Canon has finally launched the highly anticipated successor to its popular Canon R5 mirrorless camera—the Canon R5 Mark II. Building on the success of the original R5, this new model has already sparked excitement among underwater photographers. Unsurprisingly, all the leading manufacturers have released a Canon R5 II underwater housing to fit the Canon R5 II mirrroless camera, ensuring there’s a perfect underwater housing to match every photographer’s needs and budget. Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast, the variety of Canon underwater housings available makes it easy to find the ideal solution for your underwater adventures.
During one of our recent workshops, we had the opportunity to test the Canon R5 Mark II underwater using an Ikelite underwater housing. The experience highlighted the camera’s impressive upgrades, including a new stacked sensor with faster readout speeds, enhanced burst shooting capabilities, an advanced autofocus system with eye movement control, faster 8K video frame rates, and C-Log2 recording. These improvements make the Canon R5 Mark II a powerhouse for both photography and videography, and we predict it will be even more popular than its predecessor.
When it comes to Canon R5 II underwater housings, there’s a full range of options to suit different requirements and budgets. For those seeking an affordable and lightweight solution, the Ikelite Canon R5 II underwater housing is an excellent entry-level choice. However, if you need a more rugged and durable option, aluminum housings from brands like Isotta, Marelux, Aquatica, and Sea & Sea are ideal. These underwater housings are designed for demanding conditions, offering superior functionality and usability. While they are heavier and come at a higher price point, their durability and performance make them worth the investment for serious underwater photographers.
For those who prioritize high-end performance and scalability, the Nauticam R5 II underwater housing is a top-tier option. Known for its precision engineering and modular design, Nauticam housings are favored by professionals for their reliability and advanced features. Similarly, Seacam offers premium housings that combine luxury with functionality, making them ideal for photographers who demand the best.
Whether you’re shooting wide-angle seascapes or macro close-ups, these manufacturers provide the necessary accessories and optics to optimize your camera’s performance underwater. To ensure compatibility, consult our port charts provided by each manufacturer to select the correct port for your lens setup.
If you’re searching for the perfect Canon R5 Mark II underwater housing, this guide is here to help. Below, we’ll cover housings from all the major manufacturers, including Ikelite, Nauticam, Marelux, and Aquatica, highlighting their pros and cons, key features, and what makes each one unique. This will help you make an informed decision about which Canon R5 II underwater housing is right for you. If you have any further questions, Bluewater Photo, one of the world’s leading retailers of underwater photography equipment, is here to assist. Contact us via email at sales@bluewaterphotostore.com or call 310-633-5052 for expert advice and support in finding your perfect underwater photography system.
Canon EOS R5 Mark II Underwater Review:
1. Read our Canon EOS R5 Mark II Review: Canon's True "Flagship" with some notable upgrades!
2. Watch our Full Canon R5 Mark II underwater review:
3. Watch our informative video about the best underwater camera settings for the Canon EOS R5 Mark II for shooting both video and photos underwater.
Canon EOS R5 II Underwater Housings:
Marelux Canon R5 Mark II Underwater Housing
*Made from Durable Alluminum Alloy with top-notch ergonomics*
The Marelux Canon EOS R5 Mark II Underwater Housing is made from a special anodized aluminum material and is strong and well-designed. The Marelux housing is very hard to scratch, lasts a long time against seawater damage, and comes in a variety of custom colors. During our field tests we found this Marelux housing to be the most during and scratch resistant, making it our preferable option if you are doing more shore divings, as it did not succumb to small bangs and scratchs as readily as other housings did.
Marelux also focuses on a small and simple mechanical structure, which makes putting it together easier than with other brands. The R5 Mark II housing's ergonomic design makes it easy to reach all of the camera's controls. Features like the big port opening and ability to work with a vacuum system make it easier to use and give you more peace of mind.
The housing is compatible with a vacuum valve (sold separately) that allows you to test the seal before you take the housing underwater. The manual optical flash trigger is also sold separately.
Key Features & Specifications of the Marelux Canon R5 II Underwater housing:
- Durability: The anodized aluminum alloy design of the housing makes it strong enough to handle rough conditions underwater and protects it from scratches and corrosion.
- Ergonomics: All of the camera's settings, like AF-ON and the Q Menu, are easy to get to so it's easy to use underwater.
- Ease of Use: Features like the EF and RF lens release button simplify lens exchanges. The large port opening often eliminates the need to remove the port for lens installation.
- Lightweight: Even though it's built to last, the body is still very light so it's easy to hold during dives.
