hello, my name is Nick, currently I am an above water landscape photographer looking to break into underwater photos, I currently own a a7rv and a 16-35pz, looking to get my first housing. Been looking heavy at salted line and ikelite. Wondering what the pros and cons would be? It appears the ikelike is 3x most cost and does not allow for use of the rear joystick, which the salted line is less expensive and appears to retain all controls. I have been reading about the poor vacuum system of the salted line, is that really an issue? I am leaving for Hawaii on Sunday and would like to make a purchase quickly, am I better going with the more expensive housing and holding off on strobes? Or going with the cheaper salted line and buying some manual strobes? Thank you!

Hi Nick!

A warm welcome to Waterpixels. Great to have you with us.

Where you’ve posted your question is designed just as an intro as part of our anti-spammer system. It’d be much better if you post it as a new topic in the Photography Gear and Techniques forum. I’m sure you’ll get lots of help.

Best wishes

Aloha and welcome Nick @andersonsmog ! If you’re going to be serious about underwater photography, you might want to spend more money, so the Ikelite may be your ticket. The housings are bigger and more buoyant but they work well, and Ikelite services what they make, which can be an issue with what may be one and done Sea Frogs housings. Later, you may be seduced with the more svelte aluminum housings (Sea Frogs make these, too) made by Nauticam, Marelux et al. I’m on Oahu if you want to DM me.