Many underwater imaging enthusiasts have been anxious to move beyond the limited performance of their compact camera systems but have been reluctant to give up the compact form factor and simplicity of the genre. Other world travelers have started wondering if there is a way to downsize from their DSLR without giving up too much performance. Nauticam has been listening to this increasing interest and their industry leading engineers have responded with the new NA-R50.
The mission statement was clear: Design the most compact and friendly housing possible for Canon’s awarding-winning and remarkably compact EOS R50 mirrorless APS-C camera. The added challenge was making the housing just as simple and straight forward as Nauticam’s legendary compact camera housings, while making it even easier to achieve superior imaging results. The resulting housing represents an entirely new category for Nauticam while maintaining their famous ergonomics and quality.
Nauticam has always been at the forefront of underwater housing technology. They consistently push the boundaries to create evolutionary, and sometimes revolutionary, products to make imaging creation easier. The NA-R50 Underwater housing is no exception, integrating everything that makes Nauticam's range of housings a favorite among underwater photographers into a small and lightweight package.
The new innovative system is engineered around the Canon RF-S 18-45 F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens, since this is by far the most versatile and practical RF lens to use on the Canon RF APS-C format underwater. The port is thus integral to housing and requires no additional maintenance, much like Nauticam’s compact camera systems. This lens provides excellent results in the wide to narrow fish portrait FOV range but is easily married to Nauticam’s superb WWL-1 or WWL-C for exceptionally sharp wide angle coverage with full zoom through while still keeping a modest form factor. Nauticam’s Compact Macro Converter water contact optics can be added for a full “do anything and go anywhere” system that easily fits in a traveler's carry on.
Constructed from rugged aluminum, the NA-R50 housing is not only lighter but also more compact than any previous Canon APS-C system. It's the perfect choice for photographers who want to capture stunning images and videos with best-in-the-industry auto focus, while enjoying the convenience of minimal bulk and maintenance. The housing comes ready to submerge as even the zoom gear is included. Add the R50 camera and RFS 18-45 and you are ready to shoot.
Compact and Versatile
The NA-R50 underwater housing dimensions are small enough to hand hold without a tray for ultimate freedom if it is required. Measuring just 238mm (9.3in) wide, 150mm (5.9in) in height and 115mm (4.5) in depth. The NA-R50 has an incredibly small footprint compared to previous APS-C camera housings, making it extremely appealing and travel-friendly.
WHICH WET LENSES SHOULD I PAIR WITH THE NA-R50?
Nauticam has become justifiably famous for their groundbreaking optical designs for underwater. These optics have been a particular passion of Nauticam founder and Managing Director Edward Lai, and several options offer exceptional performance with the NA-R50 underwater system. The magic of the wet lenses is their tremendous versatility, paired with outstanding in-water performance. Both macro and super wide angle interchangeable optics can be available to the underwater photographer on the same dive. A sampling of recommended options are below.
The WWL-1B is a wide angle conversion lens that is an excellent match with the Canon RF-S 18-45 F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens. The WWL-1B provides a crispy 130 degree diagonal field of view with the lens at 18mm and allows for full zoom through to about 60 degrees at 45mm. Focus down-to-the-glass performance is available at all focal lengths for amazing close focus wide angle capability. The all glass WWL-1B lens provides sharper over-all performance then any wide angle lens behind a dome on a typical system.
For those wishing for an even smaller wide angle option without any loss of quality, Nauticam's WWL-C provides a compact all glass optic every bit as sharp as the WWL-1B, but with a zoom range offering 116 degrees at 18mm zooming to about 52 degrees at 45mm. Of course, it also focuses to the front optic.
Macro aficionados have options as well. Nauticam strongly recommends the lightweight CMC-1 & CMC-2 lenses for ultimate image quality and better auto-focus performance. Maximum magnification is achieved at a focal length of 45mm. The CMC-1 offers more magnification but is a bit more challenging. CMC-2 still offers a hefty 0.6X magnification but is a bit more forgiving.
Flash Triggering
With the NA-R50 underwater housing, flash triggering is accomplished by utilizing the Canon EOS R50’s pop-up flash making adding strobes that employ fiber optic connections a seamless integration. Strobes that provide STTL capability with fiber optics will provide the option of full TTL compatibility with the R50.
Integrated Vacuum Check and Leak Detection System
The Nauticam vacuum check and leak detection electronics are shipped with the NA-R50 as standard equipment. Combined with an accessory M16 vacuum valve (25625) this monitoring system provides constant updates on the water tight and safe-to-dive status of the housing. A simple color coded LED lighting system lets the user know that the vacuum is solid, or that the housing is losing vacuum. Leak detection is built into the same circuit, so if there is water intrusion, an audible and visual indication will occur.
*When using the HDMI Monitor cables, 25627 M16 Offset Connector with Vacuum Valve II must be used rather than 25625.
The Nauticam system is temperature compensated, eliminating false alarms caused by a change in outside temperature, or from a camera heating up on an action packed dive.
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IN THE BOX
- NA-R50 Underwater Housing with integrated flat port (bayonet mount)
- Spare silicone rubber O-ring for housing (#90131)
- O-ring remover and lubricant
- 2x plugs for Optical fiber cable mount
- CR-2450 Battery (for moisture alarm and leak detector)
- Padded housing bag
- Set of Allen Keys
- Manual instruction card
Pro Package includes in addition: Flexitray, right handle, two mounting balls, M16 vacuum, shutter extension