- Affordability: Marelux's anodized aluminum housing is reasonably priced, which makes it a great choice for underwater shooters.
- Color Options: Customization is possible with a range of color options for the housing (at an additional cost).
- Vacuum System: The housing is compatible with a vacuum valve (sold separately) for pre-dive leak testing
Nauticam Canon R5 Mark II Underwater Housing
*Precision engineered, Excellent Ergonomics, and Innovative*
When it comes to underwater photography, Nauticam is a name synonymous with precision, innovation, and exceptional quality. Renowned for their cutting-edge designs and meticulous engineering, Nauticam underwater housings are the go-to choice for professional and enthusiast photographers alike, and where budget is no problem. Among their impressive lineup, the Nauticam Canon R5 Mark II Underwater Housing (model NA-R5II) stands out as a top-tier solution for capturing stunning underwater images and videos with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II mirrorless camera.
The Nauticam NA-R5II underwater housing is specifically designed to unlock the full potential of the Canon R5 Mark II, offering seamless access to the camera’s advanced features while providing unparalleled protection in challenging underwater environments. Crafted from high-grade aluminum alloy, the housing is both lightweight and durable, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of frequent use in saltwater conditions. Its ergonomic design and intuitive controls make it easy to operate the camera’s functions, and hence, often, the most popular brand amongst underwatwer photographers.
The Nauticam housing also incorporates advanced features such as an optional vacuum check system, which ensures the housing remains watertight before each dive, offering added peace of mind. Flash triggering is achieved via the use of optional Flash Triggers, either a manual LED trigger or a TTL Flash Trigger that use the built-in fiber optic bulkheads with optional fiber-optic cables to trigger supported strobes. Additionally, the housing’s modular design allows for the integration of external monitors, focus lights, and other accessories, making it a highly scalable solution for underwater photographers.
The NA-R5II supports a variety of lenses and optics, thanks to Nauticam’s versatile port system, and is based on the N120 port system. To ensure you select the correct port for your setup, consult the port chart supplied by Nauticam, which provide detailed information on compatibility and configurations for various lenses.
Key Features & Specifications of the Nauticam Canon R5 Mark II Underwater Housing:
- Unparalleled Access and Ergonomics: Nauticam's signature "Mission Control" philosophy ensures effortless access to essential camera controls. Dual thumb levers and sub-levers, strategically placed near the ergonomic rubberized handles, provide intuitive control over autofocus, recording functions, and quick menus.
- Extensive Lens Compatibility: The NA-R5II integrates seamlessly with the N120 port system, accommodating both native RF lenses and legacy EF lenses via an adapter. This versatility expands your creative options underwater.
- Robust Construction and Durability: Built from high-quality materials, the Canon R5 MKII housing is depth-rated to 100 meters, providing exceptional protection for your valuable camera equipment in challenging underwater environments.
- Precision Optics: Nauticam's renowned port system ensures optimal image quality by perfectly aligning lenses with the housing's optical axis. This commitment to precision maintains the integrity of your shots underwater.
- Enhanced Vacuum Check and Leak Detection System: A sophisticated vacuum system with an integrated leak detection sensor offers real-time monitoring of the housing's seal integrity, providing peace of mind during dives.
Ikelite Canon R5 Mark II Underwater Housing
*A lightweight yet durable, budget-friendly option*
The Ikelite underwater housing for the Canon R5 Mark II is designed to provide full access to the camera’s advanced features while ensuring robust protection in underwater environments. Constructed from lightweight yet durable ABS polycarbonate, the housing is not only travel-friendly but also resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for both freshwater and saltwater use. Its ergonomic design and easy-to-use controls make it a great choice for photographers who want a hassle-free underwater photography experience. Another one of our key considerations when looking at an Ikelite housing, is its seamless integration with Ikelite strobes, which are renowned for their TTL (Through-The-Lens) compatibility and reliable performance.
The Ikelite Canon R5 Mark II underwater housing also features a modular design, allowing you to customize your system with accessories like the Ikelite tray, handles, and arms for added stability and comfort. Additionally, the housing is compatible with a wide range of lenses, and the Ikelite port chart provides detailed information to help you select the correct port for your setup.
Key Features & Specifications of the Ikelite Canon R5 Mark II Underwater Housing:
- Durability: The housing is constructed from a custom blend of ABS-PC, making it both lightweight and robust. This material is lighter than aluminum, making it easier to handle underwater, yet strong enough to withstand demanding conditions.
- Versatility: It accommodates both EF and RF series lenses via a dual-action lens release control, offering flexibility in lens choice.
