Subal v. Sea&Sea v. Aquatica

After 10+ years of shooting with a Nikonos V system, I finally decided to go digital. I recently purchased a Nikon D300 along with 105 mm and 12-24 mm lenses. I've been researching housings and have read Martin Edge's review of the Subal on this site and Backscatter's review of the Sea&Sea. I haven't found any reviews for the Aquatica yet - but the folks at Backscatter said they would have one as soon as they get a shipment in.

I realize its a bit early to get much in the way of opinion on different housings for such a new camera, but I was interested in your impressions (likes and dislikes) of Subal, S&S, and Aquatica housings for older Nikons and Canons. I'm leaning towards the S&S or Aquatica at the momment. I'm not a pro and don't go on more than one or two dive vacations a year - so I don't know that the extra money for the Subal could be justified.

I'd also be interested in your opinions with respect to the TTL converter that S&S has for their systems. I notice that Subal and Aquatica does not offer something similar, so I wonder how important it is.

Any thoughts/opinions would be greatly appreciated.

As an aside, I found out about this site from reading Martin Edge's book (The Underwater Photographer), which is most informative.

Hey Benthic6+1,

If you have just been weened off the NikonosV then I would guess that you are accustomed to the TTL sytem of strobe use. For this reason, and the report from Berkley White, I would strongly recommend the S&S system. Berkley's report on the housing speaks for itself and I have had 'experience' with the S&S i-TTL converters. I have used them with S&S and Inon strobes and the system works perfectly good enough for me and my style of shooting. If, as you say, you only do a couple of trips a year then I think that it is important for you to have the i-TTL and not have to worry about strobe settings etc. With the converter, you just turn it on and start shooting. I have also read in these pages of 'wetpixelonians' using the converters for wide-angle work. Some claim it is successful, while others are not so sure...

Now back to the two trips a year business. Firstly, that is nowhere near enough to keep your skin wet! Secondly, as you suggest, I don't think that 'extortionate' cost of the Subal housing quite justifies your expenditure... Granted, they are a very nice housing, and back in my younger days with film, I even owned one. But now there is no way that I could justify the expense...

HTH,

Usual waiver signed...IMHO

Bruce...

BTW...Ryan Canon also has great deals on the S&S system,

Inon America for great strobes,

ULCS for great arms, clamps and ball joints etc.

Sea and Sea for great housings and TTL converters,

Nexus for my absolutely fabulous housing and ports,

Aquatica for Jean, coz he's just plain nice and helpful to all of us...

Hi Tom,

You're off to a great start with Martin's book. I've read it at least 8 times and I keep finding new ideas. I've just been through the same thing you're trying to do so I can tell you there is a little more to it than you think going in. Some new terminology, etc. As my Aussie buddy Bruce has told you this site will be your best opportunity to learn. The people here are extraordinary in both their knowledge and willingness to share. It will take a far amount of time though. It can be addicting all this new knowledge. You have a great camera to start the journey with. I have discovered that it's like a treasure hunt, all the info you want isn't in one place. I'd recommend you start the journey by checking out the Backscatter site for Berkley Whites review of the D300 in the S&S housing Bruce mentioned. Welcome to Wetpixel and enjoy the ride.

Steve

All of the housings you mentioned are of equaly high quality and design.

The major difference is in the design of the controls.

Each brand may have/have not the same controls. But all will have the major ones you will use.

The other consideration is the ergonomice - where are the controls placed and how easy is it fro you to reach them. You need to handle each one; and if you can do all 3 at the same place - so much the better!

Lastly make sure you compare the equal units; some older S & S units are plastic, not aluminum.