Nikon D850 / D500 Snorkel Housing Options

Hi,

I currently use the subject cameras for landscapes and wildlife photography. I am a scuba diver and use a GoPro Hero 7 for underwater. For taking still photos while snorkeling, I am looking for something better than a GoPro. Since I have two excellent Nikon cameras, is there a budget solution for something I can use for just snorkeling?

I have considered the TG-6 in the past for scuba diving and did not think I would be satisfied with the quality of the photos. However for snorkeling in shallow waters in Florida the TG-6 may be a great option.

I do not want to invest in a large scuba diving housing for my Nikon cameras.

Thanks, Scott

There is a reason why the housings are so large.  There is an amazing amount of levers and buttons involved, and they take up space.

They only way 'budget' and 'housing' are going to be in the same sentence for a modern Nikon housing is if it includes the word 'used'.

What lens options were you thinking of for snorkeling?  I'm assuming wide and not macro.  You would be well advised to head toward DX there and I hope you like fisheye.

Take a look at lens options for a D500 at Bluewater Photo.  You may or may not be surprised at the lack of lens options.   But you have a lot more options with DX than FX.

If you want wide angle for your D850, I just can't see snorkeling with it.  Here's what you're looking at:

Nauticam D810 housing with 230mm dome port for 16-35 wide angle.  D850 very slightly shorter due to lack of onboard flash.

Unless you're a very dedicated underwater photographer willing to sink five figures in USD into a proper underwater rig, I would suggest forgeting about housing either of your DSLRs. Just get a TG-6 and a wrist lanyard - it will be small, easy to manage, and provide decent snapshots in clear shallow water. Since you're snorkeling and not diving, you don't even need a housing for it.

Thanks Guys for the feedback and recommendations.  I have known for sometime that I do not want to invest in housings for my Nikon cameras!  I will consider the TG-6 and perhaps there will be a newer version with a better sensor and manual controls.

I am very impressed with the quality of the GoPro video, not so much with the still images.  I have two good video lights I use for scuba.

Thanks again, Scott!