- Ergonomics: The housing is designed for comfortable handling and easy access to all camera controls.
- Reliable Waterproofing: Ikelite's signature open-groove design ensures a secure and dependable waterproof seal. The o-ring sits in a natural position that's easier to maintain and more reliable than channeled designs.
- Vacuum Check System: The housing is compatible with a vacuum pump system (sold separately), allowing you to test for leaks before entering the water, providing extra peace of mind.
- Lightweight Ports: Ikelite offers a wide variety of compatible lens ports, which are known for being lightweight yet durable enough for challenging environments like surf photography.
- Thermal Management: The housing's light color helps to keep your camera cooler when shooting in warm, sunny conditions.
Seacam Canon R5 Mark II Underwater Housing
*Meticulously crafted, offering exceptional durability and a premium feel*
Seacam is a name synonymous with luxury, precision, and unparalleled craftsmanship in the world of underwater photography (we commonly refer to Seacam as the "Rolls Royce" of underwater Housings). Renowned for their handcrafted designs and meticulous attention to detail, Seacam housings are the ultimate choice for professional photographers who demand the very best, and are willing to pay for it. Their latest release for the new Canon R5 II camera is the Seacam Canon R5 Mark II Underwater Housing, that stands out as a premium solution for capturing breathtaking underwater images and videos with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II mirrorless camera.
The Seacam housing for the Canon R5 Mark II is a masterpiece of engineering, combining functionality with elegance. Handcrafted from high-grade aluminum materials, the Seacam underwater housing offers exceptional durability and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for use in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Its exceptional design and ergonomics, together with its precise controls provide seamless access to the camera’s advanced features, even at depth.
For those seeking a high-end underwater housing that combines luxury, durability, and precision, the Seacam Canon R5 Mark II underwater housing is an exceptional choice. Combining this seacam housing with the exceptional Seaflash underwater strobes will ensure you have a top level underwater camera system
Key Features & Specifications of the Seacam Canon R5 Mark II Underwater Housing:
- Ergonomic Design: Provides intuitive access to all essential camera controls, ensuring ease of use even while wearing thick gloves. This is a hallmark of Seacam housings, prioritizing user experience in challenging underwater conditions.
- Full Functionality: Allows access to all camera functions, including the innovative features of the R5 Mark II, such as its high-speed burst shooting and advanced autofocus system. This ensures that underwater photographers can maximize the camera's capabilities.
- Optical Viewfinder Compatibility: Seacam offers optional viewfinders that provide a bright, magnified view of the camera's electronic viewfinder, enhancing composition and focus accuracy underwater. This is a key differentiator, as many housings rely solely on the camera's LCD screen.
- Vacuum Check System: An optional vacuum check system with a leak detector for added safety is available. This system allows users to verify the housing's seal before diving, minimizing the risk of water damage.
- Modular System: Seacam offers a wide range of ports, extension rings, and accessories to accommodate various lenses and underwater photography needs. This modularity is a significant advantage over brands with more limited accessory options.
- Durability: Constructed from high-quality materials, the Seacam housing is built to withstand the rigors of professional underwater use. This robust construction is a defining feature of Seacam, known for its long-lasting housings.
Aquatech Canon R5 Mark II Surf Housing
*Rugged & Reliable, with great Ergonomics for shooting in the Surf *
Aquatech is a globally recognized leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance water housings, and the AquaTech Canon EOS R5 II Water Edge Housing is no different. This Aquatech water housing is a fantastic underwater housing for snorkeling & surf photography. Compared to other housings in this guide, it's relatively inexpensive and is depth rated to 33ft (10m). We highly recommend these water housings if you are an avid surfer or surf photographer.
The Aquatech housing for the Canon R5 Mark II is designed to deliver unmatched protection and functionality. Built from high-quality materials, the Aquatech water housing is both lightweight and durable, making it ideal for use in surf, splash, and shallow-water environments. Its ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling, while the precise button layout provides full control over your camera’s settings, even in fast-paced shooting scenarios. There are optional housing accessories like a pistol grip that are specifically designed for surf photography.
Key Features & Specifications of the Aquatech Canon R5 Mark II Water Housing:
- Ergonomic Design: Aquatech has focused on user comfort and ease of use. The housing features an ergonomic grip and strategically placed controls, allowing for intuitive operation even when wearing gloves.
- Depth Rating: With a depth rating of 10 meters (33 feet), this housing is perfect for snorkeling, shallow dives, and surf photography.
