In a world where just about everything seems to be getting more expensive, Aquatech has done something pretty refreshing in 2026.
They have reduced the price of many of their water housings.
And from what Aquatech are saying, this is not a case of making cheaper, lower-quality products. They have found a more cost-effective way to produce the same high-quality water housings and have passed some of that saving on to the customer.
As someone who has used Aquatech water housings for over 20 years, this is big news.
I have trusted Aquatech housings with my cameras through surf photography, commercial shoots, water portraits, underwater work, split-level images and plenty of rough ocean sessions. They have been a huge part of my photography career, and I still recommend them to my students and followers who are serious about water photography.
I have also been an Aquatech ambassador for the last five years or so, which means I have a discount code for my crew.
Use code TOMW at checkout for an extra 5% off Aquatech gear.
Shop Aquatech Gear here and Use Code TOMW
This works across their range, including housings, ports, grips, accessories and more. It can also work when Aquatech already has a sale running, so it is always worth trying the code before you check out.
Aquatech Discount Code: TOMW
I’ve also filmed a full Aquatech 2026 update video, which you can watch below if you prefer to hear me talk through the gear and the main changes
Watch the full Aquatech 2026 update video below:
Why I Trust Aquatech Water Housings
I have been a full-time professional photographer since 2004 and a water photographer for even longer than that.
For most of that time, Aquatech has been my go-to water housing brand.
I have used their housings for surf photography, commercial photography, underwater and over-under images, ocean lifestyle shoots, and thousands of sessions in all sorts of ocean conditions.
The biggest thing for me is trust.
When you are putting an expensive camera and lens inside a housing and swimming out into the ocean, you need to have confidence in the gear. You need to know the housing is well built, the buttons work properly, the seals are reliable, and the setup is designed for real use in the water.
I have never had an Aquatech housing leak on me. Touch wood.
That does not mean you can be lazy with setup or maintenance. You still need to check your O-rings, keep everything clean, test your housing, and take your time. Most water housing issues come from rushing, dirt, hair, sand, damaged seals or human error.
But when used properly, Aquatech housings have been extremely reliable for me.
The Big 2026 Aquatech Update: Lower Housing Prices
The biggest Aquatech update in 2026 is the price drop.
For example, the Aquatech EDGE Pro housing for a camera like the Canon R5 was previously around $2,500 AUD. It is now around $1,999 AUD.
In the US, that same style of housing is around $1,499 USD.
That is still a serious investment, no doubt.
But when you consider that the housing is protecting a camera and lens setup that could easily be worth $7,000, $10,000 or more, it starts to make a lot of sense if you are serious about water photography.
The good thing is that the entry point has become a bit less scary.
Water photography is never going to be the cheapest style of photography to get into, but this price drop definitely helps.
And remember, my Aquatech code TOMW gives you an extra 5% off at checkout.
The Housing Is Not the Full Cost
One thing I always tell photographers is that the housing price is not the complete setup cost.
You also need the correct lens port.
Depending on your lens and the type of photography you want to shoot, you might need:
A dome port
A flat port
An extension ring
A zoom gear
A pistol grip
Other accessories
At the very minimum, you need the correct housing for your camera and the correct port for your main lens.
For example, if you want to shoot wide-angle surf photography, split-level images or ocean lifestyle work, you will likely be looking at a dome port setup.
If you are shooting tighter or longer focal lengths, you might be looking at a flat port or a different port setup.
Do not guess this part.
Check the Aquatech lens port charts, or contact Aquatech before buying. Getting the wrong port can lead to vignetting, soft images, focus issues or a setup that does not work the way you need it to.
Aquatech EDGE Pro vs Base Models
Aquatech has different housing options depending on your needs and budget.
The EDGE Pro housing is the higher-end option and gives you more control over your camera while you are in the water.
This matters if you want to change settings, adjust focus points, review images, shoot video, or have more control during a session.
There are also more affordable base-style options, which may suit some photographers who do not need full button control.
For me personally, I like having full control in the water, especially when I am working professionally or shooting in changing light and conditions.
But if you are on a tighter budget, it is worth comparing the options and thinking honestly about how much control you need once you are out there.
New Aquatech 8-Inch Glass Dome Port
Another big Aquatech update in 2026 is the release of the new 8-inch glass dome port.
Aquatech has made acrylic dome ports for years, and I have had great results with them. I still get extremely sharp images from my acrylic dome ports.
The new glass dome port is a more premium option.
The big question is whether it is worth the extra money.
At the time of writing, the standard 8-inch acrylic dome port is around $549 AUD, while the new 8-inch glass dome port is around $2,000 AUD.
That is a massive jump.
I have not personally tested the new glass dome yet, so I am not going to pretend I can give a full review. I would love to get my hands on one down the track and do a real-world comparison.
My honest take for now is this:
If you are just getting into water photography, the acrylic dome is likely the more realistic option.
If you are a full-time professional, shooting high-end commercial work, or chasing the absolute best possible optical performance, the glass dome might be worth considering.
