The Aquatech edge pro and base housings are one of the recent changes made with a move toward using mirrorless cameras.
The edge housing is slightly smaller than previous models but is now more robust with added leak protection and new lens ports.
In this article, I’ll discuss everything you need to know about the aquatech edge housing for underwater photography.
What’s new with the Aquatech edge housing?
The Aquatech edge housing was released in April 2021 and is designed specifically for mirrorless cameras. Here are a few new features that are new.
- Smaller than previous models
- New black plate design
- 2 Locking clips
- More responsive buttons
- Palm hold handle
- Better back plate alignment
- Better eye cup
- New base plate
- Front-facing shutter
How is the new edge housing similar to the old housing
The new aquatech edge is similar to the old EVO III with a similar body design, seals, and grip handles. But it has a new design with new locking clamps and new ports offering better protection and durability.
- Similar handles
- Pistal grip compatible with both housings
- Backplate buttons for cameral control
- Relatively similar in weight
- Micro USB shutter cable
What cameras are compatible with the aquatech edge?
The Aquatech edge can be used on all the major camera manufacturers including Sony, Canon, Fuji, and Nikon. It is primarily designed for full-frame cameras. Here are all the cameras that be used with the aquatech edge housing.
Canon
- EOS R
- EOS R
- EOS R5
- EOS R7
Fuji
- GFX 50S II
- X-H2
- X-T4
- GFX-100s
- X-H2
Nikon
- Nikon Z6
- Nikon Z7
- Nikon Z6 II
- Nikon Z7 II
Sony
- Sony a1
- Sony A7IV
- Sony A7RIV
- Sony A9
- Sony A7 III
- Sony A7R III
- Sony A7S III
- Sony A9 II
Adapting other camera systems with aquatech edge
Almost any camera system is compatible with aquatech housings, but you may lose functionality. For example, some camera systems that only use USB-C may not be compatible yet as aquatech requires a micro USB connector (Sony A7c, ZV-e-10).
One way around this is to mount an Axis go to the housing and use an app to control the shutter. This may be frustrating for photographers, but can be incredibly useful for doing video work.
Will the a6000, a6100, a6600, a6700 series fit?
I haven’t tested each camera, but the Sony a6000, a6100, a6300, a6500, and a6600 should fit in the aquatech edge housing.
The a5100 and Sony ZV-E10 will also fit, but the ZV-E-10 and a6700 do not have a micro USB port and will not connect to the shutter release button.
Unfortunately, there is no way to use a shutter release with the ZV-E-10 or a6700 unless using Bluetooth, but you would still be able to record video if you start recording before you put the camera in the housing. You could also trigger the record button using a wireless remote.
Adding a USB-C trigger would be a great function to see in a future release of the edge housing and hopefully, Sony will add a firmware update to allow this to happen.
Is the aquatech edge compatible with the Sony A7ii or A7rii series?
If you have an older Sony camera like the A7ii or A7rii, you probably won’t have a problem with compatibility. That’s why I would recommend using the base housing for the A7 series.
You may be able to use a few buttons with the aquatech pro housing, but it’s not designed for older cameras and will result in limited functionality.
What lens port should you use?
Aquatech’s lens port reference chart is not completely accurate, so I would recommend renting or trying out a few ports to find out which port fits most of your lenses.
For example, I ordered a P-100 lens port for my 24mm 1.4 lens, and the reference chart said I needed a larger lens port (P-80) for my 85mm 1.8. I’ve used both lenses with my P-100 port, and they both fit great.
Ocean wave photography
If you’re mostly shooting barrels, I would use a super wide angle lens like a 14-16mm. This will capture much more of the wave as it’s spiraling. For surfing, shoot ultrawide if you want to be a few feet away from the surfer or shoot close if you want to be far away.
You can even shoot from the shoreline or pier with a longer lens like a 100-400mm.
Surf photography
The best lens for surf photography depends on where you’ll be. If you’re going to be a few feet away you’ll want a super wide angle lens. If you’re going to be shooting from a distance consider a 50 or 85mm.
Mounting a GoPro to the aquatech edge
Mounting a GoPro is a simple way to record your experience with underwater photography, but the mount from aquatech is $50.
I recommend using a single mount point or trying this mount option I found on Amazon. It looks strong enough to hold, but it may be too narrow. I’ll try it out and let you know.
You can also mount a GoPro using an Aquatec axis go. This is a straightforward method as the mount is included with the housing. You’ll just need two screws to attach it to the Aquatech edge. This is also a great way to control your camera from your iPhone if you’re just using the baseplate, and you can do this by downloading an app like Monitor plus.
Summary
The new aquatech edge lineup is a great way to get started in professional underwater photography. It’s not the cheapest, lightest, but it is the best professional gear for underwater photography. Aquatech has a great reputation and years of experience with underwater housings.
They’ve slowly perfected the best underwater housing and that’s why I personally use their products.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this article. Subscribe below to learn more photography tips and tricks.
