WilsonMc 0 Posted November 28, 2020 Hey everybody. I just got my canon R5 to replace my Panasonic GH5 in a nauticam housing and now I need to build my underwater set up for the R5. I want to stick with Nauticam because I was very pleased with all the features for my GH5 but Once I priced out the nauticam set up it came out to about $7200. I see that aquatica is a lot cheaper. What are the pros and cons? Will I lose camera functionality or ergonomics with the cheaper aquatica?? Thanks!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisRoss 150 Posted November 28, 2020 Many people are happy with Aquatica housings, though once you get used the the Nauticam it's hard to go back. I have a Nauticam with my Olympus so somewhat biased, but I would think you could make either work - some will depend on exactly what lenses you want to house, Nauticam's list of tested lenses on their port chart seems to be more extensive and there may be alternatives for some of the ports you need. Looking on line some places are saying the housing is still pre-order for Aquatica - though at least one website has it currently on sale at $400 off regular price. Looks like you are in Florida so could probably pop over to Reef photo to look at housings though they don't appear to carry Aquatica housings? I assume you've priced all the accessories like vacuum valves (the Nauticam valve seems a lot better than what Aquatica offer), flash triggers if required, do you need to buy strobe balls for the aquatica? etc etc. may not seem like much but can add up. The Nauticam port mount is nicer IMO as well - you just push it in rather than push and turn. Nauticam traditionally provides access to every button, not sure what Aquatica does. Nauticam has an additional control wheel is located on the left side of the housing which will interface with the control ring on the supported EF to EOS R Mount Adapter with Control Ring using an optional gear - don't know if this is provided on the Aquatica but is worth asking if you are adapting lenses. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisRoss 150 Posted November 28, 2020 BTW I moved this question Photography gear and Technique - probably more likely to be seen by more people there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Architeuthis 182 Posted November 28, 2020 6 hours ago, WilsonMc said: Hey everybody. I just got my canon R5 to replace my Panasonic GH5 in a nauticam housing and now I need to build my underwater set up for the R5. I want to stick with Nauticam because I was very pleased with all the features for my GH5 but Once I priced out the nauticam set up it came out to about $7200. I see that aquatica is a lot cheaper. What are the pros and cons? Will I lose camera functionality or ergonomics with the cheaper aquatica?? Thanks!!! I have Nauticam (EM1II and EM5II) and agree that the housings are very versatile. Probably Aquatica is not behind... Important to consider are the domeport and other wetlens options: almost for sure you will want a WACP. You need to check whether an adapter is available (and whether using the adpater is convenient or impractical) with Aquatica, while Nauticam offers a wide range of optics in native form... Wolfgang Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimG 27 Posted November 30, 2020 As for quality, I have used Aquatica for about 25 yrs. They are very robust and my current one - Canon 5d mk 3/5dsr - has access to all controls and is well designed. I don,t have their vac system but use a Leak Sentinel which is A1 and a lot cheaper I think than Aquatica or Nauticam. I have two main gripes: the size of their 8ins dome and shade is ridiculously big and their lack of representation so, in the UK and a lot of Europe I think, it is difficult to impossible to find a dealer who has stock that you can have a look at. Maybe better over your way. Good luck, I,m jealous of your new camera! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
