Nauticam Nikon Z5 II Underwater Housing

Nauticam Nikon Z5 II Underwater Housing 

The Nauticam NA-Z5II Underwater Housing is a professional-grade underwater housing designed specifically for the Nikon Z5 II mirrorless camera. As part of the broader Nauticam housings ecosystem, this model delivers a rugged, precision-engineered solution for underwater image-makers who require full functionality of their Nikon Z5 II at depths of up to 100 meters. Compatible with both Nikon Z-mount and F-mount lenses (via the FTZ adapter), and integrated into the N120 port system, the NA-Z5II is an essential tool for photographers and videographers working in marine, wildlife, and dive environments.

This Nauticam housing provides comprehensive access to all essential camera controls, including shutter release, aperture, ISO, autofocus, and video start/stop. These controls are ergonomically positioned around dual handles, making the system intuitive and stable even when operated with thick gloves or in challenging underwater conditions. A key highlight is the inclusion of the Nauticam vacuum system, which includes the Leak Detection & Moisture Alarm with CR-2032 Battery (optional vacuum system is available). This system allows the user to test for proper housing assembly and seal integrity before every dive—greatly reducing the risk of flooding.

In terms of optical performance, the NA-Z5II housing supports a broad range of lenses through Nauticam’s modular port system and is fully integrated with the Nauticam port chart. The chart provides a detailed guide for matching supported lenses with the correct ports, extension rings, zoom/focus gears, and wet optics. This compatibility ensures optimal image quality whether shooting wide-angle reefscapes or macro critters.

Beyond physical compatibility, the housing's durable aluminum construction with a hard-anodized finish ensures long-lasting resistance to saltwater corrosion and mechanical wear. Internal electronic flash triggering options—both optical and electrical—make this housing adaptable to most lighting setups, from fiber optic strobes to bulkhead-based TTL systems.

Designed with practical underwater use in mind, this Nauticam underwater housing offers mounting points for lighting arms, monitor housings, or accessory brackets. The housing ships with essential accessories including handles, mounting balls, spare O-rings, and tools—giving users a complete out-of-the-box solution for underwater imaging.

Main Features of the Nauticam Housing for Nikon Z5 II

• Machined aluminum construction with corrosion‑resistant finish, ensuring durability and rigidity under pressure
• Depth rating to 100 m (330 ft), suitable for recreational and technical diving
• Full access to camera controls: shutter, dials, buttons, video REC, AF‑ON—all ergonomically placed on handles for glove-friendly use
• Supports both Nikon Z‑Mount and F‑Mount lenses via the FTZ/FTZ II adapter and matching zoom/focus knob gears
• Compatible with the Nauticam port chart system (e.g., NA‑Z6III/Z5II Port Chart) to select the correct N120 ports and wet optics
• Pre‑installed Leak Detection & Moisture Alarm with CR-2032 Battery—part of the nauticam vacuum system—to monitor seal integrity before and during dives (optional vacuum valve is available)
• Mounting options: 1/4‑20, M10, M5 holes on top for lights or monitors; bottom accepts Tripod Mounting Ball Set 25218
• Flash triggering support: optical and electrical triggering via bulkhead or hotshoe adapters.

Nikon F-Mount & Z-Mount Lens Support

The Nauticam NA-Z5II is designed to accomodate both Z-Mount and F-Mount lenses.  With the new compact design of the NA-Z5II housing, there are newly released zoom and focus gears that will drive off the main zoom/focus knob on the housing.  There is also the N120 FTZ Adapter ER 25 with Knob which will allow you to use previous generation Z-Mount zoom and focus gear along with F-Mount lenses and their corresponding gears.  For complete compatibility details, you can view the NA-Z6III/Z5II Port Chart.  

Flash Triggering

Flash triggering on the Nikon Z5Il in the NA-Z5II is available via either optical or electrical trigging. 

Optical Triggering

• Flash Trigger for Nikon (Compatible with NA-D5/D500/D850)
• 26352 Manual Flash trigger for Nikon II (for Z6III)
• 26601 HSS TTL Converter for Nikon (NA-Z8/Z9/Z6III)

Electrical Triggering

• M14 Nikonos 5-Pin bulkhead with hotshoe connection
• M24-M16 Adaptor

Nikon Z5 ii Mirrorless Camera: Basic Details

The Nikon Z5 II is a next-generation full-frame mirrorless camera that refines and improves upon its predecessor with faster processing, advanced autofocus capabilities, and exceptional low-light performance. Featuring a 24.5MP FX-format BSI CMOS sensor and the powerful EXPEED 7 image processor, the Z5 II delivers outstanding image quality with impressive dynamic range and clarity—qualities that remain crucial when shooting underwater, where light and color fidelity can be challenging.

One of the most notable advancements is the AI-driven autofocus system, adapted from Nikon’s flagship Z9 and enhanced with deep learning-based Subject Detection. This system can accurately identify and track nine different subject types, including people, animals, and vehicles. When used underwater in the Nauticam housing, this autofocus performance allows photographers to lock onto fast-moving marine life—even in low-contrast or dim environments—ensuring sharp, in-focus images of elusive subjects.

The EXPEED 7 processor not only boosts overall camera performance but also introduces Pre-Release Capture, which records up to one second before the shutter is pressed. When combined with a frame rate of 30 fps, this feature is particularly useful for capturing unpredictable underwater moments, such as fish behavior or the instant a shark strikes its prey.

For videographers, the Z5 II offers UHD 4K video recording up to 60 fps and Full HD up to 120 fps for fluid slow-motion sequences. When paired with the Nauticam underwater housing, the camera’s video capabilities are further complemented by access to high-quality optics via the Nauticam port chart, allowing for versatile setups—from ultra-wide reef scenes using dome ports to detailed macro video with flat ports and wet lenses.

Additional features such as 7.5 stops of in-body image stabilization (IBIS) are invaluable underwater, where movement from currents or handheld shooting can lead to motion blur. The dual SD card slots ensure extended shooting sessions, while autofocus detection down to -10 EV enables reliable focusing even in the dim lighting often encountered on deep dives.

Key Features of the Nikon Z5 II (Ideal for Underwater Use)

• 24.5MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Sensor for exceptional detail and low-light performance.
• EXPEED 7 Image Processor delivering high-speed image processing and noise reduction.
• N-RAW (12-bit), H.265/HEVC (8-bit/10-bit), H.264/AVC (8-bit) video recording formats.
• UHD 4K video up to 60 fps and Full HD 120p slow-motion video for cinematic underwater footage.
• Up to 30 fps continuous JPEG shooting with Pre-Release Capture for unpredictable action.
• Class-leading autofocus down to -10 EV, ideal for low-light underwater environments.
• AI-based Subject Detection for 9 subject types, ensuring reliable tracking of marine life.
• 7.5 stops of in-body image stabilization (IBIS) for sharper handheld underwater shots.
• Dual SD memory card slots for extended storage and backup.