Housing for a D90

Hi everybody, this is my second post in this forum after the presentation one.

Well, I own a D90 and 2 INON Z 240 strobes. I'm looking for a case for the D90, and I had clear it'd be the Aquatica. But last week I began to read about the Nauticam...now I'm a bit confused, but I want to make the decission soon. So I'd greatly appreciate your opinion about these two housings for the D90...

Regarding the Aquatica, I like that it's a classic manufacturer, has much experience and the housings are the result of many impriovements all along the last years...and I don't like the price.

Nauticam could be a bit risky, as it's new, but I have heard many positive reviews, as the one for the D700 by our colleague Alex Mustard. But, in this review he pointed that the shutter speed knob is not in the best position. Another post in this forum also alerted me because with the Tokina 10-17 port, the optical conection in the bulkheads doesn't fit well, there is no room for both the port and the optical conection. I'm really concerned about this fact, because I own the tokina 10-17 and my Z240 will be connected by optical cord as well. Also, in the event of an electric connection, the Nauticam housing provides room for a single bulkhead...If I connect two flashes, could it be solved with a dual electric sync cord ??

I'll greatly thank any comment, specially regarding why and why not would you purchase an Aquatica/Nauticam housing for your D90, i.e., what's the best and the worse of both housings.

Many thanks.

Hi,

The 10-17 Tokina requires a 20mm extension ring which will put the dome out of the way of the optical cords if thats the way you want to go. You can always add a bulkhead to electrically fire your 240's or have the capability to do both.

Good luck,

Steve

Hi everybody, this is my second post in this forum after the presentation one.

Well, I own a D90 and 2 INON Z 240 strobes. I'm looking for a case for the D90, and I had clear it'd be the Aquatica. But last week I began to read about the Nauticam...now I'm a bit confused, but I want to make the decission soon. So I'd greatly appreciate your opinion about these two housings for the D90...

Regarding the Aquatica, I like that it's a classic manufacturer, has much experience and the housings are the result of many impriovements all along the last years...and I don't like the price.

Nauticam could be a bit risky, as it's new, but I have heard many positive reviews, as the one for the D700 by our colleague Alex Mustard. But, in this review he pointed that the shutter speed knob is not in the best position. Another post in this forum also alerted me because with the Tokina 10-17 port, the optical conection in the bulkheads doesn't fit well, there is no room for both the port and the optical conection. I'm really concerned about this fact, because I own the tokina 10-17 and my Z240 will be connected by optical cord as well. Also, in the event of an electric connection, the Nauticam housing provides room for a single bulkhead...If I connect two flashes, could it be solved with a dual electric sync cord ??

 

I'll greatly thank any comment, specially regarding why and why not would you purchase an Aquatica/Nauticam housing for your D90, i.e., what's the best and the worse of both housings.

 

Many thanks.

Aquatica housing for D90 don't have optical bulkheads at all. So you will need to use copper cables and TTL-converter.

Nauticam promise to solve optical sockets issue with new type of cables with L-type connectors.

Another D90 housing with optical sockets crafted by Anthis/Nexus. It slightly more expensive then Nauticam, but they offer cheaper 4'' dome port for Tokina 10-17.

I have the Nexus D90 housing and love it. Smaller than the other housings you are considering, optical connections - make certain to ask for that option, they offer models without them - the 1017 dome is small and easy to use.

I can carry the housing, ports, dome, two Z-240's, lenses, camera body, extentions all in a Lowepro 200AW backpack. I carry the ULCS arms, clamps in a roller with my clothes. Only my dive gear is checked for flights.

The combination of optical connections and small enough to carry on the plane is what sent me this direction.

hey their I recently purchased a Nauticam for my d90 and I could not be happier the build quality is great . I can reach the shutter and Aperture knobs easily without taking my hand of the handle, It could be different for the d700 but the d90 housing knobs I think are in great positions. I have the Zen 100mm dome so the optical cable issue is not a problem and as Steve said I think you should use a 20mm extension ring for the tokina 10-17 so I don't think it would be a problem anyway. I have not used an aquatica so I cant compare but I am sure you would be more than happy with the Nauticam.

I can add another vote for the Nexus/Anthis housing, they are very well designed. My main gripe for the Nexus option is the lack of detailed info available

to English speaking customers. That said I have found them very helpful when I've spoken with representatives on the phone.

I haven't seen the recent Aquatica housings myself but I did originally look at both Nexus and Aquatica for my D90. In the end I decided on the Nexus due to

a number of distinct advantages it had over the Aquatica option, the big one being the Optical connections.

I have had a look at a Nauticam D700 housing and been looking closely at their introduction as a new player. I'm sure I'd be just as happy with one of those

for my D90 too. It's obvious they have put a lot of thought into them even if there has been a few issues. It's also apparent they are rectifying things swiftly

and are serious about being a major player in the housing market. I really like the fact their housings can accept ports from other manufacturers, makes it very

easy and considerably cheaper to switch brands.

Cheers,

Jim.

