Marelux Sony RX100 M7 Underwater Housing and Aquista 100/67 Wide Angle Wet Lens Review

Hello everyone, here I am with my in-depth review of two of the latest products from Marelux I tested during my Raja Ampat dives: Marelux housing for the Sony RX100 VII and the Aquista 100/67Marelux Aquista 100/67 wide-angle lens.

Underwater housing for Sony RX100 M7

This housing has been specifically designed for the Sony RX100 VII. It may not be the smallest on the market, but it has a clever design: it includes a built-in power bank that allows you to get through your day of photography without having to open the case and change the battery (and that's no small feat). All the camera levers and controls are conveniently located within reach of your right hand (and not scattered around the case).

Accessing the camera controls is incredibly easy, and they operate with a smoothness that I've not encountered in any other cas, a feature we all appreciate when shooting underwater. The materials are sturdy, and the seals, along with the one-handed closure systems, ensure reliable protection down to depths of 100 meters. In short, it's a robust piece of equipment, built to withstand the most demanding conditions without any hassle.

The vacuum device comes standard with the housing and allows you to enter the water with peace of mind, knowing your case will be watertight. The design of the port is very smart: you will find in the box a short port with glass, that allows you to attach a wide-angle lens without any vignetting. The package also includes an extension that, once attached, enables the RX100 M7's zoom to extend up to 200mm, allowing for extreme macro shots and letting you capture even the smallest subjects. A great solution that gives you two ports for the price of one!

Another interesting aspect is the possibility of adding useful accessories without breaking the bank. There's a support for a magnifier that can be easily clipped onto the display, allowing you to focus more effectively on composition and image details. Additionally, extensions for the shutter and focus levers can be installed, making the use of the case even more comfortable, especially when wearing gloves.

Summing up, I found the layout to be very ergonomic; every button is within easy reach and operates smoothly. This allowed me to focus on image composition without worrying too much about the technical aspects. The clever features of the vacuum, the power bank, and the extendable port make it the perfect companion for unleashing your creativity.

Wide angle lens Aquista 100/67

Moving on to the lens, I must say my experience with the Aquista 100/67 has truly impressed me. It's a wet lens designed to significantly expand the field of view, boasting a 120-degree angle. This allows you to capture not only wide and breathtaking panoramas but also highlight precious details, even in underwater environments with limited space.

From an optical standpoint, the 6-element, 5-group configuration strikes a good balance between compactness and image quality. The anti-reflective coating plays a crucial role in reducing flare and glare, ensuring sharp images with well-defined contrast, even in the variable lighting conditions typical of underwater environment. The color reproduction has consistently been faithful, doing justice to the natural colors of the subjects.

One aspect I particularly appreciated is the ability to focus even when the subject is right up against the lens (!). This feature proves extremely useful for CFWA (Close Focus Wide Angle) shots, where every detail matters and quick focusing is crucial. Additionally, the lens stands out for its ease of mounting and compact design, making it a practical and versatile addition to your photography kit. During my dives, the ergonomics of the lens allowed for immediate operation to react quickly to constantly changing situations.

The Aquista 100/67 is an excellent option in terms of value for money, thanks also to its robustness and resistance to external elements, ensuring long-lasting durability. If you're looking for a wet lens that combines a wide field of view, excellent optical performance, and ease of use, this could be a really worthwhile choice to enhance your underwater photography arsenal.

Conclusion

As a power user of compact cameras and related accessories for underwater photography, I can confidently say that both the Sony RX100 M7 case and the Aquista 100/67 lens have proven to be reliable tools. These well-crafted pieces of equipment combine practicality and solid performance with some truly game-changing features, ideal for those, like me, who love working in underwater environments with maximum versatility. If you're looking for gear that combines safety, functionality, and image quality, these Marelux products are definitely worth a look.