5d Sea&Sea vs Aquatica

[cruel_world 0]

After having an Ikelite housing for my 20D i was a little disapointed in the port/lens selection of ikelite. mainly it was limited by my lens diameter. ( Sigma 12-25mm EX ) to be specific. I mave heard Aquatica has the largest port opening out there and the Sea&Sea port system looks great. But wat are the exact diameters of the openings.

 

Additional comparisons would be welcome.

 

Cheers

[meister 1]

I was just checking the Sea and Sea option: http://www.seaandsea.jp/products/digital/dx5d/index.html

[stone 0]

Just a few points

 

1) There is an Athena Dome port which is made of glass for Sea & Sea housings. Aquatica dome port are plastic, and dome shape is just HOLD on the port.

 

2) Sea & Sea housing has port locking and marking, Aquatica has NO locking and NO marking for ports.

 

3) Sea & Sea 5D can access the jogdial, Aquatica CANNOT.

 

4) Sea & Sea 5D can add an external TTL coverter to use TTL. Aquatica bulkhead only has one pin, not possible for TTL.

[Viz'art 24]

The Port opening on Aquatica housings is 106.50 mm(4.200 inches),so most lenses can fit inside.

[famorim 0]

I've used Aquatica for 20D the last year, now I'm moving to another Aquatica for 5D. I tried lot of lenses with my 20D housing and never got a problem about port diameter. I got it worked with huge lenses like Sigma 12-24mm and 15-30mm without problem.

 

Regards. Fabio

[meister 1]

Stone,

Which button are you referring to as the "jogdial?"

[stone 0]

Official name is Multi-controller

[james 0]

Not needed as you can change focus point using the rear command dial.

 

Cheers

James

[meister 1]

Thanks. Other than the multi-controller are there any other buttons not accessed with the Aquatica? Anyone know same question applied to the Subal?

 

Edit: I went back and re-read Brian Cripe review. Appears only the multi-controller and the far more vital print button are only two not supported with the Aquatica. B)

[thatporchdawg 0]

Aquatica housings only have two ports - a dome and a flat/macro port. Combined with the wide opening, an Aquatica housing accomodates most lenses. It looks like the Sea & Sea has more ports. In this day of luggage weight restrictions, how many ports do you want to lug half way across the world?

[UWPhotoTech 0]

4) Sea & Sea 5D can add an external TTL coverter to use TTL. Aquatica bulkhead only has one pin, not possible for TTL.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

The Aquatica 5D housing can be ordered (or retrofitted) with the sync bulheads necessary to install an ETTL conversion cicuit board.

[stone 0]

Aquatica housings only have two ports - a dome and a flat/macro port.  Combined with the wide opening, an Aquatica housing accomodates most lenses.  It looks like the Sea & Sea has more ports.  In this day of luggage weight restrictions, how many ports do you want to lug half way across the world?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

I used to dive with Sea & Sea, actually the port systems for both vendors are just the same. For sea & sea, basically you only need the fisheye dome and a flat port, to fit different glasses, you only need to apply sutable extension rings.

 

stone

[stone 0]

Not needed as you can change focus point using the rear command dial.

 

Cheers

James

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

You are right.

 

But this multi-controller allow me to change focus point in just ONE click.

 

stone

[bacripe 0]

It's also worth noting that Aquatica has in the works a magnified viewfinder that may be retrofitted (from what I understand) to their housings. This may provide additional benefit, especially for macro shooting.

 

I've owned both Sea & Sea and Aquatica housings, and I've been happy with both. Whichever you choose I'm sure will serve you well.

[meister 1]

I'm told the same thing, that the upcoming Aquatica magnified viewfinder can be user installed in the 5D housing once it's available.

[Jolly 3]

mainly it was limited by my lens diameter. ( Sigma 12-25mm EX ) to be specific.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

The Port opening on Aquatica housings is 106.50 mm(4.200 inches),so most lenses can fit inside.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

So does it mean there is a zoom gear for the Sigma 12-24 available from Aquatica?

 

Julian

[james 0]

Hi Julian,

 

You can make one out of an Ikelite hear. Cut it so that it's a "c" shape, then use a rubberband to hold it in place.

 

Get the gear that doesn't have the two zoom ribs on the inside.

 

Cheers

James

[Jolly 3]

Thanks James. If it is possible (as stated enough diameter), I would have assumed that Aquatica would make one.

 

I remember you did this modification and used the lens on the 1DMkII. By the way, did you ever try the lens on the 5D underwater?

 

Thanks,

Julian

[james 0]

No, the lens was stolen and I have not replaced it, I got the 17-40L instead.

 

Cheers

James