- Optical Excellence: The housing incorporates a high-quality glass eyepiece that provides a clear and magnified view of the camera's electronic viewfinder, ensuring accurate composition and focus.
- Versatility: The Aquatech R5 Mark II Surf Housing is compatible with Aquatech's P-Series lens ports, giving you the flexibility to use a variety of lenses for different underwater perspectives.
- Compact and Lightweight: Despite its robust construction, the housing maintains a compact and lightweight profile, making it easy to handle in the water and reducing fatigue during extended shoots.
Aquatica Canon R5 Mark II Underwater Housing
*Rugged and reliable housings, offering a perfect balance of strength and portability*
Isotta Canon EOS R5 Mark II Underwater Housing
*Ferrari of the Sea, combining elegance with functionality *
The Isotta housing for the Canon R5 Mark II is a masterpiece of engineering, combining functionality with a sleek, stylish design. Handcrafted from high-quality materials, the Isotta underwater housing offers exceptional durability and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for use in both freshwater and saltwater environments. The Isotta housing features a double O-ring design, ensuring that your Canon EOS R5 Mark II is exceptionally safe and well-protected from any potential leaks. When it comes to ergonomics, Isotta housings are meticulously designed for ease of use. The button layout is intuitive and logical, providing full control over your camera’s functions, even in challenging underwater conditions. Additionally, the handles are incredibly comfortable, enhancing your grip and making the housing easy to maneuver. Combined with its compact and lightweight design, the Isotta underwater housing offers effortless handling, allowing you to focus on capturing stunning underwater images and videos with confidence.
The Isotta Canon R5 Mark II underwater housing is also compatibility with a wide range of lenses and Isotta accessories. The Isotta port chart provides detailed information to help you select the correct port for your camera and lens setup, depending on whether you are wanting to photography wide angle or macro while underwater.
Sea & Sea Canon R5 Mark II Underwater Housing
**Built to last, Compact Size, Elegantly Engineered* *
Key Features and Specifications of the Sea & Sea Canon R5 II Underwater Housing
Housing Grip: The Sea & Sea EOS R5 Mark II housing comes equipped with the Sea & Sea Grip Plus, offering comfortable handles for an enhanced shooting experience. Additionally, it includes SA8 Fixed Ball Bases for secure mounting of accessories.
Controls: Ergonomics are a key consideration in the design of this housing. All essential camera controls, including levers, buttons, and dials, are readily accessible at your fingertips, even while wearing thick gloves.
Bulkhead: The housing features a bulkhead that allows for the installation of the Sea & Sea Leak Alarm Unit (pre-fitted) or a third-party vacuum sensor with an optional 16mm step-down converter. This ensures added protection for your valuable camera equipment.
Upper Control Panel: A clear window on the housing provides a view of the camera's control panel, allowing for quick and easy confirmation of settings.
Lens Compatibility: The focus and zoom gears are adjustable to accommodate both RF and EF mount lenses, providing flexibility in lens selection.
Port System: The MDX-R5 II housing is compatible with a wide variety of ports, catering to diverse lens options.
Flash Trigger: Strobes can be triggered using a manual flash trigger with an electronic sync cord or the Sea & Sea Optical TTL Converter with fiber optic cables.
Inon X-2 Canon R5 Mk II Underwater Housing
**Innovative, Durable, with Essential accessories included**
INON is a trusted name in the underwater photography industry, celebrated for its innovative and high-quality products, especially their Inon strobes, that cater to both amateur and professional photographers. Known for their compact designs and exceptional performance, INON housings are a popular choice for those seeking reliable and versatile solutions for underwater imaging. The INON X-2 Canon R5 Mark II Underwater Housing stands out as a lightweight and compact option for capturing stunning underwater images and videos with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II mirrorless camera.
The INON housing for the Canon R5 Mark II is designed to combine portability with functionality. Crafted from durable materials, the INON underwater housing is both lightweight and robust, making it ideal for travel and frequent use in underwater environments. Its ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling, while the intuitive button layout provides full control over your camera’s settings, even while wearing gloves.
We find that the Inon housings offer some stand-out features not found in any of the other housing manufacturers designs. These includes a built-in quick shoe system, allowing you to rotate the housing while maintaining the handles in the same position, which is perfect for changing between landscape and portrait. The housing also ships with a Vacuum Check system pre-installed, offering you the peace of mind that your housing is sealed before going for your dive. Then their newly developed S-MRS (Magnetic Rotary System) controls focusing and zooming by magnetic attraction. Three MRS Control Rings can be installed to control the Zoom Ring, Focus Ring and SA Control Ring.