Maragoto,

I was thinking the very same thing for my new canon 7d. Aquatica vs Nauticam? Although i havent bought it yet, because i have a wedding to pay for first, i am going with the Nauticam.

The ergonomics look slick, esp the piano keys on the 7d, which look to be a 1st, and not on the nikons, but also other things i liked:

an aiming light shoe, on the macro port already

arm mounts on both the handles and the housing, for different setups and accessories

and what swayed it for me... the price of the ports... compare them... Aquatica ports come out so much more expensive. Although the housings are the same price, the nauticam setup for your tok10-17: approx$650 for the Aquatica: $930 plus.

Like for instance the dome shade not included on a 8" (for ur 10-17) add $130! for a piece of black plastic! ... Also it seems that none of the port transport covers, or neoprene shades are included in the aquatica, but are in the nauticam. When u add up these little items it comes to a big difference, for stuff that i feel should be included in the box.

And finally, the Tok 10-17 issue seems only to be on the 7d setup. If you read the thread again, i think the nauticam dealer mentions all other setups are fine. The 7d setup is now recommended with a 20mm ext anyway, so you have no worries there.

Olly

I would recoomend trying to get your hands on some of the housings you are interested in. Actually get them in hand and see how they feel for you. IWhen researching my own housing choice on here, I came across many different things to consider. Ease of use with the knobs, how does it fit in your hands (some folks on here have talked about some housing not fitting their small or large hands), type of port locking system, access to functions of the camera, optical firing or not, overall costs, access to a dealer and support after the purchase, etc. Many good points have already been noted in other posts for you.

But the biggest thing I would tell you again...get your hands on them if you can and try them out.

And my vote is..for the Aquatica - but that was the choice that I made.

Good luck - let us know what you decide - DiverPam

Hi Maragoto,

I can’t really say as much to the Aquatica or Nexus housings as I recently got the Nauticam for my D90. There is already a lot of good info here. The Nauticam and Nexus have the benefit of allowing use of fiber optic cables. The issue with using the existing fiber optic cables with the large dome port is there for the D90 as well. They are working to have redesigned cables very soon, to correct the problem, but as already mentioned, there is benefit to using a 20mm extension ring with this lens on the large dome to improve corner sharpness. When seeing where the lens would sit in the dome it makes sense, since the lens would be better aligned with the center of the dome with the extension. This would also take care of any issues with the fiber optic cables (which will anyway be a moot point when the redesigned cables are ready). I find the ergonomics to be excellent. I have smaller hands and can easily reach the shutter speed control dial with my thumb while my hands are still on the handles, as well as all other major controls. I’m guessing the D90 housing may be a little more compact than the D700 since it is a smaller camera, but haven’t handled the D700 to say. They also have an option for larger handles for those with bigger hands. I have only recently gotten my housing, so can’t really say much more, but from playing around with it in the pool, I am REALLY happy with the housing so far. As DiverPam mentioned it would be best to go to a local dealer and try them out for yourself to see how they feel, so you can make the best decision for yourself.

Nauticam could be a bit risky, as it's new, but I have heard many positive reviews, as the one for the D700 by our colleague Alex Mustard. But, in this review he pointed that the shutter speed knob is not in the best position.

Just to clarify. When I review products for Wetpixel, I cast a very critical eye over them. No product is perfect and I believe it is good to praise the positive features AND point out areas that need improvement. As I said in the Nauticam review, just because I am suggesting an improvement it certainly does not mean that all other housings are perfect in this regard!

I have tried many Aquatica housings on my workshops, but never had one for a serious Wetpixel review. We've talked about it (for the D700 at the beginning of 2009, but in the end they went silent). I would expect that there would be features I praised on the Aquatica and features that I would suggest improvements on, too.

There are plenty of places in internet-land where you can read powder-puff, everything-is-wonderful reviews. Wetpixel is not one of them. We'll discuss both the positives and negatives we find. Hopefully, that is why people come here for information.

Regarding the main question, both Aquatica and Nauticam are making fine housings at the moment. They are two brands who are really trying to innovate and improve their designs with each generation. Either would be a good decision. You should also consider other factors such as dealer support in your area etc.

Alex

Hi.

Thank you all for your comments, I really appreciate them.

Alex, I had perfectly understood your comments on the Nauticam housing in your review, in fact it's fine to have critical and objetive reviews, as you say the web is full of "how wonderful it is" reviews. I know your comments on the Nauticam don't mean all the other manufacturers are better in that, but anyway I was a bit concerned about this.

I really don't have access to a Nauticam or Aquatica supplier before the purchase, here in Spain the only dealers are in Madrid or Barcelona, and I'm just in one lost corner of the country (Galicia), too far away. That's why I was asking for your opinions.

After reading your post, still 4 questions regarding Nauticam equipment:

1: If I add the 20 mm estension ring to the dome (8") fot the Tokina 10-17, all the optical properties will be ok? My dealer didn't mention the extension ring when I asked for a qoute last week...may be he is not aware of the problem with the optical bulkhead.

