6 Best Underwater Housing Trays For Stable Shooting Gear

Capturing the perfect underwater shot requires more than just a camera; it demands a stable platform to combat the unpredictable currents and fluid motion of the ocean. Without a dedicated tray system, even the most advanced equipment often results in shaky footage or awkward handling that ruins a dive’s best moments. Investing in a robust housing tray ensures your gear stays rock-solid while providing the essential mounting points for lights and strobes needed to restore natural color at depth.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Ikelite Action Tray II with Handle: Best for GoPro

The Ikelite Action Tray II is the gold standard for action camera enthusiasts who want to transition from handheld shakes to professional-grade stability. Its lightweight, ergonomic design feels natural in the water, preventing the wrist fatigue often associated with smaller action cam grips. This tray provides a secure mounting point that keeps the camera stable while leaving plenty of room for one or two compact video lights.

For those using GoPro or similar small-form-factor cameras, this is the definitive choice for keeping gear streamlined. It prioritizes ease of use over complex modularity, making it ideal for recreational divers and snorkelers. If the goal is a simple, effective way to stabilize action footage without adding unnecessary bulk, the Ikelite Action Tray II is the clear winner.

Nauticam Flexitray II w/ Handles: Pro-Level Pick

Nauticam gear is synonymous with precision engineering, and the Flexitray II is no exception. Designed for those who demand ultimate reliability, this system features robust construction that can handle the weight of larger housings and heavy, high-output lighting arrays. The adjustable handles allow for a customized grip width, ensuring the rig feels perfectly balanced in your hands regardless of your glove thickness.

This tray is an investment in long-term durability for the serious underwater photographer. The build quality justifies the price point, particularly for those moving into mirrorless or DSLR housings where stability is non-negotiable. If you are building a professional-grade rig that needs to withstand hundreds of dives without a hint of flex or failure, this is the system to choose.

Sea & Sea Universal Grip/Tray Set: Best Value Buy

The Sea & Sea Universal Grip/Tray set offers a fantastic balance of functionality and affordability for the budget-conscious diver. It provides a sturdy, no-nonsense platform that works with a wide variety of camera housings, making it a versatile addition to any gear bag. While it lacks some of the modular customization found in high-end systems, it performs its primary job of stabilizing the camera and providing an anchor for lighting perfectly.

This set is ideal for those just starting to explore underwater photography who do not want to sacrifice stability for cost. It is straightforward to assemble and reliable in the water, minimizing the learning curve for new photographers. For the diver who wants a solid, dependable rig without breaking the bank, this tray set is the most practical entry point.

Fantasea Blue Ray Single Tray: Simple and Compact

For the traveling photographer or the diver who prefers a minimalist setup, the Fantasea Blue Ray Single Tray is a masterclass in simplicity. Its compact frame keeps the overall footprint of the camera system small, which is a major advantage when navigating through narrow reef passages or crowded dive boat entryways. Despite its small size, it provides a stable foundation for a single lighting arm.

This tray is specifically designed for users who want to add one light or strobe without doubling the size of their housing. It is lightweight, unobtrusive, and gets the job done without extra clutter. If portability is the highest priority for your next expedition, the Blue Ray Single Tray delivers exactly what is needed without any fluff.

Ultralight Control Systems TR-D Tray: Most Modular

Ultralight Control Systems are legendary for their high-quality ball-and-clamp setups, and the TR-D Tray continues that tradition of excellence. This system is designed for the tinkerer who expects to evolve their rig over time. Its modular nature allows for an almost infinite array of configurations, letting you add and remove arms, handles, or specialized mounts as your creative needs shift.

Because of its adaptability, the TR-D is the best choice for divers who constantly change their lighting setups or lens ports. It is built to be a permanent foundation for a sophisticated camera kit. If you value versatility above all else and want a tray that will grow alongside your developing photography skills, this is the investment to make.

Backscatter Double Handle Tray: For Serious Video

The Backscatter Double Handle Tray is engineered specifically for videographers who need total control over their camera’s orientation. The two-handle configuration offers superior stabilization during panning and tracking shots, which are common when following marine life. Its design is wide and sturdy, providing a stable base that minimizes the jitter inherent in underwater motion.

This tray excels in scenarios where steady, cinematic footage is the main objective. The wide handles provide a natural ergonomic hold, allowing for smooth movements even in mild currents. For any diver moving beyond simple snapshots and into dedicated underwater cinematography, the Backscatter Double Handle system is an essential tool.

How to Pick a Tray That Fits Your Camera Housing

Selecting the right tray begins with checking the mounting holes at the bottom of your camera housing. Most housings use a standard 1/4-20 tripod screw, but checking the spacing and the specific dimensions of your housing base is critical to ensure a tight fit. A loose connection will lead to rotation during use, which is the fastest way to ruin a shot.

Consider the weight of your housing when choosing a tray’s material and handle design. Lightweight plastic trays may struggle to support heavy DSLR housings, leading to flex that creates shaky video. Always aim for a tray that feels rigid in your hands and provides a secure, non-slip attachment point for your housing.

Choosing a Tray: Single vs. Double Handle Systems

The choice between a single or double handle tray often comes down to the style of shooting you intend to pursue. A single handle tray is perfect for compactness, travel, and straightforward point-and-shoot videography where one light source is sufficient. It is easier to pack and keeps the rig streamlined for shore dives or tight environments.

Double handle systems, however, are superior for balance and stability, especially when using two strobes or heavy video lights. They allow for a more natural two-handed grip, which is essential for steady, fluid movement through the water. If your goal is to produce high-quality, professional-looking footage, the increased stability of a double handle system is almost always worth the extra bulk.

Mounting Arms, Lights, and Strobes to Your Tray

The tray is only the base; the arms and lighting mounts are what turn a housing into a functional photography system. Most professional trays use ball-and-clamp systems, which provide the most flexibility for positioning lights at precise angles. Ensure the tray you choose has the correct mounting adapters—such as 1-inch ball mounts or T-mounts—to match the arms you intend to purchase.

Think about the length of your arms as well, as they dictate how far you can project light onto a subject. Shorter arms are easier to handle for macro photography, while longer, articulated arms are necessary to reach around wider ports to avoid backscatter. Always test your lighting orientation on land to ensure that your setup is balanced before heading to the dive site.

Care and Maintenance for Your Underwater Tray Rig

Saltwater is notoriously hard on metal, screws, and hinges, meaning maintenance is the primary factor in the lifespan of your tray. After every dive, the entire rig—including the tray, arms, and clamps—must be soaked in a fresh water rinse tank for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Pay special attention to the threaded areas and joints, where salt crystals can form and seize components.

Periodically disassemble the clamps and clean the O-rings or friction pads inside them to keep the movement smooth. A very light application of silicone grease on the threads of mounting screws can prevent them from corroding into the housing base. By prioritizing simple, consistent care, you ensure that your gear remains as reliable on its hundredth dive as it was on its first.

Stabilizing your camera is a fundamental step toward achieving professional results, but it is ultimately the consistency of your gear that makes the difference. Whether you opt for a lightweight, single-handle tray for travel or a modular, double-handle system for heavy-duty video, the right platform will provide the confidence needed to focus on the marine life rather than the gear. With the proper maintenance, these systems become a permanent, reliable extension of your creative vision beneath the surface.