Ikelite Housing for Canon 5D Mark III: Detailed Analysis

Ikelite Housing for Canon 5D Mark III: Detailed Analysis

The Ikelite housing for the Canon 5D Mark III is a popular choice among underwater photographers, offering a robust and versatile solution for capturing stunning images beneath the waves. Here's a breakdown of the key pros and cons of this housing, based on general knowledge of Ikelite housings and underwater photography equipment trends.

### Pros

- **Durability and Build Quality:** Ikelite housings are typically made from robust polycarbonate materials, providing reliable protection at significant depths. - **Ease of Use:** Ikelite housings are known for intuitive controls that allow easy access to most camera functions underwater, which is crucial for effective shooting. - **Fiber Optic Compatibility:** Many Ikelite housings, including those for DSLR cameras like the 5D Mark III, can be upgraded from electrical sync cords to fiber optic triggering. This upgrade offers advantages such as thinner, lighter cords that can be attached or removed underwater, enhancing convenience and reliability for strobe firing. - **TTL Flash Automation:** Some Ikelite housings support TTL (Through The Lens) flash exposure automation with compatible strobes, which simplifies lighting adjustments underwater without manual settings. - **Wide Compatibility and Accessories:** Ikelite has a broad ecosystem of ports, lenses, and accessories, making it versatile to customize for different underwater shooting scenarios.

### Cons

- **Weight and Bulk:** Compared to newer aluminum or lighter alloy housings, Ikelite polycarbonate housings tend to be heavier and bulkier, which might affect underwater maneuverability. - **Depth Rating:** While Ikelite housings are generally rated for recreational depths, some newer brands offer housings with higher depth ratings suitable for technical diving. This might limit the 5D Mark III Ikelite housing for very deep dives. - **Ergonomics and Control Placement:** Although intuitive, some users find the button and dial placements less ergonomic compared to premium brands focused heavily on underwater handling comfort. - **Aesthetic and Scratch Resistance:** Unlike some anodized aluminum housings that resist scratches well, polycarbonate surfaces can be more susceptible to visible wear over time.

In summary, the Ikelite 5D Mark III housing is a reliable, cost-effective option with strong flash compatibility and solid protection for recreational underwater photography. However, if you prioritize lighter weight, higher depth ratings, or premium ergonomics, you might consider other brands like Marelux or aluminum housings. The Ikelite housing remains a strong choice for photographers seeking versatility and ease of use without the highest-end price.

The housing works well for shooting macro, both with the 100mm and with the 100mm plus a SubSee diopter and flip adaptor. It also performs well for shooting wide-angle, especially with the Tokina 10-17 lens in the 8-inch acryllic dome. Switching lenses and ports with the camera in the Ikelite housing is easy, and the housing offers access to all important camera functions.

However, the housing does not provide access to the joystick on the camera, which can slow down the process of moving the AF point around the frame and reviewing images. Maintenance for the Ikelite housing is similar to that of other underwater housings, including soaking the housing in water as soon as possible when exiting the water and pushing all the buttons.

In conclusion, the Ikelite 5D Mark III housing is an excellent choice for anyone pursuing great full-frame underwater images. Adjusting camera settings with the Ikelite housing is easier with bare fingers than with gloves, and the latch system of the Ikelite housing is very effective, even when doused in sand. The housing screws into the camera's tripod socket and can be tightened with a wide flat screwdriver, coin, or key.

1. For nudibranch photography, the Ikelite 5D Mark III housing offers excellent performance when paired with a SubSee diopter and flip adaptor.
2. Underwater photographers using this housing can effortlessly switch between lenses and ports, enjoying easy access to all important camera functions.
3. To capture stunning wide-angle shots, the Tokina 10-17 lens in the 8-inch acryllic dome is a great choice with the Ikelite 5D Mark III housing.
4. One disadvantage of the Ikelite housing is its lack of access to the camera's joystick, which could slow down the process of moving the AF point and reviewing images.
5. Users might find the latch system of the Ikelite housing particularly effective, even when doused in sand.
6. The housing secures into the camera's tripod socket, and it can be tightened with a wide flat screwdriver, coin, or key.
7. When compared to newer underwater photography gadgets, Ikelite housings can be heavier and bulkier, which could affect diver maneuverability.
8. To optimize flash performance, some Ikelite housings support TTL flash exposure automation with compatible strobes, and they can also be upgraded from electrical sync cords to fiber optic triggering.
9. While photographing bluewater scenes, the Ikelite 5D Mark III housing delivers impressive results when combined with compact strobes for balanced and vibrant images.

Read also: