Aquatica Canon EOS R5 Mark II Underwater Housing
The Aquatica Canon EOS R5 Mark II Underwater Housing (AR5II) is designed for shooters who want uncompromising control access, sealing confidence, and long-term durability in a professional system. This aquatica housing continues Aquatica’s reputation for rugged, serviceable designs—machined from solid aluminum and built to survive years of hard diving, not just a few trips. For photographers who value mechanical reliability over shortcuts, this canon r5 underwater housing delivers exactly that.
One of the biggest advantages of this aquatica underwater housing is what’s included out of the box. The price already covers your choice of strobe connectors and Aquatica’s complete, field-proven Surveyor vacuum system—pump, valve, and sensor—which many brands still treat as optional. That makes the AR5II a strong value for experienced shooters who want a fully sealed, ready-to-dive system without adding critical safety components later.
The AR5II housing supports not only the new RF mount lenses but also the EF mount by simply using our new adaptor extension ring #48474. This new adapter can easily be installed and will enable the AR5 housing to function with any previous Canon EF lens and its corresponding extension ring.
- Best for: Experienced underwater photographers building a modular Aquatica system with strobes and dedicated ports.
- Not for: Shooters expecting universal ports, auto-everything TTL without setup, or minimal pre-dive checks.
- Controls: Designed to maintain direct access to critical shooting controls without relying on touchscreens.
- System mindset: Optimized for optical or hard-wired sync workflows depending on configuration.
- Gotcha: Port choice and extension length are critical—incorrect combinations are the #1 pre-sale confusion we see.
Surveyor Vacuum System — Included Standard
Unlike many housings where vacuum monitoring is an add-on, the Aquatica AR5II includes the complete Surveyor vacuum system as standard equipment. We’ve supported this system in the field for years, and it has proven to be reliable, straightforward to maintain, and easy to verify during pre-dive checks.
- Includes vacuum valve, pump, and electronic leak sensor
- Allows confirmation of housing seal integrity before entering the water
- Eliminates guesswork during setup and transport
Selectable Strobe Connector Configurations
This housing is sold with your choice of strobe connector configuration, allowing you to match the system to your existing lighting workflow from day one. This flexibility is a major advantage, but it’s also where we see the most pre-sale questions—especially around TTL expectations.
- Double Nikonos bulkheads for hard-wired manual strobe firing
- Single Ikelite bulkhead (manual) for legacy Ikelite sync cords
- Dual optical bulkheads with LED flash trigger included
- Ikelite TTL option available*** requires Ikelite DL5 external converter #46074 (sold separately)
Content reviewed by Bluewater Photo staff for real-world use and compatibility.
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- Canon EOS R5 II underwater housing - best underwater housings for the Canon R5 II camera
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II Mirrorless Camera
While the Canon EOS R5 Mark II builds upon the impressive foundation of its predecessor, the original EOS R5, it introduces a host of significant improvements and enhancements. One of the most notable advancements is its impressive 45-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. This high-resolution sensor delivers breathtaking detail and clarity, making it the perfect choice for capturing stunning landscapes, captivating portraits, and intricate product shots. The sensor's advanced design also ensures exceptional low-light performance, allowing you to capture stunning images even in challenging lighting conditions.
Additionally, the EOS R5 Mark II features a more advanced autofocus system, with improved subject tracking and eye detection capabilities. This ensures that your subjects remain in sharp focus, even in the most dynamic and challenging shooting scenarios. The camera's continuous shooting speed has also been improved, now reaching up to 20 frames per second in silent mode, making it an exceptional choice for capturing fast-paced action. The camera's eye detection autofocus is another game-changer, allowing you to effortlessly maintain focus on your subject's eyes, even when they're partially obscured or moving rapidly.
Anonther one of the most notable advancements is the camera's enhanced video capabilities, with the ability to record 8K video at up to 30 frames per second, a significant step up from the 8K at 25 fps offered by the EOS R5. But the EOS R5 Mark II's video capabilities don't stop at 8K; the camera also offers exceptional 4K video recording options, including 4K at 120 frames per second for smooth slow-motion footage.
Another key upgrade is the EOS R5 Mark II's improved thermal management system. This feature addresses one of the main concerns raised about the original EOS R5, which was prone to overheating during extended video recording sessions. The Mark II model incorporates enhanced cooling mechanisms, allowing you to record for longer periods without interruption, a crucial advantage for professional videographers and filmmakers.
Recommended Underwater Strobes for the Nauticam Canon R5:
- Sea & Sea YS-D3 Duo
- Marelux Apollo III 2.0
- Scubalamp D-Pro
- Ikelite DS232 Underwater Strobe with Video Light
Related Underwater Gear Categories:
- Canon R5 Underwater Housings
- R5 Mark II Underwater Housing
- Aquatica Housings
- Underwater Photography Equipment
- Best Underwater Strobes
FAQ
Does this housing support TTL?
TTL support depends on optional accessories and strobe choice. Please verify your exact configuration with Bluewater Photo.
Can I reuse my existing Aquatica ports?
Possibly, but port and extension compatibility depends on lens and camera spacing. Check the port chart before assuming reuse.
Is a vacuum system included?
Inclusion varies. Please verify whether a vacuum valve or electronics are part of your selected configuration.
Is this suitable for video shooters?
It can be, but the control layout prioritizes stills ergonomics. Video-focused users should confirm control placement.
What’s the most common setup mistake?
Incorrect port or extension selection is the most frequent issue we see in support tickets.