1 x Kraken KR-S160 vs 2 x Inon S-220

[double_dd]

Hey,

I've got a big trip booked for October and I decided to go ahead and buy a housing for the trip, but now I'm working out what strobe set up to get based on budget. For reference I'm using a Fuji XT4 with an Ikelite housing.

I appreciate two strobes is better than one, but my dilema based on current budget and with travel friendliness in the back of my mind, is whether I should go for the larger, more expensive KR-160 strobe, or get two of the Inon S-220's which are less powerful but easier to travel with.

In terms of what I'm interested in, it's pelagic wildlife but obviously want something versatile that I can use for macro when it's needed.

Costs I've got:
1 x KR-160 + ikelite sync - £750 (2 strobes would be approx. £1400 and I would save up and eventually end up with 2)
2 x Inon S-220 + optical conversion + optical cables - £1,050

Thoughts?

 

[cerich]

what lens are you using?

 

[double_dd]

what lens are you using?

Will be primarily using Fuji 10-24mm

 

[Barmaglot]

I'd say that the reach of the more powerful strobe will be more useful for your setup than the wider coverage of S220 pair. 10mm rectilinear on APS-C is not super wide to begin with, and KS160 has good wide coverage, so it shouldn't have issues covering your frame.

 

[cerich]

I'd say that the reach of the more powerful strobe will be more useful for your setup than the wider coverage of S220 pair. 10mm rectilinear on APS-C is not super wide to begin with, and KS160 has good wide coverage, so it shouldn't have issues covering your frame.

it's the same coverage as a 15mm FF and with one strobe will take some careful positioning if trying to light the entire frame. That said, I would go with the more powerful as well with aim to have two of them later.

Single strobe may not be what all the cool kids are using but it can also be awesome, not least because less folks shoot single these days.

 

[double_dd]

ok thanks for the advice. Will go with the Kraken for now and add to it later.

 

[Nemrod]

Always contrarian. Two S220 hands down. The S220 is not as weak as people make it out to be and it has TTL capability which works very well. And is very handy for many types of shooting, especially when the action is fast. And the Inon design is mature, reliable and just works. For years and years. And rthey are tiny little things and so light for travel and hardly no drag in the water.