Looking for the best Sony A1 II underwater housing to unlock the full potential of your mirrorless camera while diving your favourite reef? Whether you're shooting wide-angle reef scenes or high-resolution macro shots, choosing the right housing is critical for both image quality and equipment protection. At Bluewater Photo, we offer top-rated Sony A1 II underwater housings from trusted brands like Nauticam, Ikelite (and possibly Marelux), each designed to provide full access to camera controls, excellent ergonomics, and compatibility with a wide range of Sony FE lenses.
This guide compares the best underwater housing for Sony A1 II, helping you choose between the Nauticam NA-A1 II housing and the Ikelite Sony A1 II housing based on your diving style, photography goals, and budget (Nauticam and Ikelite Housings are the only housing available at the time if writing). Whether you're looking for a Sony A1 II Nauticam housing review, want to understand which underwater camera housing for Sony A1 II photography is right for you, or are seeking accessories like ports, strobes, and vacuum systems—everything you need to make an informed decision is right here.
Below is a basic comparison of what you can expect from Nauticam and Ikelite Underwater housings:
Comparing the Nauticam & Ikelite Housings for the Sony A1 II
| Feature | Nauticam NA-A1 II | Marelux Sony A1 II Housing | Ikelite Sony A1 II Housing | Aquatica Sony A1 II Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depth Rating | 100m (330ft) | 100m (330ft) | 60m (200ft) | 90m (300ft) |
| Material | Anodized aluminum | Aluminum | Polycarbonate | Anodized aluminum |
| Weight | 2.85kg - Slightly heavier | Slightly heavier | Lightweight & compact | 3.29 kg/ 7.25 lbs without handles |
| Port System | N100 system | Sony E Mount port system | Dry lock (DL) port system | Aquatica DSLR sized Bayonet Mount Ports |
| Flash Trigger Support | Optional Flash triggers available | Manual flash trigger built-in | Ikelite Bulkhead with Manual Hotshoe | Flash triggers included |
| Price Range | $$ Premium | $$ Mid-range | $ Low-range | $$ Mid-range |
Sony a1 II Underwater Review:
Want to learn more about how the camera performs underwater, please read our review and best underwater settings for your camera:
1. Read our Sony a1 II Camera Review and Initial Thoughts
2. Read our Full Sony a1 ii Underwater Review where we tested the camera in the Seas around Socorro Island.
2. Learn more about the best Sony A1 II camera settings for underwater photography
Watch Our Underwater Review of the Sony A1 II filmed at Our Socorro Underwater Workshop
Sample Images taken underwater with the Sony A1 II in an Ikelite Housing
Sony a1 II UNDERWATER HOUSING OPTIONS:
Ikelite Sony a1 II Underwater Housing
*A lightweight yet durable, budget-friendly option*
Constructed from a specially formulated ABS-PC polycarbonate blend, the Sony A1 II underwater housing by Ikelite provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and durable solution for underwater photography. Designed as an alternative to heavier aluminum housings, it delivers dependable performance without adding bulk to your dive gear.
This housing is one of the most affordable underwater housing options in its class, offering excellent value without compromising on build quality or functionality. The transparent rear panel allows for continuous monitoring of your camera’s status during dives, adding an extra layer of assurance while underwater.
To help prevent water intrusion, the housing features Ikelite’s open-groove o-ring design, which simplifies visual inspections and ensures a more secure seal. It also includes a pre-installed vacuum valve, allowing you to perform pre-dive leak checks with the optional Ikelite Vacuum Pump with Gauge, minimizing the risk of water damage and improving confidence in every dive session.
Ikelite's system integration extends beyond the housing itself. Their underwater strobe setups, including popular models like the DS160 II and DS232, are widely used by both recreational and professional underwater photographers to achieve optimal lighting in various shooting environments. Pairing the housing with an Ikelite tray and arm system enhances stability and control, making your full rig both functional and adaptable to changing dive conditions.
Whether you're just starting out in underwater photography or building a professional system, the Sony A1 II underwater housing offers a reliable platform that supports both high-quality imaging and long-term durability.
Aquatica Sony a1 II Underwater Housing
*Precision engineered, Excellent Ergonomics, and Innovative*
Based on our experience, as well as other Aquatica users, Aquatica housings are known for their robust and corrosion-resistant structure. The anodized and powder-coated finish enhances durability, making them suitable for various underwater conditions, making this a popular housing Brand. The housings feature dual fiber optic ports, HDMI out support, and is compatible with a wide range of ports and accessories. Most users also agree that Aquatica housings offer intuitive button placement allowing the ability to operate controls with gloves. The housings are designed to allow full access to camera functions, facilitating smooth shooting experiences, providing superb ergonomics.
The Aquatica camera housing for the Sony a1 II supports multiple strobe and lighting configurations, maintaining the brand's standard for precise imaging performance underwater.
Compared to some competitors, Aquatica offers competitive pricing without compromising on essential features, making their housings accessible to both amateur and professional photographers.
Marelux Sony a1 II Underwater Housing
*Made from Durable Alluminum Alloy with top-notch ergonomics*
The Marelux Sony A1 II Underwater Housing is engineered exclusively for the Sony A1 II, offering a precise, durable, and highly functional solution for underwater photography and videography. Designed with an emphasis on ergonomics and accessibility, this housing provides full manual access to all essential camera controls, allowing for intuitive operation in challenging underwater environments.