2:

Nauticam promise to solve optical sockets issue with new type of cables with L-type connectors

3: In the event I get tired of the optical conection, will I be able to connect my two Z240 from just a single electrical bulkhead? (sorry for this elemental question, still a beginer!)...

Once again, thank you very much for your comments.

David

Hi David,

1) It's my understanding that the best optical configuration for the Tokina 10-17 requires the 20mm extention. There was some confusion as the pre release lens chart mistakenly didn't include the extension. Your dealer may be looking at an old chart. The latest I know of is here on page 4 on this PDF file;

http://nauticamusa.com/blog/wp-content/upl...port-system.pdf When I bought mine last week that was the company's recommendation.

3) Dual elctrical sych cords are easily available. They are basically a Y cable. I've been using one that Sea & Sea makes for my S&S strobes. Basic 5-pin nikonos style connectors. It seems like though that the slick setup would be optically fired with your Inons 240's.

Cheers,

Steve

1: If I add the 20 mm estension ring to the dome (8") fot the Tokina 10-17, all the optical properties will be ok? My dealer didn't mention the extension ring when I asked for a qoute last week...may be he is not aware of the problem with the optical bulkhead.

2:Nauticam promise to solve optical sockets issue with new type of cables with L-type connectors --> already available??? It could be fine a Nauticam representative could answer this question...

3: In the event I get tired of the optical conection, will I be able to connect my two Z240 from just a single electrical bulkhead? (sorry for this elemental question, still a beginer!)...

Hi David,

Steve is correct; the 20mm extension ring is now the recommended extension for the Tokina 10-17 with the Nauticam 8.5". This was done for the best dome placement, not because of the fiber optic cable issue, though it does happen to fix it for the 10-17. The new fiber optic connecters are not yet available; I don't yet have a date on them but am guessing it might be a few more weeks.

If you decide you want to switch to electrical sync cables, you'd just add the single Nikonos style bulkhead and use a dual sync cable.

Thanks,

Chris

Although the housings are the same price, the nauticam setup for your tok10-17: approx$650 for the Aquatica: $930 plus.

 

Like for instance the dome shade not included on a 8" (for ur 10-17) add $130! for a piece of black plastic! ... Also it seems that none of the port transport covers, or neoprene shades are included in the aquatica, but are in the nauticam. When u add up these little items it comes to a big difference, for stuff that i feel should be included in the box.

 

Olly

Olly, Normally I would not comment on pricing, but the bare housing are not the same price, ours is quite a few hundred dollars less, once you had up the total tally for both housing and the required accessories for the Tokina 10-17mm the Aquatica is still a few hundred less. Again I feel uncomfortable posting prices, but this is derogatory to us and I feel it need to be corrected.

In both case I have calculated standard US retail price using the 8” port as a reference, one area where substantial money could be saved in both case is by using a more compact 6” dome port that fare very well with this lens (+/- 200.00 less than an 8” dome port.

Cheers

I have some 10Bar cables with smaller connectors. Fits behind dome fine. Not a real polished part, but they work well and are 2 meters in length.

Jack

Jean,

Sorry i hold my hands up to that. Ive been looking to house my 7d, for which the housings are the same price. For the D90 yours is the cheaper housing.

And i didnt mean it to be derogatory, in any way to Aquatica. I love the housings and the way they feel in the hands and would recommend one, but for me and the 7d, the nauticam does work out be cheaper.

Olly

Well I am loving my Nauticam

Everything about it is spot on, having moved from a D80 in a Sea&Sea the Nauticam just wins hands down on all counts.

Cheers

Chriso

Jean -

If Aquatica would make a D90 housing with optical sync capabilities, it would be a serious contender for me.

This is just a hobby and I'd like to stay with a D90 that I know I'm not using to anywhere near its full capabilities.

In addition, I'd like to decrease my risk of issues/ problems by sticking with optical cables.

Any chance of this happening?

Jean -

 

If Aquatica would make a D90 housing with optical sync capabilities, it would be a serious contender for me.

This is just a hobby and I'd like to stay with a D90 that I know I'm not using to anywhere near its full capabilities.

In addition, I'd like to decrease my risk of issues/ problems by sticking with optical cables.

Any chance of this happening?

When we designed the D90 housing 2 years ago, the whole optical thing was not what it is right now, at the time we had opted for really small and economical (the housing is still +/- 500.00 less if not more than most of its competitor) right now the camera is already on its last leg and a complete redesign of the housing would be prohibitive at this stage due to the limited life cycle left of the D90 plus we already started work on its replacement and yes this will have optical connector or standard Nikonos connector or both (HYB) for the same price as well as the usual improvement dictated by experience and user feedback.

I use the aquatica housing which was purchased from Cameras Underwater in the UK, and I have to say I am very happy with the build quality and controls lay out. I do not have experience with the Nauticam housing, but have handled them and know people who use them. I think there are some important issues to take into consideration :

- Dont under estimate the importance of the local dealer, and their ability to service the housing if there is a problem

- Viewfinders are important, and Aquatica's are first class

- If you are happy with setting your flashes manually, the optical cable is a red herring.

My own preference after similar debate was the Aquatica, and I am very happy with the decision.