Aquatica Nikon ZR Underwater Housing
Built the way professional housings are supposed to be built, the Aquatica Nikon ZR Underwater Housing (AZr) is designed for photographers who prioritize durability, control precision, and repeatable reliability over shortcuts. Like all Aquatica housings, this Aquatica camera housing is CNC-machined from aerospace-grade 6061 T6 aluminum, MIL-A-8625 anodized, and finished with a baked-on powder coat that stands up to real-world abuse. We’ve handled and set up similar housings in-store, and they are very clearly engineered for shooters who expect their system to keep working after long dive days, heavy travel, and cold-water use.
What really sets the AZr apart in use is how quickly it lets you work. The control layout is optimized around AF-ON, the joystick, and focus controls—exactly where your fingers naturally fall. Tracking moving subjects, shifting AF points, and locking focus can all be done without pulling your eye from the viewfinder. A dedicated, glove-friendly Photo/Video selector gives instant access to the Nikon ZR’s stills and video modes, which is especially useful for hybrid shooters working fast-changing scenes.
The Nikon ZR Aquatica underwater housing supports both native Z-mount lenses and F-mount lenses via the FTZ adapter, with thoughtful details we don’t always see elsewhere. The FTZ adapter can be removed without pulling the camera from the housing, and there are dedicated lens release controls for both Z and F mounts. All critical camera functions are externally accessible, and the spring-loaded, self-centering controls ride on stainless steel guide rails for a secure, repeatable camera install.
This is not for photographers who want a lightweight, minimalist housing or who expect to skip port-chart verification. The AZr is unapologetically robust, and its compatibility depends on correct port selection. That said, if you value mechanical reliability, fast control access, and a system designed to last, this aquatica housing delivers exactly that.
- Best for: Experienced Nikon ZR shooters who want a rugged, no-compromise Aquatica underwater housing.
- Not for: Travelers prioritizing minimum size/weight, or buyers who expect to skip port-chart verification.
- Build quality: 6061 T6 aluminum body with MIL-A-8625 anodizing, baked-on powder coat, and T304 stainless control shafts/push buttons.
- Workflow advantage: AF-ON + joystick placement makes AF-point selection and subject tracking fast without leaving the viewfinder.
- Lens support: Supports Z-mount lenses and F-mount lenses via FTZ—plus dedicated lens release for both mounts.
- Included security: Surveyor Vacuum System (valve and pump) is standard, so a quick pre-dive vacuum check adds confidence before every descent.
- Flash Triggering: This is an optional extra. You will need to select which trigger. you would like added if you plan to shoot stills.
Nikon ZR Reviews and Underwater Settings
Undecided about the Nikon ZR as an underwater video camera, read our Nikon ZR underwater review with photos while shooting off the Pacific Northwest.
Read our indepth Nikon ZR guidelines to help you set up your camera for underwater video before taking it underwater.
In-Use Gallery
Direct Mechanical Control Access
Aquatica’s control layout emphasizes tactile feedback and predictable response. From our hands-on setup experience, controls feel deliberate rather than over-light, which many technical shooters prefer when wearing gloves or operating in surge.
- Mechanical linkages instead of electronic shortcuts
- Clear separation between adjacent controls
- Consistent resistance across dials and levers
Sealing Reliability & Serviceability
The main O-ring channel is easy to inspect and clean—a small detail that matters after repetitive dive days. We’ve found this reduces rushed mistakes during surface intervals.
- Accessible O-ring groove for quick inspection
- Designed for repeated open/close cycles
- Service-friendly construction for long-term ownership
Port System Integration
This aquatica camera housing relies on Aquatica’s established port ecosystem. That’s a benefit if you already own compatible ports—but a tradeoff if you’re switching brands.
- Uses Aquatica-specific ports and extensions
- Requires careful reference to port charts
- No assumption that similar lenses share ports
Perfect for…
- Photographers upgrading from DSLR Aquatica systems
- Cold-water or glove-heavy diving environments
- Shooters who value mechanical feel over automation
- Long-term system builders planning multi-year use
Pros
- Excellent mechanical control feel
- Durable, serviceable construction
- Strong ecosystem for existing Aquatica users
Cons
- Less automation than some competing systems
Content reviewed by Bluewater Photo staff for real-world use and compatibility.
Free shipping over $200 · Lifetime Support included
If you want a no-nonsense Aquatica camera housing built for reliability and control precision, the Aquatica Nikon ZR is a system worth serious consideration.
Learn More — Guides & Articles
- Best Underwater Camera for 2025 — our top picks for underwater photography.
- Best Dive Computer — our top dive computer picks.
- Best underwater strobes for 2025 — guide to the best strobes available in 2025
- Best Video Lights for 2025 — our favorite continuous lights.
- Nikon ZR UNderwater housing options - all the available housings for the Nikon ZR Camera
- Model: Aquatica AZr Housing for Nikon ZR #30001
- Composition: Aerospace-grade 6061 T6 aluminum with MIL-A-8625 anodized coating, finished with baked-on, abrasion-resistant powder coat. Control shafts and push buttons in T304 stainless steel.
- HDMI: Large 23.75 mm (0.950″) HDMI bulkhead opening for external monitor options
- Depth Rating: 90 m / 300 ft standard
- Weight (w/o handles): Approx. 2 kg / 4.5 lb
- Dimensions (w/o handles): Approx. 204 mm x 267 mm x 170 mm (8.3” x 10.5” x 6.7”)
- Port System: Compatible with all Aquatica DSLR-sized bayonet-mount ports
- Aquatica AZr Housing
- Camera saddle
- FTZ adapter saddle
- Surveyor Wet Alarm and Vacuum System
- Handle grips (2) with screws (2)
- Spare housing seal O-ring
- CR 2032 coin cell battery (for Surveyor)
- Aquatica O-ring lubricant container
- Vacuum pump
FAQ