A standout feature of the Sony A1 II underwater housing is the innovative 125mm front port design—an industry-first from Marelux. This system enables quick lens changes without removing the camera body from the housing, streamlining your setup time and maintaining internal positioning for stability and ease of use.
Built from anodized aluminum alloy, the housing is highly resistant to corrosion and mechanical wear. Its scratch-resistant exterior finish enhances durability while offering a premium appearance. The housing is available in a variety of color options, combining performance with a refined aesthetic.
For optimal underwater lighting performance, Marelux recommends pairing the housing with compatible lighting systems such as the Apollo III 2.0 or Apollo S strobes, both designed to provide consistent and powerful illumination. To improve in-water handling, the Marelux Flexibuoy system offers customizable buoyancy control, helping balance your rig in any dive condition.
Lens configuration and port selection can be tailored to your specific needs using the Marelux port chart, ensuring compatibility and optimal optical performance with a wide range of lenses.
Ideal for both professional and advanced underwater photographers, the Marelux Sony A1 II housing delivers high performance, robust protection, and innovative design for reliable operation in all underwater environments.
Nauticam NA-A1 II Underwater Housing
*Precision engineered, Excellent Ergonomics, and Innovative*
in full-frame Sony underwater housings, the NA-A1 II is a reliable tool for both professional and amateur photographers.
Built around the versatile N100 Port System, the NA-A1 II supports a wide range of lens options, from wide-angle to macro, making it perfect for every underwater scenario. The NA-A1 II is compatible with Nauticam’s groundbreaking Water Contact Optics, including the WACP-1b, WWL-1B, and FCP-1, which deliver unparalleled optical performance underwater. These lenses offer up to a 170º field of view, full zoom-through capability, and an almost 0” minimum focus distance for wide-angle shots. For macro enthusiasts, the SMC-1 and SMC-2 provide tack-sharp super-macro magnification levels up to 4x when paired with the Sony 90mm macro lens.
For added peace of mind, the NA-A1 II comes standard with Nauticam’s Vacuum Check and Leak Detection System, providing constant monitoring of the housing’s water-tight status. A color-coded LED system and audible alerts ensure you’re always aware of your housing’s condition, while temperature compensation eliminates false alarms caused by environmental changes.
Sony a1 II Mirrorless Camera
The Sony a1 II mirrorless camera delivers an advanced combination of high-resolution stills, cutting-edge autofocus performance, and professional video capabilities—engineered for photographers and videographers who demand top-tier functionality in a robust and ergonomic design.
Key Features and Benefits Of the Sony a1 ii Mirrorless Camera
Dedicated AI Processing Unit
The sony a1 ii introduces a dedicated AI processing unit that dramatically enhances autofocus precision and subject tracking. It enables advanced subject recognition and predictive tracking, maintaining sharp focus even in fast-paced or unpredictable shooting scenarios.
8.5-Stop In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)
With improved in-body image stabilization, offering up to 8.5 stops of shake reduction, the sony a1 ii mirrorless camera allows for steady handheld shooting in low-light conditions, making it easier to shoot at slower shutter speeds without compromising image quality.
Professional Video Capabilities
The camera supports 8K 30p 10-bit 4:2:0 and 4K 120p 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, ensuring cinematic detail and dynamic range. New tools like Framing Stabilizer, Dynamic Active Mode Stabilization, and Breathing Compensation provide professional-level control and stability for on-the-go video production.
AI-Powered Autofocus System
Equipped with advanced AI recognition, the sony a1 ii can detect and track a wide range of subjects including people, animals, birds, cars, and aircraft. Enhanced Real-time Eye AF and Human Pose Estimation offer unmatched accuracy for portraits, action photography, and wildlife tracking.
Expanded Subject Recognition: Includes animals, insects, vehicles, and more.
Custom Focus Areas: XS to XL focus spot sizes and user-defined focus zones.
Real-time Tracking: AI-driven focus that adjusts dynamically with subject movement.
High-Speed Stills Performance
Capture up to 30 frames per second (fps) at full resolution with extended buffer capacity. Additional features include:
Pre-Capture Function: Records frames before the shutter is pressed, ensuring critical moments are never missed.
Speed Boost Function: Instantly increase frame rate via the C5 button for high-speed action.
Pixel Shift Multi Shooting: Combines multiple exposures to generate ultra-high-resolution images with approximately 199MP of data.
Refined Body and Ergonomics
The sony a1 ii mirrorless camera adopts the rugged, weather-sealed body design of the a9 III, providing comfort, durability, and full professional reliability.
QXGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF: High-resolution electronic viewfinder for detailed previews and accurate framing.
4-Axis Multi-Angle LCD Touchscreen: 3.2-inch display with 2.1 million-dot resolution for flexible shooting angles.
Streamlined Interface: Refined touchscreen menu system for faster navigation and intuitive control.
Key Specifications the Sony a1 ii Mirrorless Camera
- 50MP Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS Sensor
- AI Tracking & Human Pose Estimation
- 8K 30p and 4K 120p Video in 10-Bit
- Up to 30 fps Shooting with AF/AE
- Pre-Capture & Speed Boost Button
- 8.5-Stop IBIS + Dynamic Stabilisation
- 9.44m-Dot EVF with 240 fps Refresh Rate
- 3.2" 2.1m-Dot 4-Axis Touchscreen LCD
- 5 GHz MIMO Wi-Fi, 2.5GBASE-T Ethernet
- Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots
Next Steps After Picking Your Housing: