much time to acquire focus, that additional autofocus speed is a meaningful advantage.
One thing to keep in mind is that the overall size of the 24-70mm when paired with the WACP-1 is dramatically larger than say, the Z 24-50mm paired with the Nauticam WWL-C. The question ultimately comes down to whether or not the modest gains in image quality and dramatic gains in autofocus performance are worth the additional size and expense.
If you don't do much traveling, or you are very much a big animal photographer, I'd be inclined to say yes. The additional size is easier to justify when you're primarily shooting larger subjects and can take advantage of the 24-70mm's improved autofocus performance and range. If big animals aren't a priority, or you do a lot of traveling where size and weight are important factors, the Z 24-50mm might be a better option for you. It offers a much more compact setup while still delivering excellent image quality, and for many photographers, that convenience may outweigh the differences in optical performance.
Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 24-70mm S II, Nauticam WACP-1, Nauticam Housing
© Matthew Sullivan
Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 24-70mm S II, Nauticam WACP-1, Nauticam Housing
© Matthew Sullivan