Why I Use Aquatech for Ocean Photography - An Honest Review After 6+ Years
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If you've ever wanted to take your camera into the water, you'll know how overwhelming the gear research can be. Housings are expensive, the stakes are high (it's your camera, after all), and there's a lot of conflicting advice online. So in this post I want to share exactly why I use Aquatech, and have done for over six years for all of my ocean and surf photography.
This isn't a sponsored post. It's just my honest experience.
How I got started with Aquatech
I didn't start with Aquatech. My first underwater housing was an Olympus system, which I used with a compact camera when I was just getting started with water photography. It was a great entry point, as it was affordable and relatively low-risk while I was learning.
But as my photography grew more serious, and I purchased a proper DSLR, I knew I needed to be shooting with it in the water. I was using a Nikon D750 at the time, and after a lot of research I made the switch to the Aquatech Elite housing (I still have this camera and housing combo in my cupboard and it’s still going strong!).
I wrote about that transition back in 2019, but a lot has changed since then. I've used the housing all over the world including the Bahamas, Fiji, the Maldives, in everything from calm tropical water to serious shorebreak, and my opinion has only solidified. Aquatech is the right choice for serious ocean photographers.
What I use
I currently shoot with the Aquatech EDGE Pro water housing for my Nikon Z6II. I also use:
The P-series port system , which is the older system but still fits with my newer housing.
A 12” dome port for split shots and wide-angle work.
The M3 shutter grip whenever I’m shooting surfing.
Aquatech neoprene covers to protect the housing from sand and UV when I'm not shooting.
Why I choose Aquatech over other brands
There are other reputable housing brands out there and they all have their place. But here's why Aquatech is my personal preference for surf and lifestyle work:
1. They’re multi-functional
I think this is the most important feature for me. I like to shoot all different kinds of things in the water - surfing, portraits, wave details. So it’s important for me to be able to easily switch lenses, and therefore lens ports, whenever I want to. I also love that as I’ve upgraded my housing, I haven’t had to replace any of my lens ports. All my older P-series lens ports screw onto my newer EDGE Pro housing.
2. The build quality is exceptional
I won’t lie, the first Elite housing I had was a bit clunky and didn’t perform the best. But the brand has come a long way and the ergonomics and functionality of the housings, not to mention the ease of use, has improved drastically. I can easily zoom, look through my images in the water, and change my settings quickly. The newer lock system also feels absolutely fail proof, and I personally have never had any leaking issues with a housing. The only times I’ve seen this with other photographers has been either a damaged O-ring that went unnoticed or not screwing the lens ports on properly. Both human error and very preventable.
3. The affordability
This is a huge factor when it comes to photography equipment, as we all know that gear can add up quickly! My first housing cost more than $3k, and I’m delighted to say that as the technology and manufacturing process has improved over the years, housings (from Aquatech at least) are now more affordable and better quality. Can’t beat that really!
4. Excellent customer support
I've contacted Aquatech's support team several times over the years - once for a service, once with a question about compatibility. Both times they were responsive, knowledgeable and genuinely helpful. For a piece of gear this important, knowing the company stands behind its product matters.
5. It's trusted by professionals worldwide
When you look at the work of the world's best ocean photographers, a huge proportion of them are using Aquatech. That's not a coincidence. In professional surf photography, gear failure isn't an option, and Aquatech has earned that trust.
Who I'd recommend Aquatech to
Surf photographers shooting from the water regularly
Lifestyle and swimwear photographers who shoot in the ocean
Anyone who wants professional-level ocean photography results and is ready to invest in the right gear
Students in my Confident Ocean Creative course who are ready to take their camera into the water
Ready to invest in your ocean photography?
You can browse the full Aquatech range using my affiliate link below and use my code HANNAHP and you’ll get an additional 5% off even if the product is already on sale!
And if you're still building your confidence and skills before taking the plunge into water photography, my Confident Ocean Creative course covers everything you need to know - gear, technique, safety, and how to get the shots you're imagining.
Have questions about ocean photography gear? Drop them in the comments or get in touch - I'm always happy to help.