6 Best Dual Handle Trays For Professional Rigs For Divers

The stability of a camera rig defines the difference between a blurry, unusable underwater shot and a professional-grade image. Professional divers understand that a dual handle tray is more than just a mounting bracket; it is the foundation of a reliable lighting and stabilization system. Selecting the right tray transforms how a diver interacts with their gear, ensuring that composition remains steady even in challenging currents.

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

Ikelite Steady Tray: Best for DSLR Housings

The Ikelite Steady Tray stands as the industry benchmark for photographers utilizing robust DSLR housings. Its wide, sturdy footprint provides an exceptionally stable base that effectively minimizes camera shake, which is critical when shooting macro subjects or steady video clips. The heavy-duty aluminum construction ensures that it can withstand the weight of larger housings without flexing or compromising integrity.

Because this tray is designed with precision in mind, it integrates seamlessly with Ikelite’s proprietary release handles, allowing for quick adjustments mid-dive. It is an ideal choice for divers who prioritize durability and modularity, as the system is built to survive years of harsh saltwater environments. If a heavy DSLR setup is the primary tool for underwater work, this tray is the definitive choice.

Backscatter AirLock Tray: Best for Travel

For divers who frequently travel to remote locations, the Backscatter AirLock Tray offers a masterful balance of weight and performance. Its most innovative feature is the quick-release mechanism that allows the handles to be removed or adjusted without the need for tools. This functionality makes it significantly easier to pack down a rig into carry-on luggage or a compact gear bag.

Despite its lightweight design, the AirLock remains remarkably rigid, providing the security needed to mount heavy strobes or powerful video lights. It caters to the adventurous photographer who refuses to compromise on image quality but needs gear that is highly portable. Choosing this tray effectively eliminates the bulk usually associated with professional dual-handle setups.

Sea & Sea Universal Grip: Best Budget-Friendly

The Sea & Sea Universal Grip provides a high-quality entry point for divers who need a dual-handle configuration without the premium price tag. It utilizes a versatile design that accommodates a wide array of housings, making it a “go-to” for those transitioning from a single-handle setup to a more professional rig. It offers the essential stability required for better framing, even if it lacks some of the modular customization of higher-end models.

This tray is recommended for mid-range photographers who want a reliable, no-nonsense platform for their lighting. While it is more basic than its competitors, the build quality is consistent with Sea & Sea’s reputation for rugged underwater equipment. It remains a smart investment for those prioritizing functionality and reliability over complex, feature-heavy designs.

ULCS TR-DM Tray: The Most Customizable Option

Underwater Lighting Control Systems (ULCS) are synonymous with precision engineering, and the TR-DM Tray serves as the ultimate platform for complex, custom rigs. This tray is designed for the diver who needs to attach multiple lights, focus beacons, or peripheral accessories in very specific positions. Because the entire system is modular, the tray can be expanded or reconfigured as a collection of lights and cameras evolves.

The strength of this system lies in its nearly infinite mounting options and ultra-durable materials. It is the preferred choice for technical divers and cinematographers who require a bespoke rig tailored to specific shooting scenarios. If the goal is to build a high-end, highly adaptable lighting system, look no further than this platform.

Nauticam Flexitray II: The Pro Video Standard

The Nauticam Flexitray II is widely regarded as the gold standard for underwater video professionals. Its ergonomic handles are designed for long sessions in the water, reducing hand fatigue through superior balance and weight distribution. The tray is incredibly lightweight yet stiff enough to handle heavy external monitors and large video lights without wobbling.

The system is specifically engineered to work with Nauticam’s wide range of mounting balls and accessories, ensuring a clean, streamlined aesthetic. It is perfect for the serious videographer who spends hours behind the lens and requires gear that feels like a natural extension of the body. For those invested in the Nauticam ecosystem, this tray is essentially mandatory.

Fantasea Action 7 Tray: Best for GoPro Setups

The Fantasea Action 7 Tray provides a dedicated solution for GoPro and small action camera users who need to add professional lighting to their footage. It is compact, lightweight, and specifically scaled to match the dimensions of action cameras, preventing the rig from becoming top-heavy or cumbersome. It offers a much-needed increase in stability for handheld filming, which is notorious for being shaky with small cameras.

This tray is the perfect companion for divers who want to capture high-quality wide-angle shots but find traditional camera trays too bulky. It is simple, effective, and provides the necessary mounting points to transform a simple action cam into a stabilized cinema tool. If an action camera is the primary filming device, this tray is an essential upgrade.

Choosing a Tray: Camera & Housing Compatibility

Selecting a tray begins with identifying the specific mounting points on the bottom of the camera housing. Many housings require a single central screw, while others demand a dual-screw setup to prevent rotation. Always verify the width of the housing base, as wider DSLR housings require wider trays to prevent the handles from feeling too narrow or interfering with hand access.

Beyond screw compatibility, consider the weight of the camera and strobe combination. Larger, heavier rigs require a wider, more rigid tray to ensure that the lighting arms do not cause the entire system to twist or bend underwater. Never attempt to force a tray onto a housing if the mounting points do not align perfectly; doing so can lead to irreparable damage to the housing threads.

Mounting Lights & Arms for Perfect Exposure

The placement of lights on a dual-handle tray dictates the quality of the image. For macro subjects, arms should be adjusted to point lights inward at a 45-degree angle to avoid backscatter and maximize depth. For wide-angle photography, arms should be extended far outward to ensure even coverage across the frame, preventing uneven shadows or “hot spots.”

Utilizing high-quality ball clamps is essential for maintaining light positions in strong currents. Clamps allow for quick adjustments while keeping lights locked firmly in place when not in use. Always check the tension of these clamps before entering the water, as a loose light can drift into the camera’s field of view and ruin a shot.

Achieving Neutral Buoyancy with Your Camera Rig

A camera rig that is too heavy will lead to arm fatigue, while a rig that is too positive will constantly float upward, making stable composition impossible. The goal is to achieve near-neutral buoyancy, which allows the rig to hover in place with minimal effort. This is usually accomplished by adding buoyancy floats or foam sleeves to the strobe arms.

When balancing a rig, start with the housing and handles, then adjust the strobe arms incrementally. Test the rig in a pool or calm, shallow water before embarking on an open-ocean dive. A perfectly balanced setup allows for longer dive times and significantly sharper, more professional footage.

Post-Dive Care to Prevent Saltwater Damage

Saltwater is highly corrosive and will degrade the moving parts of any camera tray if left uncleaned. After every dive, the entire tray assembly should be soaked in fresh water for at least 15 minutes to dissolve salt crystals trapped in the screws and hinges. Pay special attention to the threaded mounting points and any quick-release pins or ball-joint clamps.

Once soaked, rinse the tray thoroughly and allow it to air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Occasionally, apply a light coat of silicone lubricant to the joints of arms or hinges to keep them moving smoothly. Consistent maintenance ensures that the gear remains functional and safe for use, protecting the investment for years of future exploration.

Investing in a high-quality dual-handle tray is the most effective way to elevate the professionalism of an underwater rig. By prioritizing stability, proper buoyancy, and careful maintenance, divers can focus entirely on the subject rather than struggling with their equipment. Select a tray that matches the specific needs of the camera system to ensure every dive yields the best possible results.