Nauticam NA-7DMKII Housing Review

See how this highly engineered housing helps you deliver the best images possible from the 7D Mark II

By Brent Durand

Nauticam NA-7DMKII Housing Review

See how this highly engineered housing helps you deliver the best images possible from the 7D Mark II

By Brent Durand

nauticam 7d mk II housing review

The Nauticam Canon 7D Mark II housing is sure to be popular with underwater photographers, as the housing’s very intricate engineering meets stylish design and function underwater. I was able to make three boat dives at Catalina Island in order to test the controls, ergonomics and overall performance of the housing.

The Canon 7D Mark II is the most advanced crop sensor in Canon's lineup, boasting more features and better specs than the Canon 70D or the new Canon T6s / T6i. Key features for underwater photography include the 61-point autofocus system and 20MP Dual-Pixel AF CMOS sensor. This sensor provides Servo AF in Live View mode, which (along with the 70D) is the first DSLR to use both contrast and phase detection in Live View (used in movie mode), delivering incredibly fast autofocus - even on moving subjects.

To learn more, read our:

Canon 7D Mark II Review for Underwater Photography

Canon 7D Mark II Best Settings Guide

In this review, we discuss the key features of the Nauticam 7D Mark II housing.

Purchase Info & Best Accessories

Nauticam Canon 7D Mark II housing

nauticam 7d mk II housing

Nauticam Canon 7D Mark II Housing Overview

The NA-7DMKII housing is a big step up from the NA-7D housing, incorporating Nauticam’s latest technology and features worthy of the major upgrades to the 7D Mark II. At time of publishing, it is Nauticam’s most refined housing.

New in this housing is a dual function lever under the right handle that brings ISO and M Fn (used for changing AF area) to the user’s thumbtip. The multi selector pad is a very nice feature that allows for diagonal movement of AF points and zoom preview during image review.

Another new feature in this housing is the ability to release or lower the Canon 7D Mark II pop-up flash, saving time when the photographer desires to turn flash on and off.

The Nauticam Canon 7D Mark II housing also features many other great features, including a simple port mount system for quick and easy switching of ports, a vacuum check and leak detect system, ability to use 45 and 180 degree viewfinders and more. The housing uses fiber optic cables to trigger the strobe(s).

nauticam 7d mk II housing

Nauticam 7D Mark II Key Features

Ergonomically re-located controls with size, shape and color differentiation

Access to all key camera controls

Two stage shutter release that can be adjusted to personal preference

Easy-to-use port locking system

Multi Controller Pad instead of 4 directional buttons (used on the 7D’s multi controller button)

Dual M16 accessory holes (HDMI, vacuum valve, etc)

100m Depth Rating

nauticam 7d mk II housing

In the Lab

The Nauticam Canon 7D Mark II housing is a pleasure to use right out of the box. The precision machining feels fantastic as you rotate the knobs, push the buttons and press the levers. The control notches feel tight against the 7D Mark II’s controls, which is important for fast, precise settings changes in the heat of the action.

Opening the back of the housing is simple – just push the red buttons and turn the levers. I prefer old school latches that can handle sand, salt buildup, etc, but these latches felt great out of the box. The main housing o-ring sits in a groove on the housing side of the back.

Moving inside the housing, you notice the precise engineering that Nauticam is known for. Careful thought has gone into positioning each camera control in a place that is convenient for the photographer. If inspected carefully, you can even geek out on features like the playback/zoom lever control – the outer metal tube has been drilled for (I presume) weight savings. The camera body is attached to a tray and then easily slides into position in the housing.

nauticam 7d mk II housing internal

I didn’t use the leak detect system, but you can simply insert a battery and then flip the switch to activate the electronics and you’re good to go.

Nauticam’s port system is very easy to use as well. Simply push in the release and lower the lever to unlock the port and pop it off. You can change lenses with the camera in the housing and then put the port back on. And as with all housings, each o-ring and contact surface needs to be cleaned and inspected any time a port is removed or added. The zoom knob has a lever to push the cog off the zoom gear, making it easy to add and remove a lens with zoom gear attached.

One minor downside to the zoom gear (at least with my Tokina 10-17mm) is that you must remove the rubber grip on the zoom ring in order to install the zoom gear. If you’re someone who is constantly using lenses topside and underwater, this adds to your setup / breakdown time.

Nauticam fiber optic cables are used to trigger the strobes, and dual 1” (25mm) ball mounts allow you to use a variety of arms and clamps, including Nauticam, Ultralight and Beneath the Surface.

In the Water

Most underwater photographers will love the feel and ergonomics of the Nauticam Canon 7D Mark II housing the moment they splash into the water, but if you also use your camera topside it will take a little time to find the housing location of the control you are looking for. Luckily, everything is clearly labeled and you’ll be shooting “eyes-free” in a matter of minutes.

The NA-7DMKII provides access to all the essential camera functions for shooting and reviewing images. It is also easy to switch between photo and movie modes and to start/stop movie recording.

The housing controls felt great in my 5.4mil gloves, and I would imagine they feel nice in dry gloves or bare fingers.

For buoyancy with a 4” glass dome, I would suggest starting with 2.5 jumbo Stix floats on each side and possibly 3 on each side. I was using 3.5 on each side, which was slightly too much float until I added two I-Torch Venom 38 video lights on triple clamps (in addition to two strobes).

Nauticam Canon 7D Mark II Photos and Videos

Purple hydrocoral and gorgonian at Farnsworth Bank, Catalina Island.

A diver passes over gorgonians at Farnsworth Bank, Catalina Island.

A garibaldi greets the camera at Eagle's Nest, Catalina Island.

A female sheephead joins the blacksmith at Eagle's Nest, Catalina Island.

Underwater Video filmed with Nauticam 7D Mark II housing, testing AI Servo and Auto White Balance.

Overall Housing Performance

The Nauticam 7D Mark II housing is a top choice for underwater photographers of all skill levels. It not only offers access to all important camera controls, but it does so ergonomically and with style. It also has a wide selection of dome ports to support all major lenses used underwater.

Pros

Great housing ergonomics

Secure and easy-to-use port lock system

Cons

While not the most expensive, it is more expensive than other housing options

Recommended Ports and Accessories

Bluewater Photo recommends different ports and accessories depending on the subjects you plan to shoot and the lenses needed for that subject. Some of the most popular accessories are below.

Zen Fisheye Dome for Tokina 10-17mm Lens

Nauticam 8-inch Fisheye Dome Port

Nauticam Macro Port 41 for Canon 60mm

Nauticam Vacuum Check and Leak Detection System

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