T1i Housing - Ikelite or Nimar

[2ndjetty]

Hi all, I've been doing a lot of reading on getting UW camera gear. I shoot with a T1i on land, so decided to get housing for that camera (vs the Sxx or Gxx route), since I'll use the lenses on land too.

The two cheapest housings I found are the Ikelite 6871.50 and the Nimar NI303D. The Nimar is cheaper but I'd be willing to pay a bit more if the Ikelite is viewed to be higher in quality. Either way I'll be looking to get port that fits the Tokina 10-17.

Strobes is a big factor here too. Is there a preference for Ikelite over Nimar strobes? I'd like to keep ETTL functions.

Thanks for any help or advice! I've been all over the place in my decision process but am narrowing it down...

 

[Scubadew1]

Hi. I shoot with the same camera underwater, and have had the sea & sea housing for over a year. Use it with the SEA & SEA YS-110A strobes. Like the set-up. Played with the Ike housing and it was too bulky for me. Never saw the other one you mentioned. Good Luck!

 

[Magrone]

Neither. Go with the Sea and Sea RDX-500D. I have the RDX-550D for the T2I and love it. The Sea and Sea housing is very nice for the money and it gives you access to the same great quality ports found on the top end models. The fibre optic connection for TTL is simple and reliable. Search for used on Wetpixel. I found one for $800 brand new when I was looking a while ago.

 

[Magrone]

This was in the Sea&Sea forum. Could be a good deal.


http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/se...-500d-strobe-port-works-trying-sell-cost.html

 

[HerraduraDivers]

The Ikelite, no doubt!
You should always buy locally a housing so that you don't have to ship it around the world to get it serviced or repaird. Ikelite is a proven standard for camera housings while Nimar not and they have a bad name here in Italy.
You will loose ettl in any case except you use a housed Canon (or similare ettl) strobe but the are very expensive and don't seem to work very well. Ikelite gives you a nice TTL controller built in the housing and their excellent ttl DS 160 and DS200 series strobes.
Be informed that you may HAVE to use a corded strobe as in some ikelite housings the internal strobe can't pop fully open and stay disabled avoiding perfectly that you may use a optical triggered slave strobe.
If i could choose i would get a optical triggered strobe because they work perfectly and are less prone to problems regarding water entering the electrical connectors.

Think twice about getting a DSLR UW rig, it is bulky and heavy and the picture quality is not soo much better than a S90/S95 or G11/12 setup.

Chris

 

[Magrone]

This is a good deal.


For Sale Sea and Sea RDX Canon 450/500 Housing - Wetpixel :: Underwater Photography Forums

 

[2ndjetty]

Thanks everyone. I actually went with the s90 and Ike housing (found both new for killer prices on Craigslist). So far I love the setup.

 

[MelissaSpen]

Nimar housing is very impressive, i think. I've used for over 25 years now. My name is Marcela btw.
I feel like I made a good decision choosing Nimar. I have never used Ikelite so I can't talk bobo. But Nimar is very durable, I don't know how many times I've dropped it :/ and plus, I find the clear casing a plus.

 

[e12ry]

Me to own the sea and sea RDX-550D... Never had a problem.....

 

[ElliottM]

Nimar housing is very impressive, i think. I've used for over 25 years now. My name is Marcela btw.
I feel like I made a good decision choosing Nimar. I have never used Ikelite so I can't talk bobo. But Nimar is very durable, I don't know how many times I've dropped it :/ and plus, I find the clear casing a plus.

A warning for anyone reading this thread - the above comment by AntoGoGora is almost verbatim the comment (except the name) made in this thread.

Nimar housing is very impressive, i think. I've used for over 25 years now. My name is Antonio btw.
I feel like I made a good decision choosing Nimar. I have never used Ikelite so I can't talk bobo. But Nimar is very durable, I don't know how many times I've dropped it :/ and plus, I find the clear casing a plus.

I conclude they are the same person and have an interest in Nimar. My 2¢.