Ikelite Sony A7 IV, A7R V Underwater Housing
Ikelite has a reputation to produce high quality underwater camera housings, and the Ikelite Sony A7 IV, A7R V Housing lives up to the name. The housing is small, compact and lightweight which makes it great to bring when going on dive trips. It is also built from ABS-PC material which provides strength and requires minimal maintenance. The housing also has great ergonomics. Button and lever location has been well thought off to make your shooting experience wonderful even when wearing thick gloves.
Learn more about the A7 IV & A7R V features and why we love it for underwater photography in our full Sony A7 IV Review & Sony A7R V Review .
Here is some great advice on the best settings for the Sony A7R V while shooting underwater while shooting underwater.
Key Features:
- Controls and Setup - 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 A7 IV, A7R V 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 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 - The housing 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 fast and accurate TTL exposure 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.
- Viewfinder - 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.
- 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.
- Ports - The Ikelite Sony A7R IV, Sony A7R V 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.
- Bulkhead Accessory - The housing is equipped with M16 Bulkhead Port for third party accessories such as monitors
- Strobe Compatiblity - 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 A7 IV, A7R V 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
Video Features:
Sample Photos:
Sony A7R V Sample Photos:
Related Underwater Gear Categories:
- 200' (60m) depth rating
- Compatible with DL system lens ports
- Controls are provided for all camera functions except: Diopter adjustment; Joystick up/down/left/right (Joystick can be depressed), Control wheel; Control wheel functions may be accessed using the Front and Rear Dials
- 1/4-20 thread base mounts with 3.5" spacing
- Slightly positive buoyancy in fresh water
- Actual buoyancy varies depending on choice of lens and port
- Housing 4.67 lb (2121 g)
- Tray with left handle 11 oz (312 g)
- 9 x 7.25 x 6" (229 x 184 x 152 mm) Not including handle
- Vacuum valve included (pump sold separately)
- Included Ikelite ICS-5 bulkhead connector with manual hotshoe for reliable electrical triggering of underwater strobes; Optional TTL accessories provides automatic exposure with compatible Ikelite DS strobes
- ABS-PC construction is fundamentally corrosion-resistant
- Made in the USA; Individually inspected for fit and water pressure tested to depth
- Ikelite Sony A7 IV Housing
- Rear O-ring # 0132.59 (installed)
- Front O-ring # 0132.45 (installed)
- Zoom Gear Retainer # 75900 (installed)
- Port Hole Cover # 0200.92 (installed)
- Waterproof Bulkhead Cap # 9104.7 (installed)
- Base with Left-Hand Quick Release Handle # 4077.67 (installed)
- Tool for Zoom Gear Retainer # 0945.06
- .050" Hex Key # 0945.11
- Silicone Lubricant 1cc Tube