Aquatica or Nauticam for T2i/550D

[decidedlyodd]

I'm looking to get a housing for my T2i/550D. My G12 is a great little camera, but I miss the versatility and image quality of my DSLR that I use frequently above water.

I've narrowed my options down to the Aquatica AT2i or Nauticam NA-550D. Does anybody have positive or negative experiences to share about either of these?

The Nauticam has more dealer options for me (including a local dealer), but the Aquatica costs a bit less both in housing and ports. I've heard both about more people loving the Nauticam and about more leaks with the Nauticam, but I suspect that's just because more people have them or are talking about them. I haven't been able to find really any first hand accounts of the Aquatica housing.

 

[beautybelow]

I have had two Aquatica housings beginning with the housing for the first canon rebel, the second for the 40D. You might say I have put them to the test with around 3,000 dives with the first one and a thousand or so with the second one.

I used them hard (the first one really hard) and can say that they will stand up to being used on a daily basis.

I had one flood with the first housing and it was not really the housing. The little nut that holds the sync cord bulkhead tight on the inside came loose. It taught me to always wiggle those things before I jump in.

If you do get the Aquaview however, do make sure you treat it with care. I had one get broken in shipping, sending it so a buyer. I never had a problem with it during normal use though.

 

[MagnaBoxer]

I was in the same situation as you two weeks ago. Having upgraded from a from a G10 to the T2i. Was seriously considering the Aquatica, but after all was said or done I opted for the Nauticam. For me I believe it was the best decision and I'm happy with my purchase. Have yet to get it in the water, but plan on doing so this friday, when I will be on Bonaire!! I really don't think you could go wrong with either one, but for me the deciding factor was availability of the dome ports. That and I got a great package deal from Reef!!

 

[decidedlyodd]

I was in the same situation as you two weeks ago. Having upgraded from a from a G10 to the T2i. Was seriously considering the Aquatica, but after all was said or done I opted for the Nauticam. For me I believe it was the best decision and I'm happy with my purchase. Have yet to get it in the water, but plan on doing so this friday, when I will be on Bonaire!! I really don't think you could go wrong with either one, but for me the deciding factor was availability of the dome ports. That and I got a great package deal from Reef!!

MagnaBoxer, can you elaborate a bit on the issue of availability of dome ports?

Also, it sounds like I need to call around a bit to get a quote on a package deal with the housing, port(s) and a strobe setup. I noticed Reef doesn't really mention anything about this on their site. Backscatter lists some packages but as far as I can tell, they're not discounted from ala carte prices. Optical Ocean Sales is local to me and does list some package prices as well as a statement about calling to set up other packages.

 

[diverrex]

I have the Nauticam housing for my T2i. I've only used it on 5 dives so far but I think it's great. They really knew what they were doing when they designed it. Both seem like really good housings but i think the Nauticam is worth the little more money.

 

[darook]

I looked at both of them in person and thought both were impressive. The Aquatica was a bit smaller which made it nice for travel while the ergonomics seemed a bit nicer on the Nauticam. I ended up with a Water Shot which I just liked a bit better from an ergonomics, size, and price perspective. Have not shot it under water yet. Hopefully Memorial Day I will get it wet.

 

[MagnaBoxer]

MagnaBoxer, can you elaborate a bit on the issue of availability of dome ports?

Also, it sounds like I need to call around a bit to get a quote on a package deal with the housing, port(s) and a strobe setup. I noticed Reef doesn't really mention anything about this on their site. Backscatter lists some packages but as far as I can tell, they're not discounted from ala carte prices. Optical Ocean Sales is local to me and does list some package prices as well as a statement about calling to set up other packages.

Sure. The issue I ran into when I was ready to purchase was that I had my heart set on a 4" dome port. Well...from what I understand the manufacturer of the 4" glass domes (who in turn provides the glass to various housing manufacturers) could not provide the domes, and therefore Aquatica could not get me a 4". Then again, Nauticam faced the same issue, and I could not get a 4" glass (at that time, not sure about now, but they may be available) so I opted for a 4.33" acrylic dome which is nearly identical in size. The smallest Aquatica acrylic dome is 6" as far as I know. After reading everything I could find on the two housings the feeling I got was that the Nauticam got the slight edge due to ergonomics and ease of use.

 

[captronbon]

MagnaBoxer
I am researching the T21 with the Nauticam housing. I am particularly interested to know if the housing would be appropriate for small hands, this is one concern I have along with the many others. Also, what lens are you using? Is it necessary to purchase the dome immediatley with the set up? More importantly, I live on Bonaire and would really appreciate seeing the set up, as there is no dealer here.

 

[darook]

Captronbon, I think you would find the ergonomics of either would be fine though the Nauticam's are particularly nice. My LDS has both if you would like me to grab some pics of them together I probably could get them. The popular first lenses are the ef-s 60 for macro which would be ideal for Bonaire, and the Tokina 10-17 for WA, need the dome for that one.

 

[bvanant]

MagnaBoxer
I am researching the T21 with the Nauticam housing. I am particularly interested to know if the housing would be appropriate for small hands, this is one concern I have along with the many others. Also, what lens are you using? Is it necessary to purchase the dome immediatley with the set up? More importantly, I live on Bonaire and would really appreciate seeing the set up, as there is no dealer here.

I shoot a Nauticam with a 7D. Both the Aquatica and the Nauticam are great housings for the T2i and both will get you great pics. Both have adapters (Jean correct me if this isn't right) for using other ports. I use a 4 inch Zen dome (Subal) with the Nauticam adapter and it works great. Of course you don't need to get a dome when you buy the housing (you will need some kind of port). In my opinion though, the kit lens is NOT the way to go. Either get a dedicated wide angle lens (Tokina 10-17, Sigma 10, Sigma 15 etc) or a dedicated macro lens (Canon 100, 60, Tamron 60, Sigma 50) and the port for it.

Bill