Key Features fo the Inon X-2 Canon R5 II Underwater Housing:
- TTL Converter: The built-in TTL converter allows for precise control of strobe lighting, ensuring optimal exposure for each shot.
- Continuous Shooting: With support for up to 12 frames per second, photographers can capture fast-moving subjects effortlessly.
- Quick Shoe System: This innovative system enables rapid transitions between horizontal and vertical shooting, providing flexibility in composition.
- Vacuum Leak Sensor: A built-in sensor quickly checks the housing for leaks, giving photographers peace of mind while diving.
- Lightweight Design: Made from ultra-precision cast aluminum, the housing is both strong and lightweight, making it easy to handle underwater.
Sample underwater photos taken with the Canon R5 Mark II Mirrorless Camera
Canon EOS R5 Mark II Camera
Canon has officially unveiled much anticipated successor to the extremely successful Canon EOS R5. At the heart of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II lies a remarkable 45-megapixel sensor, boasting a stacked, back-illuminated design that sets it apart from its predecessor. This innovative sensor architecture, coupled with Canon's latest DIGIC Accelerator image processor, unlocks a level of performance that redefines the capabilities of a mirrorless camera.
The stacked sensor design allows for faster readout speeds, which directly benefits the camera's burst shooting capabilities, video recording options, and electronic shutter performance. By pairing the high-resolution sensor with the powerful DIGIC Accelerator, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II can capture stunning images at an impressive 30 frames per second, as well as record 8K60p raw video – a feat that showcases the camera's remarkable versatility and processing prowess.
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II's autofocus system has received a significant upgrade, leveraging the advancements in deep learning technology to deliver enhanced subject recognition and tracking. The camera's Dual Pixel Intelligence AF system now incorporates deep learning datasets, enabling it to accurately identify and lock onto a wide range of subjects, including people, animals, and even specific sports-related elements like balls.
One of the standout features is the improved Eye Control Focus, which was first introduced in the Canon EOS R3. The R5 Mark II boasts newly developed camera optics and a revised line-of-sight detection algorithm, allowing the system to nearly double the detection frame rate.
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II's video performance is nothing short of impressive, offering a comprehensive suite of features that cater to the needs of multimedia professionals. The camera can capture 8K60p raw video, providing filmmakers with unparalleled image quality and flexibility in post-production. Additionally, the R5 Mark II offers a range of 4K recording options, including oversampled 4K30p and high-speed 4K120p modes, delivering exceptional image quality and creative possibilities.
One of the key concerns with the original Canon EOS R5 was the potential for overheating during extended video recording sessions. The R5 Mark II addresses this issue with the introduction of a dedicated cooling grip accessory, which features a built-in fan to help dissipate heat and extend the camera's video recording capabilities.
One of the key advantages of the R5 Mark II's sensor is its ability to capture 30 frames per second in electronic shutter mode, a feature that will be particularly useful for sports and action photography. Additionally, the camera's pre-burst mode, which records a half-second of footage before the shutter is pressed, helps ensure that the decisive moment is never missed.
Canon has long been renowned for its exceptional camera ergonomics, and the EOS R5 Mark II continues this tradition. The camera features a fully articulating 2.1-million-dot touchscreen LCD, providing versatile framing options and intuitive control. The electronic viewfinder, borrowed from the flagship Canon EOS R3, offers a high-resolution 5.76-million-dot display with impressive magnification and brightness.
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II is equipped with a dual card slot configuration, offering one CFexpress Type-B slot and one UHS-II SD card slot. This versatile setup allows users to take advantage of the speed and capacity of CFexpress media for high-resolution, high-frame-rate capture, while also providing the flexibility of using readily available SD cards for backup or overflow storage. Regarding battery life, the R5 Mark II introduces a new LP-E6P battery, which provides a slight increase in power output compared to the older LP-E6N and LP-E6NH batteries.
Proposed Specs:
- 45-megapixel stacked, back-illuminated sensor
- DIGIC Accelerator image processor
- 30 fps burst shooting (electronic shutter)
- 8K60p raw video recording
- Improved Dual Pixel Intelligence AF with deep learning
- Enhanced Eye Control Focus
- Fully articulating 2.1-million-dot touchscreen LCD
- 5.76-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
- CFexpress Type-B and UHS-II SD card slots
- LP-E6P battery with improved power output
- Accessory grips for cooling, vertical control, and Ethernet connectivity
Next Steps After Picking Your Housing: