T3i housing recommendations ?

[ylantang]

Seems like Ikelite is money, any experiences? Pros and Cons? Doubt I'll be diving deeper than 120 feet in the future but never say never.

Any other suggestions? I saw an equinox product/brand that seemed a few hundred cheaper but no port.

Not looking to sell a kidney but something durable and long lasting for a hobbyist.

Better yet, if anyone has t3i accessories for sale PM me please.

Thanks !

 

[Ran Mozaik]

I would go for the Ikelite which is durable and fairly priced.
Anything cheaper than that might be risky for your camera. Remember that the worst thing isn't just getting your camera & housing flooded, but getting your dive trip ruined, which really sucks.
Equinox are reliable but are quite bulky and less ergonomic than the Ikelite.
Consider getting a non Ikelite strobe and working without TTL to cut down on cost.

 

[kelemvor]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005652IXG

Sea & Sea makes a housing for T3i

 

[Ran Mozaik]

Amazon.com: Buying Choices: Sea & Sea RDX-600D Housing for Canon Rebel T3i

Sea & Sea makes a housing for T3i

Excellent housing but unfortunately discontinued...
If you can still get one, perhaps used, it'll be a great option. Especially for the strobe compatibility with TTL for a lower price than Ikelite strobes.

 

[String]

Ikelite housings are big, bulky and heavy but work down to 60m. They're also transparent which helps satisfy no invisible leaks. They're not overly ergonomic but they're usable. Ive had one on my 450D and 550D for years and just ordered one for my 70D. I'd prefer Nauticam but they're twice the price.

TTL doesn't interest me in the slightest for strobes as i find other than macro it just plain doesn't work so i wouldnt put TTL in as a buying factor. In fact, i'd get some Inon Z240s instead of Ikelite strobes if i was buying new from scratch.

The ikelite is fairly durable. Mine has been battered off rocks, surf entries, dropped on boats, crunched in luggage, not washed and generally abused since 2008 yet it still works.

 

[ylantang]

Thanks All for the detailed responses, much appreciated.
Saw some Ikelite packages with strobes on ebay , so I might just pull the trigger. MUCH more expensive than I previously expected ! Gives me an excuse to dive more though.

 

[DelrayDM]

Here is a way to get into an aluminum housing with very good ergonomics for the same price as the plastic & composite housings.

It's a used Nauticam for T2i. The T2i cameras are available on ebay very modestly priced.

The ports for aluminum housings will be significantly more than Ikelite ports.

 

[ylantang]

I already have and feel comfortable with my T3i, great DSLR!

So I'll most likely pull the trigger on this set:
Canon T3i 600D Underwater DSLR Housing 6871 60 DS51 Strobe Package 4044 1 by I | eBay

I understand that I will need to purchase ports?(I assume this is for the variety of lens sizes out there).

But aside from the ports, I'm ready to rock and roll for an entry level photographer?

Oh Man the Suspense and Excitement !

Although I should probably make my mortgage payment first.

haha thanks all! And go Germany!

 

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

I would recommend Ikelite as that is what I use for my T3i. It is a very sturdy housing. I do not know about bulky and heavy as I have not used anything else but it is transparent and almost bullet proof. Besides the housing I like Ikelite people. I have sent it back for usual inspections and service and I have found the Ikelite people to be very good company to deal with. I often buy spares from them and the overall experience dealing with them has been very pleasant.

 

[PatW]

I have used both Ike and Nauticam housings. The Ike housings is functional but bulky and the controls, while serviceable, can be a bit unwieldy. The Nauticam housing is far more ergonomic and offers better control. The housing does cost quite a bit more but once you add in lenses, strobes, focus light and ports, a metal housing is not that much more expensive than the Ike system.

i am not denigrating Ike. They offer a viable, lower cost solution. If you can, I would advise you to go to an retailer specializing in underwater photography an get your hands on the gear. I think bluewater and backscatter both have shops in California.