Introduction

Hey all just thought I'd stop by and introduce myself. My name is Carlos I am a 23 year old south Florida native. I am totally new to underwater photography but not the underwater world. My passion for the ocean started when I was 8 years old when my family moved to Marathon Florida. When living there I totally fell in love with the ocean, her beauty and her majesty. A few years ago I became involved in the sport of underwater hunting while Freediving. After awhile it has become very distasteful and have not picked my speargun in over a year. I left diving and bought a DSLR a Nikon D40X and became a landscape photographer. I did the usual and bought myself a wide angle lens and some ND filters (neutral density). But after awhile like a siren I heard the ocean calling again. So has of a few weeks ago I have decided to embark on a new endeavor and have decided to pick up underwater photography. Having the skills I have learned as a Freediver and the technical skills of photography (aperture,shutter speed,white balance,ISO) I feel that underwater photography is the place to be. Living here in Ft. lauderdale there are more than enough natural and man made reefs to choose from. I currently own 3 lenses Nikon 70-300, Nikon 18-55, and my favorite my Sigma 10-20. Now my first question is what housing. My two top picks are Aquatica or Ikilite. I cant make up my mind. Both seem like great housing what do you guys think. Please any help would be greatly appreciated.

Calm seas an clear waters

Thanks Carlos

Now my first question is what housing. My two top picks are Aquatica or Ikilite. I cant make up my mind. Both seem like great housing what do you guys think.

Hi Carlos,

Welcome to Wetpixel and to the wonderful world of underwater photography. Choosing a housing for your camera is somewhat like choosing a car. Budget is definitely a consideration. So is the handling and feel to you. Ikelite housings are somewhat like Ford and Chevy. They are basic and have what it takes to get you where you want to go and won't cost as much as other housings. Ikelite is known for top-notch customer service which is a definite plus. If you have a problem, Ikelite will generally make sure you're taken care of promptly and courteously. Aquatica is a step up in that it costs more, has a few more features, but does the same thing as an Ikelite housing, i.e. allows you to use your camera underwater. If your budget allows you to purchase an Aquatica housing, then I say go for it. Otherwise, an Ikelite housing will work fine. Since you live in South Florida, you should be able to find a store near you where you can hold one in your hands and see how it feels to you. That may be the deciding factor. I would recommend you head over to Reef Photo and Video in Ft. Lauderdale in particular and have a talk with them. They also may have a used housing in stock that would fit your camera.

Feel free to ask more questions as they come up. You've come to the right place.

All the best,

Ellen

Thanks so much for the info i really appreciate it.

Hi Carlos,

 

Welcome to Wetpixel and to the wonderful world of underwater photography. Choosing a housing for your camera is somewhat like choosing a car. Budget is definitely a consideration. So is the handling and feel to you. Ikelite housings are somewhat like Ford and Chevy. They are basic and have what it takes to get you where you want to go and won't cost as much as other housings. Ikelite is known for top-notch customer service which is a definite plus. If you have a problem, Ikelite will generally make sure you're taken care of promptly and courteously. Aquatica is a step up in that it costs more, has a few more features, but does the same thing as an Ikelite housing, i.e. allows you to use your camera underwater. If your budget allows you to purchase an Aquatica housing, then I say go for it. Otherwise, an Ikelite housing will work fine. Since you live in South Florida, you should be able to find a store near you where you can hold one in your hands and see how it feels to you. That may be the deciding factor. I would recommend you head over to Reef Photo and Video in Ft. Lauderdale in particular and have a talk with them. They also may have a used housing in stock that would fit your camera.

 

Feel free to ask more questions as they come up. You've come to the right place.

 

All the best,

 

Ellen

Carlos

Welcome And I am jealous that you are so close to the water and a good underwater photo shop

One thing (a good thing) is that the D40X and D60 will fit into the same housing for Aquatica and Ikelite so you can grab other bodies for the housing pretty easily.

I currently shoot an Aquatica (different camera though, Canon 30D) and love the housing in terms of construction and feel. Very well made. The housing for the Nikon is smaller and less money than the other Aquatica housings. The last time I checked you can get the Aquatica (one bulkhead) in the range of $1,700 and the Ikelite for around $1,350 so the price is pretty close (disregarding ports). Usually there is more of a gap between Ikelite and Aquatica housings where price difference would lean heavier to Ikelite.

As Ellen noted, since you are so close to Reef Photo go handle the housings. Additionally I would suggest perhaps you should rent the housings (Ryan has rentals) and take them on some dives to see how you like them. Give each one a fair whirl, a couple of days would probably be ideal as you get used to shooting underwater and the housing. Ryan is a good guy and may be able to apply some of the rental fees to the housing since you are going to pick up one or the other. Even if the rental fees set you back a few hundred dollars it will still be worth it so you feel happy with your decision and do not go "what if."

Have fun...