Zen minidome for Aquatica - advice required

[Simon Rogerson 0]

I have an opportunity to buy a Zen DP100 minidome to fit my Aquatica housing. It's a great port in terms of its optics, and the price is very competitive, but I have one concern. The port is a snug fit, but the bayonet will not lock, as it was designed prior to the introduction of Aquatica's port locking mechanism. The manufacturer has sent a message via the vendor that the port should not work itself free... their exact words: "Since there is no leverage on this port the likelihood of of a problem is basically non-existant." So what should I make of this? To an extent I think Zen has a fair point. It's a very snug fit and it doesn't move around easily. But I'd be interested to hear from any other Aquatica owners who have tried this port.

 

Cheers,

 

Simon Rogerson

 

 

[Aussiebyron 57]

Simon I believe you wont see many Aquatica users with the Zen mini dome as they normally, like myself buy the Aquatica mini dome because its basically the same thing but $200 cheaper and its made for your housing.

 

I had a quick look at the zen website and there are different models for the Zen 100mm for each manufacture and also lens combination http://www.zenunderwater.com/products.php?prodID=4

 

Aquatica mount:

• DP-100-HCR for the Canon 8-15 FE
• DP-100-AN for the Nikkor 10.5mm FE
• DP-100-AT for the Tokina 10-17mm FE

Maybe double check to see if you have the correct dome for the setup your using?

 

Regards Mark

[Julian D 4]

Simon, I'm just learning but I've got a Zen DP100 with an Aquatica D7000 housing. Bought it from NWdiver on this site and I think he used it on a D7000 as well.

 

Your right it doesn't lock but the handful of times I have had it out it has felt very secure and I would agree with the supplier that it would be very unlikely to come off.

 

Julian

[divengolf 17]

Simon,

 

I used numerous ports with the Aquatica housing for the Nikon D70. This was before they had port locking on their housing. Probably did 2-300 dives with it and never had any port or extension ring loosen at all. But I had a mark on the exact top of the port and extension rings, so if anything moved, I'd, hopefully notice it. But it never happened.

 

Harry

[Simon Rogerson 0]

Thank you for the comments guys. All very helpful and much appreciated.

[Drew 0]

Anytime there is a bayonet mount system, there is a risk of it twisting and leaking slightly. I've seen it in Subal and Aquatica on dive trips. Duct tape is your best friend. Taping it down makes sure it can't turn easily. Yes there is some residue when you remove it, but hey that beats a wet camera!

[waja 0]

Three years later and Zen now has the DP-100-ACR (with Removable shade). The mount is the same and does not allow the port to be locked.

The Zen port is a cheaper alternative to the Aquatica when using just the Canon 8-15mm Lens.

2016 Retail Price

Zen Port US$899 (extension not needed)

Aquatica Port US$734 + Extension US$249 = US$983

[Aussiebyron 57]

The only issue I see is that the Zen DP-100-ACR is made just for the Canon 8-15mm lens where as the Aquatica 100mm mini dome with the same extension can use the Tokina 10-17mm with Teleconverter making it more versatile. Most often than not the Canon 8-15mm lens would be used behind a larger dome where you already have the extension for it.

 

If you have the Canon 7Dmk2 you can use the Aquatica mini dome for the Tokina 10-17mm alone, with the Tokina 10-17mm with teleconverter with extension, and with the Canon 8-15mm with extension. The issue with unlocking bayonet ports isnt a problem these days with the common use of vacuum systems that we see on most housings.