Ikelite Sony A7R IV, A9 II Underwater Housing

Ikelite Sony A7R IV, A9 II Underwater Housing

Compatible with Sony A9 II Camera

The Ikelite Sony A7R IV, A9 II Underwater Housing, brings affordability to a professional level, high end cameras. This robust and well built housing is a perfect way to get the quality and speed of the camera without tripling the cost of the system as with many aluminum housing options. At Bluewater Photo, we are a huge fan of Ikelite housings and this one will surely not disappoint!

Learn more about the A7R IV features and why we love it for underwater photography in our full Sony A7R IV Review.

Ikelite Housing Key Features:

Controls and Set-Up

Ergonomics and ease of use is one of the most important aspect in an underwater housing that we need to consider. With a housing that has excellent ergonomics and controls, it would allow you to concentrate more on your composition, focus and exposure. The Ikelite Sony A7R IV Underwater Housing provides superb erogonomics and operation is a breeze. Large and curved control levers - shutter and autofocus (via the AF-ON button) are located right where you need them. This combination allows you to shoot with or without back button focus, an advanced technique that is useful for tack sharp focus of super macro and fast moving subjects. Each lever can be extended using the optional Trigger Extension # 4077.93 for perfect spacing when using a right-hand handle.

The rotating controls are all operated intuitively via premium soft-touch knobs. An oversized, lobed knob puts the zoom/focus knob at your fingertips while your left hand stays on the handle. Stainless steel, direct-drive rotating controls are virtually fail-safe and user serviceable and adjustable in a pinch.

All rear camera buttons are accessible by smooth action, hard anodized aluminum push buttons for reliable performance and easy maintenance. These controls are clearly labeled by laser engraving on the back of the housing that never fades or falls off.

TTL Exposure

This housings supports your choice of shooting with manual strobe exposure or adding a TTL converter depending on your application. The flash bulkhead is located on the top of the case to alleviate strain on the sync cord. 

You can enjoy the fastest and most accurate TTL exposure on the market by adding the Ikelite DL2 DS Link Sony TTL Converter with ST1 Hotshoe Kit and a compatible Ikelite DS strobe. Exposure compensation can be used added or subtracted in the camera.

Reliable locking connectors between the hotshoe and bulkhead make it easy to install the optional ST1K TTL Kit for Sony Alpha or carry back up parts when traveling to remote locations.

Vacuum System

The included vacuum valve allows you to vacuum test the housing to check for leaks prior to putting your expensive equipment in the water. Combined with a full view of the camera and o-ring seal through the back of the housing, there is no greater assurance that your gear will be safe. Our signature open-groove design suspends the rear o-ring in a natural position that is easier to maintain and more reliable than forcing the o-ring into a channel.

Use of the vacuum valve requires a compatible Vacuum Pump with Gauge # 47011, sold separately.

Lens Ports

The Ikelite Sony A7R IV Underwater Housing uses the new Dry Lock Port system, which was designed to be robust and easy to assemble. It is built for reliable performance in the most remote of locations, meaning that their are no complex moving parts that may break and jeopardize your shoot.

The new DL series ports are lighter and more adaptable than the original "Four Lock" port counterparts. They accommodate popular large diameter, full-frame lenses with ease. If you're considering shooting professional quality lenses like the Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L III, then the DL system is essential.

Most popular zoom lenses and select lens focus rings can be engaged using a simple yet effective gearing system that puts adjustment right at your fingertips. A large, soft-touch lobed knob on the side of the housing makes fine tuned adjustments a breeze. Zoom and focus gears differ depending on which lens you are using. All are lightweight and affordable. Refer to the DL System Port Chart for Sony Alpha Series to choose the correct gear. Zoom gears sold separately.

Handling & Travel

Overall the housing is over 1/2 pound lighter than the older Four Lock Ikelite housings. The new hard anodized aluminum base with quick release handle has also been streamlined for travel and is over 3/4 pound lighter than their previous DSLR tray and handle system. The Right-Hand Quick Release Handle # 4077.02 (sold separately) can be added or removed depending on how you want to shoot. The precision machined aluminum base features 1/4-20 tripod mounting sockets and additional mounting locations for future accessories. Plus, the base and handle can be quickly removed when breaking down your system for travel.

A 1/4-20 threaded mounting point is located front and center on the housing above the lens port mount. This mount can be used to attach lightweight accessories like a focus light or GoPro camera.

If you're shooting with two strobe or lighting arms, then a top handle can be added to make the system easier to carry to and from the dive site. Top handles are available in a Cable Grip # 4080.07 or Aluminum Top Handle # 4080.08. The rigid aluminum version provides additional mounting points for lighting and accessories.

M16 Bulkhead Accessory Port

The housing provides a spare M16 threaded accessory port for attaching third party accessories such as HDMI bulkheads.

Viewfinders

The housing already comes with the SuperEye Viewfinder which enhances the view of the cameras EVF. This can easily be replaces with the Ikelite Straight 180° Viewfinder or Ikelite 45° Viewfinder.

Strobe Compatibility

The housing is only compatible with strobes which can be connected with electronic sync cord. Fiber optic only strobes are not compatible with this installation

Ikelite A7R IV Recommended Lenses & Ports:

Wide Angle (for sharks, pelagic and reefscapes):

• Sony 16-35mm f/4 - 8" Dome Port, Zoom Gear
• Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM - 8" Dome Port, 28mm Extension Port, 50mm Extension Port, Zoom Gear
  • *Recommended: Sea & Sea Internal Correction Lens 82mm (for optimal corner sharpness)
• Sony 28mm + Fisheye Conversion Lens - 8" Dome Port, 28mm Extension Port
• Sony 12-24mm F4 G Lens -  8" Dome Port, 50mm Extension Port, Zoom Gear

Mid-Range (fish, marine life portrait):

• Sony 28-70mm Lens - 8" Dome Port, 42mm Extension Port, Zoom Gear
• Sony 35mm F1.8 Lens - 8" Dome Port or Flat Port
• Sony 55mm F1.8 Lens - Flat Port

Macro:

• Sony 90mm Macro Lens - Flat Port, 42mm Extension Port, 20mm Extension Port
• Canon 100mm IS Lens + Metabones - Flat Port, 50mm Extension Port, 20mm Extension Port

Read our guide to the best Sony full frame lenses for underwater

Sample Sony A7R IV Underwater Images:

One of the world's first underwater photos with the Sony A7R IV. Taken with the Ikelite A7R IV housing, dual Ikelite DS 161 strobes, and the Sony 16-35mm rectilinear wide lens aboard the Socorro Vortex liveaboard. 1/250, f/10, ISO 320

 

Beautiful details of soft coral polyps captured with the Sony A7R IV. Taken with the Sony A7R IV, Ikelite A7R IV housing, dual Ikelite DS 161 strobes, the Sony 90mm macro lens, and the Bluewater +7 diopter. 1/250, f/10, ISO 200

Recommended Strobes: 

View our underwater strobe guide

• Sea & Sea YS-D2J Strobe
• Ikelite DS-51 Strobe
• Ikelite DS-160 Strobe
• Ikelite DS-161 Strobe
• Inon Z-330 Strobe

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