But for most people, I would want to see a clear difference before saying it is worth spending that much more.
Acrylic Dome Port vs Glass Dome Port
Acrylic dome ports are lighter, more affordable and have worked extremely well for me for many years.
They can scratch more easily than glass, but minor marks often do not show up in photos as badly as people fear, especially once you understand how to look after the port and shoot with it properly.
Glass dome ports may offer better scratch resistance and potentially higher optical quality, but they cost a lot more.
So the right choice depends on your budget, your level of work, and how much you are willing to invest in the highest-end setup.
For most water photographers, especially when starting out, I still think an acrylic dome port is a very strong option. but now it has come out Im going to mostly likely get one soon.
Should You Get a Pistol Grip?
If you are shooting surf action, I highly recommend considering a pistol grip.
Aquatech’s current pistol grips are much better than older versions and I now use mine a lot, even with longer lenses.
For wide-angle surf photography, a pistol grip allows you to hold the camera out in front of you and shoot from a stronger, more extended angle. It can make the housing easier to handle in the water and can also be useful for starting video.
If your budget is already stretched, you do not have to buy one straight away.
You can start with the housing and port, then add the pistol grip later.
But if you are mainly shooting surf action, I think it is a very worthwhile accessory.
Can You Use Flash With Aquatech Housings?
This is one area where I would love to see more from Aquatech again.
In the past, Aquatech had flash housing options for Canon flashes, and later they also had Godox options.
At the moment, their flash housing options seem limited or unavailable compared to what they offered in the past.
That is a shame because flash in water photography is such a powerful creative tool.
Water photography is already a point of difference, but adding flash can take your images into another space again. It can be especially strong for water portraits, fashion, commercial work, creative surf photography and dramatic low-light sessions.
To be fair, this is not only an Aquatech issue. A lot of sport-style water housing brands do not currently have the perfect flash setup.
It may come down to demand, but I would love to see Aquatech bring back more lighting options in the future.
Should You Buy a Second-Hand Aquatech Housing?
Second-hand Aquatech housings can be a good option, especially if you are using an older camera model.
Aquatech housings last a long time when they are looked after properly. I still have older housings that outlasted the cameras they were built for.
That said, buying second-hand does come with some risk.
Before buying a used water housing, check:
Has it been looked after?
Are the O-rings in good condition?
Are the buttons and controls working?
Has it been pressure tested?
Are there any cracks, damage or corrosion?
Does it come with the correct port?
Is the camera model still worth investing in?
If the saving is big enough and the housing has been well cared for, second-hand can make sense.
But if the price difference is not huge, buying new gives you more peace of mind.
Is an Aquatech Housing Worth It?
For me, yes.
But only if you are going to use it.
A water housing is not a cheap accessory. It is a serious investment.
If you are only going to use it once or twice a year, it might be hard to justify. But if you are serious about surf photography, water photography, ocean lifestyle work, split-level images or underwater creative work, a proper housing opens up a whole new world of image-making.
You are not just buying a box for your camera.
You are buying access.
Access to angles, moments, light, movement and experiences that you simply cannot capture from land.
That is why I have stuck with water photography for so long.
There is nothing quite like being in the ocean with a camera when the light turns on and everything comes together.
How to Save Money on Aquatech Gear
If you are planning to buy anything from Aquatech, use code TOMW at checkout for an extra 5% off.
Aquatech discount code: TOMW
The code works across Aquatech gear, including:
Water housings
Lens ports
Dome ports
Flat ports
Pistol grips
Accessories
Cleaning products
It can also work when Aquatech already has a sale running, so it is always worth adding the code at checkout.
It saves you a bit of money and also helps support the content I create around water photography, gear, technique and education.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aquatech Water Housings
What is the Aquatech discount code?
You can use code TOMW at checkout for an extra 5% off Aquatech gear.
Does the Aquatech code TOMW work during sales?
Yes, the code can still work when Aquatech already has a sale running, so it is always worth trying at checkout.
Do you need a dome port for water photography?
It depends on your lens and the type of images you want to shoot. Wide-angle surf photography, split-level images and water portraits often use dome ports. Other lenses may need flat ports or different port setups.
Should I buy a new or second-hand Aquatech housing?
Second-hand can be a good option if the housing has been well looked after and pressure tested. But buying new gives you more peace of mind, especially when protecting expensive camera gear in saltwater.
Final Thoughts
The big Aquatech story for 2026 is simple.
Their housings have become more affordable, while still keeping the quality that has made them a trusted name in water photography.
That is pretty refreshing when most camera gear seems to keep going up in price.
I have used Aquatech housings for over 20 years, and they have played a huge role in my career as a surf, water and commercial photographer.
If you are serious about water photography and you are ready to invest in proper gear, Aquatech is definitely worth looking at.
And if you do decide to buy anything from Aquatech, use code TOMW at checkout for an extra 5% off.
If you have any questions about Aquatech housings, ports, camera setups or water photography, feel free to drop a comment on the video or send me a message.